Neighbourhood Health Care – it’s the future but not as we know it

In November we had a great session hearing how primary neighbourhood care has evolved within the Kaiser Permanente system in Northern California and equivalent plans for neighbourhood health here in the NHS. 

It was very helpful for a compare and contrast overview and to explore where both sides of the pond can learn from each other, recognising the wider healthcare systems are very different.

Both models seek to bring together all aspects of primary care and community care services with easier access to diagnostics and specialist opinion and both aspire to support individuals and communities to address wider determinants of health.

Unlike many other parts of the US healthcare system, Kaiser takes a whole population approach and is both a payor and a provider, albeit run out of separate entities. The Kaiser Permanente system has 80 years experience of this model (of note, founded immediately after WW2, like the NHS) and has a well established network of community based care providers, typically serving populations of between 30 and 60,000 people with all services based out of a single building.     

This allows for co-located diagnostics, same day/urgent care and specialist advice – the coordination of which enables a focus on reducing hospital use. Where wider support would benefit patients/the population served, people are referred to local voluntary sector or community run services. 

The model is underpinned by a strong digital focus – though Kaiser is looking to the development of a single app like our NHS App as they currently have multiple apps for different elements of care – extensive population health analytics to identify and target particular needs, and exceptionally clear, informed and capable management of services enabled by the wider Kaiser Permanente management.

While knowledge and recognition of the strengths and impact of the Kaiser Permanente model are well known and well evidenced, having Lawrence bring it to life is very powerful and provides useful insights for the NHS. Lawrence began his management career in the NHS  

Many thanks to Lawrence Hamilton and Claire Fuller for their time, leadership and input.

Kindly hosted by Accurx.

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