HPIO publication offers framework for connecting primary care and upstream population health

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio has released its latest publication, "Glide Path Framework for Connecting Primary Care with Upstream Population Health Activities."

Recognizing that access to quality health care is necessary but not sufficient for good health, many health leaders are coming together to implement upstream population health activities that address the social determinants of health. The infrastructure and financing to successfully bridge health care with community-based organizations, however, is not yet fully developed.  This policy brief describes a new framework for health leaders and policymakers to use as they build and strengthen these connections.

In response to stakeholder discussions on the challenges of addressing the social determinants of health in a primary care setting, HPIO developed a "glide path" framework outlining the activities and partners needed to:

• Connect primary care with community-based resources
• Create linkages between primary care and the broader environmental conditions that impact health

In September 2015, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) contracted with HPIO to facilitate stakeholder engagement and provide guidance on improving population health planning. One of the objectives of this project was to align population health priority areas and strategies with the design and implementation of Ohio's patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model.  The glide path framework described in this policy brief provides examples for how to operationalize the "potential community connectivity activities" component of the Ohio PCMH care delivery model. HPIO's full report for ODM and ODH, "Improving Population Health Planning in Ohio," was published earlier this month.