Renewing Confidence in U.S. Healthcare Post-Pandemic: Insights from Medical Professionals
Inthe midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. healthcare system has been put to the test like never before. A webinar hosted by the Commonwealth Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to health policy reform, brought together a panel of experts to discuss lessons the new administration can learn from the pandemic.
The conversation centered around improving access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups, and focusing on four key areas: strengthening the healthcare delivery system for future crises, strengthening primary healthcare, promoting racial equity in health, and transitioning towards a value-based healthcare model.
Leading the discussion was Dr. David Blumenthal, president of the Commonwealth Fund and former Harvard Medical School professor. The panel included Dr. Mark McClellan, a Duke University health policy expert, Karen Dale, RN, MSN, a diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at AmeriHealth Caritas, and Dr. Julian Harris, MD, MBA, an adjunct professor of medical ethics and partner at Health Care Services & Technology Investment.
A primary emphasis of the discussion was rebuilding trust in the medical establishment. Karen Dale, RN, MSN, suggested a more comprehensive approach to the healthcare workforce, including community health workers, peer supports, and other non-clinical personnel. By integrating these personnel from the communities they serve, trust and easy engagement can be built. Moreover, creating jobs and economic security for these individuals can also be achieved through continuous education, recruitment, and training, which could be funded through a national program.
The panel also highlighted the importance of moving towards a value-based healthcare model, where healthcare providers are rewarded based on the health outcomes of their patients, not the number of services they provide. This model encourages providers to take a proactive approach, reaching out to at-risk individuals rather than solely keeping the door open for utilization. Value-based care has been proven effective during the pandemic, with many organizations implementing it to address social needs and vaccination efforts.
In order to build trust among populations of color and address racial health disparities, Karen Dale emphasized the necessity of having those who are served at the table when designing policies and discussing their implications. The Department of Health and Human Services should establish an office of engagement to require this involvement and promote diversity in leadership and decision-making. Additionally, collecting and analyzing data on health disparities can enable meaningful discussions and progress towards trust-building.
By incorporating these recommendations and focusing on value-based care, racial equity, and community involvement, the healthcare system can be better prepared for the future and ensure equitable access to quality care for all Americans.
COVID-19 Resources
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Health Equity Resources
Visit our dedicated hub for an in-depth look at social disparities in health and what we can do to correct them.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the U.S. healthcare system like no other time.
- A webinar hosted by the Commonwealth Fund discussed lessons for the new administration from the pandemic.
- The discussion focused on four key areas: healthcare delivery, primary healthcare, racial equity, and value-based healthcare.
- Dr. David Blumenthal led the discussion, with experts like Dr. Mark McClellan, Karen Dale, and Dr. Julian Harris participating.
- Rebuilding trust in the medical establishment was a primary concern.
- Karen Dale suggested a comprehensive approach to healthcare workforce, including community health workers and non-clinical personnel.
- Integrating these personnel can build trust and easy engagement in their served communities.
- Economical security and continuous education for them can be achieved through a national program.
- The panel highlighted the importance of moving towards a value-based healthcare model.
- In this model, healthcare providers are rewarded based on health outcomes, not services provided.
- This encourages proactive approach and reaching out to at-risk individuals.
- Value-based care has proven effective during the pandemic.
- To address racial health disparities, Karen Dale emphasized having those served at the table when designing policies.
- The Department of Health and Human Services should establish an office of engagement to promote diversity in leadership.
- Analyzing data on health disparities can enable meaningful discussions and progress towards trust-building.
- By following these recommendations, the healthcare system can ensure equitable access for all Americans.
- For COVID-19 updates, visit the coronavirus hub.
- For resources on health equity, visit the dedicated hub.
- Improving access to healthcare is crucial for vulnerable groups.
- Strengthening primary healthcare is essential for future crises.
- Racial equity must be a priority in the healthcare sector.
- Transitioning towards a value-based healthcare model promotes efficient and effective care.
- Climate change can exacerbate chronic diseases and necessitates healthcare adaptation.
- Cancer research relies on scientific progress and funding.
- Respiratory conditions, like asthma and COPD, require proper management for patient care.
- Digestive health is linked to overall wellness and a balanced diet.
- Eye health is critical for successful aging and requires regular check-ups.
- Hearing loss can be managed through various treatments and therapies.
- Mental health needs holistic care and attention, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
- Men's health, sexual health, and autoimmune disorders require specialized care and attention.
