Posted on 08. Sep, 2009 by cyndynayer in Cyndy's Spot on Health Value, News
I was invited to visit with folks in Puerto Rico in early August–the weather was warm, but the hospitality was warmer! The audience was filled with folks from all parts of the “table” of health care in Puerto Rico: physicians, hospitals, academia, pharmaceutical research, government. Interestingly, for those of you who don’t know, Puerto Rico has had a “public option” since the mid-90’s, yet, they, too, are grappling with health cost inflation, non-adherence, and inconsistencies in care. In effect, they have reached the same place that we have in the States, although they started from the other end of the spectrum. The key concepts that we discussed did center on Value-Based Design and how the principles of DATA-DESIGN-DELIVERY-DIVIDENDS could enhance their access, care delivery and cost trend issues. I was honored to present with Dr. Roberto Ramirez of the University of Puerto Rico and with an old friend, Jorge Font, of Buck Consultants. Over and over the key concepts, which value-based design serves to address, are consumer/patient adherence to recommended treatment and the sustainability of adherence to prevention/wellness. I learned a few words of Spanish, met some amazing innovators, and want to send my sincere thanks to Orlando Nieves for inviting me to share the learnings from the Center. I trust that the many folks who gave me business cards and asked for follow-up will continue to dialogue through the website. Together, we can build new innovations that will improve the health and well-being of our people and our communities. If we keep our eye on this vision, then nothing is too far out of reach.
Tags: Buck Consultants, levers, Nayer, Puerto Rico
