The Institute for Healthcare Improvement developed a framework that provides an approach for improving health system performance. That approach focuses on three composite measures: Improving the patient experience of care, reducing the per capita cost of care delivery, and improving the health of populations. Known as the “Triple Aim,” this framework serves as a guide post for providers pursuing value-based initiatives and population health management.

A number of industry analysts have worked to define the new competencies that providers will be required to develop and refine in order to effectively manage the health of populations. These include data aggregation, analytics, care management, and patient engagement. They have also highlighted the fundamental role to be played by primary care, and discussed the importance of care teams and integrated plans of patient care.