Provider interest in population health management is "soaring" but vendors scrambling to meet the demand vary in their ability to do so, according to a new study released by Orem, Utah-based KLAS Research.
In a survey of 78 provider organizations that are using at least one population health management solution, no single vendor out of 23 identified leads in three key areas: delivery performance, breadth of portfolio and depth of population health management experience. Several vendors were identified as early leaders in this "arms race."
The study also found that integration of population health management solutions with electronic health record systems remains a challenge, with vendors either building capabilities in-house, or offering the products via acquisition. With no clear vendor leader, providers are using just a subset of functionality, or are stacking multiple solutions together.
"Providers looking for a PHM solution face a long list of vendors hoping to be drafted onto providers' teams," the researchers warned. "Unfortunately, vague language among vendors and unclear goals among providers cloud the picture."
Respondents suggested to their peers that they be diligent in defining requirements, engage physicians, ensure access to quality of data, and not try to do everything at once.
The proposed requirements for Stage 3, which are not yet finalized, would require more emphasis on population health, which involves proactively monitoring and caring for defined population groups. EHRs already have been found to be useful in identifying patients in need of intervention.
To learn more:
- here's the KLAS announcement