What is 'Population Health Management' (PHM)?

Population Health Management (PHM) focuses on the health outcomes of a group of individuals, which can include patients with similar conditions or members of a specific demographic. This approach aims to monitor, identify, and analyze health trends within that population in order to implement strategies that improve overall health outcomes. By addressing the factors that affect the health of entire populations—such as socioeconomic factors, behavior, and environment—PHM promotes effective interventions and prevention strategies rather than merely treating individual diseases.

This comprehensive understanding allows healthcare providers and organizations to tailor their services and resources for better health management. It emphasizes proactive care and considers both the healthcare delivery system and community-based resources to enhance population well-being, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

Other options are less aligned with the essence of PHM. For instance, while reducing healthcare facilities does not directly pertain to managing population health; focusing solely on acute care neglects the broader context of preventive care and chronic disease management integral to PHM. Managing individual patient records, while important, is more aligned with individual health information management rather than a population-focused approach.