The Population Health Management Maturity Index; a tool to guide the implementation of PHM in a regional initiative

Background: While regions are willing to adopt a population health management (PHM) based approach to increase the health and wellbeing of the population, they struggle with how to implement it. There is a demand for practice oriented guidance where to start and what is needed in the process of applying PHM. The Population Health Management Maturity Index (PHM-MI) is developed as an international tool to support regions in choosing their next steps. PHM-MI: In this phase of development, the tool is focused on health commissioners, executive directors, project leaders and managers from all organizations involved in health and social services in the region. In addition, part of the tool is focused on raising awareness and instigate co-design with health professionals and the community within the PHM approach of the region. The PHM approach, as used in the tool, aims to improve the experience of care, population health, per capita costs and the working lives of health care providers. This is done by developing and implementing population-specific health interventions based on data analysis and in co-creation with the community itself. The assumption is that strong regional governance, financial structure, data infrastructure and the use of emergent implementation strategies are desired to achieve this goal in a sustainable way. The tool consists of items that positively influence the implementation of this approach. Development process: The tool is based on international scientific literature and a rigorous process with Dutch and European expert opinion input. Next, the tool was piloted in an Australian region in 2022. In 2023, together with consultants and graphic designers the tool was transferred into a digital data collection and analytics platform. From 2024 onwards, a next iteration of the development process has been set in place. Within this iteration, potential end-users were invited to jointly make the tool suitable for practical application. Particular topics that were discussed and adapted were: Language ambiguity, fitting the process into the strategic planning of the region, the need for adaptation to local context, ease of use, and dashboard development. Example of how the tool can be used: The tool can be used to create an overview of where the region stands when it comes to deploying PHM in the region. By having several people from the region score all items on a scale from 1 (not at all present) to 9 (fully present), the strengths and weaknesses of the region are mapped. This is visualized in the dashboard and generates a personalized advice for next steps. In addition to the scores, further depth can be sought using workshops or interviews. With this, a comprehensive analysis can be made of 1) the region's starting point 2) the region's chances and opportunities to successfully implement a PHM approach and 3) a personalized advice for next steps.