Caring About Data: Finding the “Just-Right” People
A significant challenge in health care today is the one-size-fits-all approach that many employee health and well-being programs offer. While this broad brushstroke provides general support, it does not typically account for the diverse needs and interests of these complex individuals. According to the CDC, more than half of adults have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 30% of adults have multiple chronic conditions. The number of people with three or more chronic conditions is expected to reach 83.4 million by 2030—that’s up from 30.8 million in 2015.
Just like Papa Bear’s chair, the one-size-fits-all approach is too big and unwieldy, failing to provide the right support for those with unique needs. In contrast, condition-specific care is often siloed and focuses on a singular health condition or challenge without considering the individual’s full health profile. This siloed approach prevents a comprehensive understanding and treatment of interrelated health issues, which is problematic for those with multiple chronic conditions.
Many individuals with complex health issues often fall through the cracks with traditional approaches that don’t address their entire health picture to uncover the underlying factors that are impacting their health. These individuals are typically unengaged or unsuccessful in the long-term with such solutions.
By analyzing data beyond the traditional verticals of condition, cost, or risk, organizations can identify these individuals by looking at historical health care consumption as they are not typically high-cost claimants. This lens provides a “just right” approach, like Baby Bear’s perfectly fitting chair.
The good news: Once identified, this formerly hidden population’s needs can be effectively met with a human-first, whole-person, condition-inclusive lifestyle and pharmacist-supported solution.
