106 - Evaluating Health Plan Partnerships

Abstract Information: Healthcare continues to evolve from a fee-for-service industry to a value-based industry. A portion of the healthcare sector has historically focused on addressing health inequities that are interconnected with value-based models. In the last 5-years health delivery and health plan accreditation has increased the focus and expectations of improving health equity. While efforts to improve health equity commonly address social determinants of health and demographic disparities, the role of partnerships is also being recognized. To increase the overall health of communities, healthcare organizations will need to continue partnering with local communities to effectively improve health. A summative evaluation with formative attributes was conducted to assess the effectiveness of health plan partnerships in improving the overall health of the community, and to identify areas for improvement. The health plan partnership evaluation included the development of key evaluation deliverables including an evaluation plan, logic model, data operationalization plan, and data collection instruments. The latter included the development of an electronic survey and semi-structured focus group facilitation guides. The development of these evaluation materials was guided by accreditation standards, relevant literature, and alignment with the organizational vision. The identified goals of the health plan partnerships include increasing sustainability, creating tangible community and health benefits; favorable policy and practice change; and increasing the ability to leverage funds from the partnership. While intermediate outcomes focused on increasing the mutual benefits, bi-directional support, shared vision, and equitable partnership dynamics of the partnership. The findings from this evaluation will be useful for evaluators and organizations engaged in partnership to deliver health services. This session will focus on the process, tools, and standards used to develop the health plan partnership evaluation.