McKesson's Patient-Reported Outcomes Measure Will Track Improvements in Health-Related Social Needs
- McKesson has introduced an innovative patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measure focused on health-related social needs, enhancing patient-centered care by integrating patient perspectives and improving health outcomes.
- The use of digital health tools in PROs enables remote completion of questionnaires and real-time data analysis, facilitating better patient management and clinical research while reducing healthcare disparities.
- By adopting the AHC Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool, McKesson addresses core social determinants of health, connecting patients with necessary community resources to improve outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations.
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A New Era in Healthcare: McKesson's Commitment to Patient-Centered Care
In a groundbreaking move, McKesson has introduced a pioneering patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measure designed to track improvements in health-related social needs. This innovative approach not only underscores the company's dedication to patient-centered care but also represents a significant leap forward in the field of healthcare. By leveraging the gold standard in quality measurement—patient-reported outcomes—McKesson aims to build a more compassionate and effective healthcare system.
The Importance of Patient-Reported Outcomes
The use of patient-reported outcome measures is crucial to building a patient-centered, value-based care system. These measures allow patients to report their symptoms, functioning, and well-being directly to healthcare providers, thereby ensuring that their unique experiences and perspectives are integrated into their care journey. This approach promotes better communication between patients, physicians, and other members of the care team, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
How PROs Enhance Care
Patient-reported outcomes offer a systematic approach to incorporating the patient's perspective in oncology care and innovation. By having patients complete questionnaires about their symptoms and well-being, healthcare providers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their patients' needs. This information can be used to inform treatment plans, make referrals to community services, and ensure that patients receive the necessary support to manage their health effectively.
The Benefits of Digital Health in PROs
The integration of digital health tools has significantly enhanced the implementation of PROs. Digital tools enable patients to complete questionnaires remotely and provide real-time data, which can then be analyzed to identify patterns and trends. This not only makes clinical research more accessible but also allows for more generalizable results. For instance, a randomized clinical trial found that patients who completed PRO questionnaires via digital means experienced better health-related quality of life, remained on chemotherapy longer, and had fewer emergency department visits.
Addressing Health-Related Social Needs
McKesson's PRO measure goes beyond traditional health outcomes by focusing on health-related social needs (HRSNs). These needs include housing instability, food insecurity, transportation problems, utility help needs, interpersonal safety, financial strain, employment issues, family and community support, education needs, physical activity levels, substance use, mental health concerns, and disabilities. By addressing these critical social determinants of health, McKesson aims to improve overall patient well-being and reduce disparities in healthcare outcomes.
The AHC Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool
To address HRSNs effectively, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed the Accountable Health Communities (AHC) Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool. This 10-item screening tool helps providers identify patients' needs in five core domains: housing instability, food insecurity, transportation problems, utility help needs, and interpersonal safety. Additionally, the tool includes eight supplemental domains to capture a broader range of social needs.
McKesson's Approach to HRSNs
McKesson's commitment to addressing HRSNs involves integrating the AHC HRSN Screening Tool into their practice management systems. By using this tool, healthcare providers can systematically find and address the unmet social needs of their patients. This approach is particularly crucial for vulnerable and underserved populations who often face significant barriers to quality healthcare. By connecting patients with community resources and social services, McKesson aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the economic burden of low-income patients.
The Role of Technology in PROs
The integration of technology is a cornerstone of McKesson's approach to PROs. The company's performance analytics tool, Practice Insights, has been designated as a Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) by CMS. This designation allows McKesson to collect and report clinical data on behalf of clinicians, streamlining data submission and minimizing administrative burden. Moreover, Practice Insights can track screening rates based on the new MIPS 487 measure for social drivers of health, ensuring that all patients are screened and connected with community resources.
McKesson's Impact on Cancer Care
McKesson's innovative approach to PROs and HRSNs has significant implications for cancer care. By leveraging the NCCN Distress Thermometer, healthcare providers can identify patients experiencing distress and connect them with appropriate support services. This comprehensive approach not only improves patient care but also helps practices ensure that all patients are screened and connected with community resources to address their health-related social needs. The integration of these tools into McKesson's practice management systems represents a major step forward in achieving better patient outcomes in oncology.
Conclusion
McKesson's pioneering work in integrating patient-reported outcomes measures and addressing health-related social needs marks a significant milestone in the evolution of patient-centered care. By leveraging digital health tools and incorporating the AHC HRSN Screening Tool, McKesson is poised to make a profound impact on healthcare outcomes. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, McKesson’s commitment to innovative solutions will undoubtedly shape the future of healthcare, ensuring that patients receive the comprehensive care they deserve.
For more information about McKesson’s innovative approach to patient-centered care, visit their website and explore their initiatives in comprehensive cancer care and healthcare innovation.
References
- Patient-Reported Outcomes, Digital Health, and the Quest to Enhance Cancer Care. ASCO
- The McKesson Foundation: Creating Healthier Communities. McKesson
- The AHC Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool. CMS
- McKesson's Practice Insights Designated as a 2024 Qualified Clinical Data Registry. McKesson
