Unlocking the power of population health management to strengthen primary health care.

Abstract

Population health management (PHM) is a people-centred, data-driven and proactive approach to improving the health and well-being of a defined population, considering the differences within that population and their social determinants of health. By using quantitative and qualitative data insights, PHM helps primary care providers identify population cohorts with similar needs or 'at risk' of a given negative outcome/s. This enables primary care providers to address their needs in a targeted, tailored, proactive and holistic way through coordination with other care levels and sectors. PHM can be summarized conceptually in a cycle of five steps: defining and identifying the population; health assessment and segmentation; risk stratification and impactibility; tailored service delivery; and evaluation and improvement. The relationship between primary health care (PHC) and PHM is that of a virtuous circle. PHM helps make PHC more effective and many elements of a strong PHC-oriented model of care are essential for effective PHM.