Values-Based Interventions in Patient Engagement for Those with Complex Needs

The objective was to evaluate a novel intervention that integrates a psychological, values-based approach with coordinated care management. This paper describes an integrated comprehensive health record system to enhance engagement with a subset of those with complex needs; those who are high-needs, high-cost (HNHC). Patients are selected after conducting data analysis on the most costly and complex patients of a payer system that works with HNHC patients. Specifically, the Patient Care Intervention Center in Houston TX, applies the values-based intervention to HNHC patients. This pilot study reports data from 18 HNHC patients over 6 months; specifically, outcomes related to daily functioning, depression, working alliance, stages of change, and overall well-being. Additionally, this paper reports preliminary findings from qualitative monitoring of provider experiences implementing the values-based approach and integrated evaluation. HNHC patients improved their daily functioning over 4 months but no other significant changes were found over time. Patients self-reported mild depression, strong working alliances with their provider, being in the contemplation phase of change, and moderate well-being. There also was variation when patients completed the assessments and data points were collected. Although this is a small sample and short time frame, preliminary results suggest that the intervention has a positive impact on HNHC patient daily functioning. Provider accounts of the implementation describe using the evaluation items to inform their interactions with patients, and also suggest that patient literacy level impacts when data can be collected. Other changes to the approach are suggested.