JAMES FANALE, MD. President and CEO of Care New England (Providence, R.I.)
On the top challenge
Care New England’s “focus has been inward [amid financial struggles]. However, addressing the social determinants of health and ultimately improving outcomes is the most pressing healthcare issue facing our patients. Importantly, this focus also addresses the financial challenges many safety-net hospitals are facing.”
On the hospital’s response
“Our population health efforts have been successful in large part because of the depth and range of skills possessed by the professionals who make up the care delivery team; this includes case managers, primary care providers, specialists, therapists, social workers, peer specialists, physical therapists, substance abuse specialists and nurses. The care delivery team, many of whom are bilingual, conduct a functional assessment to assist patients and families with a range of issues critical to their long-term care, including appointment management and follow-up, transportation, medication management, translation, food, access to support groups and more.
We’re deeply committed to managing all of our costs, so we’re looking at labor costs and supply costs. We just have a very upticked approach to this. At the same time, it all boils down to doing a good job. It also boils down to quality, service and access. If we’re the best in quality, best in service and best in access, we’ll rule the day, and that’s where our focus is.”
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