Today, at Care New England, we are exploring new models of care, such as improving the transition from neonatal intensive-care unit to home for newborns, providing a new cadre of home-based supports for congestive heart failure patients to reduce rehospitalizations, or going beyond the appointment for mental health counseling to look at the social context of the patient.
It's about proactively partnering with patients for care throughout their lives – yielding a benefit not only to the individual, but to the entire community.
I cut my teeth for this work when, in my role as CEO for Cambridge Health Alliance, I served as commissioner of public health for the city of Cambridge, Mass. It made me a passionate believer in the power of health care prevention. It also turned the residents of Cambridge into believers.
How did we do this?
n We capitalized on existing assets such as civic pride and top universities.
n We invested in programs such as a ban on smoking in restaurants, restricting transfats, sending BMI report cards to parents, all very controversial in 2009.
n We published a citywide report card on key economic, physical and social determinants of health.
Through these bold initiatives, some 93 percent of city residents we surveyed rated their health as good to excellent, a remarkable achievement.
So, just how do you move the needle on big, audacious goals?
n You articulate a vision.
n You forge partnerships to build your programs.
n You use frequent communication to inform and inspire.
n And you continuously measure your progress and report on results. •