Hospital-Based Wellness Program
As the health care model moves more towards value-based care, the role of health care entities in the community to improve health and wellness are changing. Hospitals used to be locations where ill patients went to get care that they could not get in an outpatient setting. Today, hospitals are expanding in to more comprehensive health care systems where they operate urgent care centers, diagnostic centers and primary care locations. Some hospitals are also offering wellness services in the community to improve the overall health of the population.
There are many benefits for a hospital and the community. Hospitals and health systems are often a well-known and trusted resource. People see hospitals promoting wellness, and they associate high quality of life and good health with those who use those hospitals. To be successful however, hospitals need to consider how can they best engage their community with the wellness resources that they provide.
There are more reasons why hospitals should be considering a wellness program. Because of a policy that ties 30% of hospitals’ Medicare reimbursements to patient satisfaction scores, some hospitals are using wellness programs to attract local businesses and community organizations. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services allocated $169 million for community health programs associated with the Affordable Care Act.
Employee wellness programs are the best vehicle hospitals have to connect with patients and increase revenue. In fact, one of our clients estimates that their hospitals can make as much as $3,000 per patient by converting new patients from the wellness program into their hospital system.
Providing a community wellness program allows the health system to develop a better relationship with the local residents.
Building a Successful Program with Technology
For hospitals, the fastest way to get started is by partnering with a robust wellness portal, like TriageLogic’s newest product, Continuwell. Hospitals employ health educators, doctors, nurses, psychologists, medical technicians, and a range of specialists to serve their community Many health systems understand the clinical parts of employee wellness – such as screening events and onsite clinics but don’t have the tools and expertise to include mobile technology to help engage members. Engagement technology partners can help close that gap without a high investment on the hospital part.
A delivery platform such as Continuwell can assist in the success of a wellness program. Continuwell,can be customized for each client (or multiple clients of the hospital) and it integrates with their existing systems and makes collaboration possible for all stakeholders.
A mobile solution along with a hospital wWellness programs fosters:
- Greater engagement and patient participation
- Coordinated and preventative healthcare
- Improved outcomes for patients and hospital run programs
- Customer loyalty and engagement
Using the Continuwell platform, hospitals have access to the right technology without having to develop the technology. Continuwell provides a customized white-labeled app that highlight available resources provided in the wellness program, notify members of community events, send push notifications to the community, and include a triage nurse line for health questions. Together, they enhance the wellness program provided by the hospital and encourage utilization of the resources.
Benefits for the Health System and the Communities
Hospitals are positioned better to make the most impact on community wellness. Unlike wellness vendors, hospitals can do healthcare. They can provide coordinated care for participants with multiple chronic conditions and provide clinics both onsite and/or conveniently located close to large employers.
Community partnerships with hospitals wellness programs partnerships not only treat diseases, but also provide a path to prevent disease from ever happening. Focusing on the wellbeing of the community, hospitals are able to apply their resources to provide wellness services such as community support, events, and education. This benefits the hospital by giving it the opportunity to develop a relationship with local businesses and become the preferred partner for any healthcare needs.
Other Benefits for Hospital and Health System Partners
- Convey Your Unique Culture of Caring to Your Community
- Provide Ease and Convenience of Access to Your Resources
- Expand Community Employer Group Partnerships
- Announce, Promote and Manage Events
- View and Measure Engagement Outcomes
In summary, health systems are in a unique position to improve the health of the communities they serve. They can accomplish this by having a good wellness program in partnership with the right technology vendor. In the process, the health system increases it’s branding and growth opportunity.
Interested in learning how Continuwell can help your hospital wellness program? Contact us today to discuss your strategy.
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