Strive Health Innovates Kidney Care Technology: A Case Study in Value-Based Care
Revolutionizing Chronic Kidney Disease Management
Strive Health, an emerging leader in value-based kidney care, has been actively reshaping how chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients receive care. Recognizing the significance of collaboration with accountable care organizations and health systems, Strive discovered that many of its health IT vendors share a similar commitment to value-based care. However, aligning their technology with these collaborative models posed substantial challenges.
Identifying the Core Challenge
The journey started when Strive recognized a pressing need to build proprietary technology tailored to its unique care model. As the complexity of the healthcare landscape deepened, Strive struggled to identify a vendor capable of delivering the specific technological solutions required for effective patient care pathways. This prompted the organization’s staff to pivot towards custom technology development rather than relying on existing solutions.
A New Approach to Patient Care
To effectively manage care, Strive needed a comprehensive tool that integrates data science and machine learning to determine which patients should follow specific care pathways. The goal was to use this technology not just for identifying patients but also for understanding which characteristics align best with various aspects of Strive’s care model.
Customizable Solutions for Care Teams
Strive’s team envisioned a system that would easily integrate with the tools already utilized by their KidneyHeroes—a dedicated group of nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, care coordinators, and dietitians. These professionals are specially trained to cater to the unique parameters of kidney disease and require technology that is not only customizable but also adaptable as they refine their approaches.
Ownership Over Technology
Matthew Temba, Strive’s Chief Technology Officer, articulated the necessity of ownership over their technology. He expressed, “Our ambition is to innovate without being hindered by technological limitations. Having full ownership allows us to upgrade and update our data models and user interfaces swiftly.” This philosophy not only empowers the organization but also ensures that they keep pace with the evolving needs of their patient population.
Setting the Stage for Innovation
Traditional risk stratification methods employed by other value-based care vendors often cast a broad net, identifying all patients with late-stage CKD. Strive’s vision diverged from this norm. Temba elaborated, “Our focus is on finding the highest-risk patients within that vast pool, enabling us to make the most substantial impact through individualized care plans.”
Early Intervention: A Priority
Strive aims to address issues early by preventing the progression of CKD to more severe stages, such as dialysis or transplantation. This proactive approach is aimed at maintaining patient well-being and reducing hospital admissions, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients at risk.
Improving Patient Identification
The first step in realizing this vision was to develop robust patient identification criteria. Strive’s risk stratification model targets those with late-stage CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who stand to benefit significantly from intervention, thus allocating resources efficiently.
Integrating Technology into Daily Operations
To ensure efficacy, Strive embedded its technology into everyday workflows, enabling care teams to utilize data and analysis seamlessly. This integration allows clinicians to prepare adequately for patient interactions, fostering a tailored and supportive environment.
Introducing the CareMultiplier Technology
Strive Health unveiled CareMultiplier, a sophisticated technology platform designed to aggregate and standardize data across various sources. This platform harnesses predictive analytics to provide deep insights into kidney patient profiles. Temba highlighted, “Our Custom Workflows cater specifically to our internal care teams, allowing them to operate more efficiently.”
A Cohesive User Experience
CareMultiplier is designed to accommodate a multitude of roles within the patient care ecosystem, from medical assistants to care coordinators. The user interface not only facilitates documentation but also integrates risk profiles, ensuring that teams can manage their workflows effectively while focusing on delivering high-quality care.
Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
CareMultiplier cooperates with other systems, including Salesforce, AWS, and AdvancedMD, bolstering Strive’s capability to deliver comprehensive care efficiently. As Temba noted, “Empowering our KidneyHeroes with the right tools enables them to make the best judgments for their patients, streamlining workflows and promoting effective communication.”
Results that Speak to Effectiveness
With innovations in place, Strive Health launched a new assessment workflow early in 2024, drastically reducing initial documentation time by nearly half. This enhancement translates to more quality time for their care teams and patients alike, moving beyond mere data collection processes.
Tracking Key Performance Indicators
Strive continually assesses the value of its technology and the results of its interventions. They track critical performance indicators to ensure the efficacy of their risk stratification model and explore new avenues for improvement within their machine learning infrastructure.
Demonstrated Success in Patient Outcomes
Strive’s initiatives have yielded impressive statistics, including a 36% reduction in 30-day hospital readmissions, a 49% decline in hospitalizations among high-risk patients, and a 67% increase in optimal renal replacement therapy starts. These achievements underscore the effectiveness of their tailored patient care model.
Partnerships That Build Trust
One notable partnership is with Oak Street Health, where Strive has expanded its role in transitional care management. Temba remarked that such collaborations enhance trust and demonstrate Strive’s capability in managing patient transitions effectively.
Recommendations for the Healthcare Community
Temba advises other healthcare organizations to embrace a long-term vision despite the capital implications. He emphasizes that successfully developing custom technology requires a strong organizational commitment and a willingness to be adaptable amid uncertainties.
Emphasizing Flexible, Reusable Technology
Building flexible, reusable technology that accommodates various operational requirements is crucial, Temba concludes. Establishing a strong feedback loop with both operational and clinical teams will be vital for any organization’s success.
Conclusion: A Roadmap for the Future
Strive Health’s commitment to redefining kidney care through innovative technology not only enhances patient outcomes but also sets a new standard for value-based care in healthcare. By actively engaging with their unique challenges and fostering a culture of adaptability and ownership, Strive is poised to continue its impactful journey in kidney care management. As healthcare navigates an evolving landscape, Strive Health serves as a beacon of transformation, demonstrating that strategic technology integration is key to advancing patient-centered care.
