Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Consortium of Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) and findhelp, is pioneering a groundbreaking initiative—PA Navigate. This innovative tool aims to improve social determinants of health (SDOH) referrals, fostering connections between individuals and vital community services. Leveraging findhelp’s closed-loop referral platform, PA Navigate promises a comprehensive approach to addressing SDOH across the state. By integrating seamlessly with key HIE Consortium members, the tool not only enhances patient care but also safeguards health data privacy. The collaborative effort signifies a transformative leap towards reducing health disparities and promoting equity in Pennsylvania’s healthcare landscape.
In a commendable stride toward health equity, Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services has joined forces with findhelp and the Consortium of Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) to develop the PA Navigate tool. This collaborative endeavor, fueled by a commitment to addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), introduces a closed-loop referral platform. PA Navigate aims to connect individuals statewide with essential community services, ensuring their basic needs are met. The tool’s innovation lies in its capacity to provide a holistic view of an individual’s social care history, supporting healthcare providers in tailoring interventions. This transformative initiative is set to reshape the healthcare landscape in Pennsylvania.
The PA Navigate Tool:
The cornerstone of this initiative is the PA Navigate tool, designed to link individuals across the state with essential community services like food, shelter, and transportation. Social service agencies, local nonprofits, community-based organizations, as well as county and state agencies, will utilize this tool to connect individuals with necessary services. Moreover, healthcare providers will have the ability to track referral outcomes, ensuring a more holistic approach to patient care.
The tool’s innovation lies in its capacity to provide healthcare providers with a comprehensive view of an individual’s social care history and current status, all while safeguarding health data privacy. This holistic approach allows healthcare professionals to better understand and address the social determinants affecting an individual’s health.
Collaboration and Integration:
Findhelp will collaborate with four key HIE Consortium members – Central PA Connect, Clinical Connect HIE, HealthShare Exchange, and Keystone Health Information Exchange/KeyHIE – to build and support the PA Navigate system. The selection of findhelp as the technology partner is grounded in its unparalleled integration capabilities and its widespread adoption by healthcare organizations across the state.
Bill Marella, Vice President of Value-Based Care and Data Analytics at HealthShare Exchange, expressed confidence in findhelp’s capabilities, stating, “We selected findhelp as our technology partner for PA Navigate because they have the best integration capabilities in this space and are the technology that many healthcare organizations in our state have chosen to work with.”
Previous Success and Trusted Partnerships:
Findhelp’s commendable track record over the past five years, during which over 750,000 Pennsylvanians have utilized their platform to access social care services, solidifies their position as a trusted technology partner. Notable clients, including Penn Medicine, Geisinger, Lehigh Valley Health Network, AmeriHealth Caritas, PA Health and Wellness, and Highmark Health, attest to findhelp’s efficacy in facilitating connections between healthcare providers and community resources.
Erine Gray, Founder and CEO of findhelp emphasized the importance of the relationships built with Pennsylvanians and expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We have built a strong relationship of trust with Pennsylvanians and are excited to work with our new partners to help more residents in need. Every member of the Consortium cares deeply about the people of the Commonwealth.”
Impact on Health Equity:
The PA Navigate tool is poised to make a significant impact on health equity across Pennsylvania by addressing the social determinants that contribute to health disparities. By streamlining the referral process and promoting collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations, the tool aims to create a more interconnected and supportive healthcare ecosystem.
The comprehensive view of an individual’s social care history provided by the tool enables healthcare professionals to tailor interventions based on a deeper understanding of the patient’s unique needs. This patient-centered approach aligns with the broader goals of improving health outcomes and reducing disparities among diverse populations.
Privacy Considerations:
The integration of the PA Navigate tool emphasizes the importance of maintaining patient privacy while leveraging social determinants data. The system ensures that health data privacy is prioritized, allowing healthcare providers to access relevant information without compromising the confidentiality of patient records.
Future Prospects and Expansion:
As the PA Navigate tool takes shape, there is potential for further expansion and adoption beyond Pennsylvania. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other states seeking innovative solutions to address social determinants of health and promote health equity.
The PA Navigate initiative represents a pivotal step in the quest for health equity, merging technological prowess with a commitment to community well-being. By facilitating seamless collaboration between healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community organizations, the tool addresses the intricate web of social determinants of health (SDOH). Its impact is poised to transcend Pennsylvania, potentially becoming a beacon for other states seeking innovative solutions. The emphasis on patient privacy underscores a patient-centric approach, ensuring that healthcare interventions are informed, personalized, and respectful of individual confidentiality. PA Navigate is not merely a tool; it signifies a collective commitment to a healthier, more equitable future.
