Population Health
Maryland hospitals actively work to develop healthier populations and communities.
Healthy Hospitals, Healthy Communities
Maryland hospitals are at the forefront of population health efforts, driven by a shared commitment to improve the well-being of communities throughout the state. The Maryland Hospital Association (MHA) proudly champions the initiatives of our member hospitals and works on their behalf to foster healthier populations through a multifaceted and collaborative approach.
Maryland hospitals embrace a far-reaching model of quality health care delivery that holds the promise to:
- Keep people healthy
- Improve the direct care experience for those who are sick or injured
- Reduce the overall cost of care
Maryland hospitals recognize the diversity of the communities they serve, each with unique medical and psychosocial needs. MHA facilitates a collaborative environment, providing a platform for member hospitals to share best practices, insights, and strategies aimed at addressing prevalent health challenges. From tackling issues related to diabetes and maternal health to optimizing hospital throughput, MHA supports our members’ efforts to proactively improve population health.
Improving Performance
MHA’s population health efforts lie in strategic partnerships with state entities including the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). Through coordination with the Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP), MHA and Maryland hospitals work to reduce key Prevention Quality Indicators (PQIs) for chronic conditions.
These efforts resulted in positive performance in Maryland hospitals that include:
- The PQI rate per beneficiary decreasing by 25 basis points faster than the nation since 2013
- Admissions decreasing by 33.9%
- Childhood asthma-related emergency department visits decreasing by 2,000
- The diabetes prevention recognition program greatly improving compared to the proxy’s baseline