Dig Deeper
Employers know their business. But when it comes to health care, many feel like fish out of water. Another potential roadblock to employer participation in quality improvement stems from some employers' reluctance to cooperate with competitors.
1. Use Peer-to-Peer Recruitment. Enlist well-connected business leaders to spread the word and recruit other employer partners.
2. Implement Surveys or Interviews. Get to know your audience, their needs, and their interests by asking them questions. Answers will help you offer solutions and programs well suited to the local market.
3. Host an Event. Often called Leadership or CEO Summits, these events offer insight into relevant issues, with particular emphasis on payment reform, and encourage employers to work with you to improve the delivery of care.
4. Partner with Benefit Management Companies. Take advantage of the existing relationship between benefit management companies and their clients (local employers) to pass on information from the Alliance to employers. This tactic gives benefit management companies an opportunity to provide “added value” to their clients.
5. Make Presentations. Seek opportunities to showcase what you offer in the way of public reporting, consumer education and engagement, and quality and cost data. This option takes advantage of existing opportunities for outreach to employers.
• Frame the Results. What’s in it for employers? They want to know—in quantifiable terms—how engaging in quality care can: increase cost efficiency; improve quality of care; and, improve employee and community health. They also want to know about up-front costs and the timetable for return on investment.
• Present a Clear “Ask.” Let employers know what you expect from them. What are their role and responsibilities? Speak their language by providing a work plan with deadlines and deliverables.
• Engage Employers in Their Natural Roles. Keep employers in their comfort zone with roles that take advantage of their expertise and interests.
What are some ways consumers can help improve health care?
Leadership positions and health care activism are a good start
How do we help employers maintain their interest and energy in our partnership?
Be active and inclusive.
Why do consumers need to know how much things cost?
Information empowers consumers to make decisions.
Do consumers find certain performance measures—such as readmissions and avoidable complications data—useful?
Yes, but there must be context.
How do I explain missing data to consumers?
Be clear and concise.
How do I get consumer feedback on my website?
There are several steps to take.
- Why do consumers need to know how much things cost?
- How do we help employers maintain their interest and energy in our partnership?
- What role do employers play in improving care quality?
- What frameworks can I use to engage and activate consumers?
- What are the benefits of personal health records?
- What is the Consumer Engagement Leadership Consortium?
- Where should I incorporate consumers into my practice or hospital?
- How do you explain the idea of “high-quality health care"?
- How do I clarify my role as a consumer within my organization or Alliance?
- How do I become a better consumer leader?