Developing a Workforce for Health in North Carolina: Planning for the Future.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Healthcare Policy
• Rural Health

Background:

• The healthcare industry is undergoing significant transformation.
• Key drivers include evolving payment models and patient care settings.
• Rural healthcare systems face unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze major trends impacting health and healthcare delivery.
• To examine the implications of value-based care and population health.
• To assess the shift from acute to community-based care settings.
• To address the vulnerabilities within North Carolina's rural health systems.

Main Methods:

• Trend analysis of healthcare delivery models.
• Policy review concerning value-based care.
• Comparative study of acute vs. community-based care.
• Vulnerability assessment of rural healthcare infrastructure.

Main Results:

• Value-based care and population health are reshaping healthcare delivery.
• A notable shift towards community-based care is occurring.
• North Carolina's rural health systems exhibit significant vulnerabilities.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare systems must adapt to value-based care and population health.
• The transition to community-based care requires strategic planning.
• Addressing rural health system vulnerabilities is critical for equitable access.