The Case for Transformative Care
A commentary report on the need for deep change in the U.S. health care system, from the traditional fee-for-service model, even past value-based health care and towards “transformative care”.
“Transformative care” is defined as a commitment from clinicians and clinical leaders to influence patients toward better health outcomes. This combines a capitation payment model and a primary care delivery approach, that emphasizes care team accountability for patient care and requires care team members to develop the trust-building and influencing skills necessary to modify patient behaviour and create better health outcomes. The success of the model is based on scaling and sustaining outcomes-based care and supporting clinicians in their mission to focus on quality patient care and positive health outcomes.
Key components of the model include:
- Robust data and technology to understand patient needs and to measure progress
- Prioritized physician/patient relationships and a mindset of accountability to ensure the necessary time and resources are invested in developing the trust and influence with patients required to improve outcomes
- Personal development programs which begin in medical school and continue at the clinic level, and emphasize self-evaluation, behaviour modification, mentorship, peer-to-peer feedback, expanding care capacity through the development of others, and a daily commitment to maintain and pursue excellence
Despite the strengths and given the weaknesses of the existing American health care system, a system is needed which embraces a higher purpose, emphasizes superior outcomes, leverages state-of-the-art technology, and generates a leadership development culture to drive transformative care and create scalable change that will improve health for everyone.
