A big part of Modern Health Care and the New Hospital concept isn’t just advocacy for something that doesn’t exist yet. It’s also about promoting the providers and programs that make this philosophy and trend a legitimate force in improving our health and lives. More than just research and technology (for which we have devoted a separate section), there is also the services and programs that are offered by the providers themselves. Some of these programs have been around for years or even decades, while waiting for the health care scene to catch up. Some of the services are becoming more specialized to better serve their patients. Others are almost brand new. But each of these local programs has something interesting or innovative to offer patients and the larger healthcare industry.
Integrating Physical and Behavioral Health—This is a huge goal for a wide range of medical conditions and health populations, but it’s been especially problematic for low-income populations. The Inland Empire Health Plan in Southern California is showing that this obstacle is worth tackling.
More than Just Health Providers Promote Wellness—In Arkansas, Conway Public Schools public school district has embraced an aggressive staff wellness program to improve the health of its teachers, administrators, and staff. Its Wampus Cat Staff Wellness Program is just one example of a growing trend in which employers offer cash bonuses for meeting certain health goals.
Specialty Services for First-Responders—Here’s one of the new health programs designed for a particular population. Staffed by former first responders and managed by Sprout Health Group, Frontline Responder Services offers healthcare for first responders and their health struggles with addiction, PTSD, and depression. Again, it’s not just new medical services in Modern Health Care; it’s healthcare that’s designed around new patient experiences and histories.
Expanded Services from Urgent Care Providers—Urgent care providers are an example of an area in which healthcare is becoming less specialized. Urgent care still primarily functions as a gap or niche service between emergency care and family doctors. But more of these providers are expanding their services.
Growing the Ranks of Health Professionals—One of the most critical and long-term challenges in the healthcare industry is combating the shortage of doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. The Summer Health Professions Education Program is helping young, prospective health professionals enter the medical field, especially those who have been underrepresented in the past.
Further Reading from Modern Health Care