Healthcare programs are designed to help people stay healthy, but it’s common for them to fail. Studies show that one-third of health promotion programs last less than six months. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that successful interventions were those that engaged participants in a process of developing individualized solutions.
If you’re looking to improve your healthcare program and make it more effective, here are some tips on how to do so.
Why isn’t it working?
The problem can be as simple as identifying the right target audience. It’s good to attract all the right people, but you don’t want to do that by only targeting individuals that are likely to solve your program’s problem. Your program does not have clear goals. You need to identify a very clear goal in order to find out if your program is working or not. Remember, you’re trying to reduce health risks for patients in a measurable way. A clear goal will help you focus and make it easier for your participants to follow your program’s guidelines. You have a program or you don’t. If your program does not exist, you can create one based on the goals you have and identify your primary audience as quickly as possible. You do not have clear monitoring and evaluation plans in place.
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What to do about it.
1. Determining the problem. Before you can develop a solution to your problem, you must first determine what it is. For example, if a program is not generating sufficient participation, it’s usually a sign that participants do not trust the provider and it’s a sign that your model is flawed. Is it too difficult to register or find a location? Is it easy to schedule appointments or cancel them? 2. Identifying the right problem. If your program is not working, it probably is because you’re not using the correct problem in the right way. The problem can be “fixable,” so if you are able to determine its cause, you can modify the program to solve the problem. For example, if your problem is that participants are reluctant to take part, you could incorporate reminders.
• Engage participants in the process of developing individualized solutions
Create a process that engages participants in a process of developing individualized solutions. Following this process will give your program a better chance of being successful. Maintain a high level of participant participation throughout the process Engaging people in a process of developing individualized solutions requires much more effort and attention than following a script. If you don’t maintain participant engagement, your program will fail. Ensure your program is motivational Motivational elements help participants follow a process of forming individualized solutions. After engaging in this process, people will be eager to stay engaged and participate longer.
• Set realistic goals for your program
Make sure that your program’s goals are realistic and attainable, as well as the activities, goals, and resources you’ll use. People who participate in health and wellness programs often fail because they think they’ll be able to change everything overnight. If you have the luxury of time, it’s best to focus on more short-term goals, such as increasing physical activity or reducing stress. By focusing on a specific outcome, you’ll be able to have a clearer picture of how the program will help you achieve your goals. There are many ways to accomplish your goals. For example, some may find that taking on an active approach to exercise helps them meet their goals.
Making changes in your healthcare program is a process. There’s no one size fits all solution, and that’s OK. You need to find a solution that works for your organization’s unique circumstances and culture. Remember, there are many ways to tackle a problem, and it doesn’t necessarily mean your program is flawed That’s where we come in, Capstone Benefits Consulting.
