A Population Health Approach to Dementia

• Published in: Healthcare Executive Vol. 32; no. 2; p. 62
• Main Authors: Alder, Catherine A, Bynagari, Bharath B Reddy, Boustani, Malaz A
• Format: Trade Publication Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago Health Administration Press 01.03.2017
• Subjects: Aging; Automation; Brain research; Caregivers; Case management; Cost control; Dementia; Electronic health records; Health care delivery; Innovations; Medical records; Mental depression; Older people; Patients; Primary care; Quality of care; Social workers; Software; Workforce; United States > US; Indianapolis Indiana
• ISSN: 0883-5381

ABC offered a standardized diagnostic assessment and additional assessments and questionnaires; personalized case management; care coordination among providers and community resources; and drug-based interventions (e.g., medications to treat depression, diabetes and hypertension) to improve treatment adherence, treat symptoms, reduce risk of cerebrovascular conditions and limit exposure to drugs that block neurotransmission of signals between certain cells. Despite the early success, the reach and impact of ABC were limited by: * The number, availability and cost of clinical providers * The need for patients to present in the clinic * The need for more data on outcomes and operations to improve program effectiveness and efficiency * The need for more frequent assessment data to inform clinical interventions Overcoming Limitations, Expanding on Success To begin addressing these limitations, Eskenazi, with the help of IUCAR, piloted a community-based care coordination program known as ABC Outreach. [...]the platform of care delivery had to be converted from a case management to a population health management perspective. [...]a scheduling function helped identify patients who hadn't met their minimum visit requirements or needed potential intervention based on their most recent assessments. With that accomplishment, ABC will be poised for more widespread dissemination to meet the demand for dementia-care management services for patients and caregivers living outside of Indianapolis. s Within one year, ABC saw a positive impact on the quality of dementia care at Eskenazi, including reduced behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, improved levels of caregiver stress and reduced cost of care for the health system.