Question

Why is population health such a strong focus for the future? What needs to happen for this to truly expand? Why have we struggled with this in the past? What are some opportunities available today?

Answer 1

Population health is defined as health outcomes of any given/chosen group of individuals and how these outcomes are distributed inside the group.

Why is population health such a strong focus for the future?

The heart of population health is people i.e people are focussed.

It deals with a wide variety of groups of people (such as comparing the incidence of diseases between people of different races, age groups, workers in coal mines, workers in a different profession.

1. As it specifically deals with a particular group, it helps us to focus and provide improved care to people of a particular group.
2. Incidence, the prevalence of any disease can be studied easily through it.
3. Depending on finding obtain thorough examination within a group, it is possible to provide specific health care facilities to the group as some diseases are specific to the group. Example: coal mine workers usually suffer from respiratory illness.
4. It provides improved access when patients need it, instead of later during emergency conditions.
5. GOAL is to provide patient satisfaction on an individual level within the group.
6. It promotes better patient engagement.

What needs to happen for this to truly expand?

1. Cost-effective rates of preventable health care services.
2. Reduce health disparities.
3. Increase healthy behaviors by promoting a healthy lifestyle and exercise.
4. Introduce the concept of workplace-based wellness programs.
5. Develop a stronger evidence-base of effective prevention programs.
6. Focus on health problems faced by a particular group.
7. Collaboration with public health agencies, the healthcare delivery system, and many other entities in the community to improve health.

Why have we struggled with this in the past?

Population health is influenced by the changing characteristics of the population it serves. The rate of population growth, alterations in age composition, internal migration of racial or industrial groups, changes in population density and urban-rural movement, climatic change, natural calamities all these put challenges in front of population health to combat with it. It affects the long-range planning of community health and medical facilities. It constantly requires to change health policies depending on all these factors.

Population health issues are usually less observed by people and lack of awareness leads to less interest in such a concept.

What are some opportunities available today?

Population health analyst, population health specialist, population health manager, population health executive jobs, and many more job opportunities are available.

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