Towards proactive, integrated care across boundaries: panel management next level

A promising integrated care approach is Panel Management, first described by Kaiser Permanente as a set of tools and processes for population-oriented care that are applied systematically at the level of a primary care panel. We aimed to develop an advanced panel management approach towards an iterative process across settings and boundaries. We define Panel Management Next Level as a structured set of tools and processes-based on medical and social needs-that are applied systematically at the level of a patient panel sharing a similar risk on adverse health events, with healthcare professionals directing proactive care for their empanelled patients. There are four iterative steps: (1) empanelment of (patient) groups that share a similar risk; (2) allocation of the appropriate intervention to each panel based on medical and social needs; (3) surveillance of care gaps and (4) effect and process evaluation. In conclusion, Panel Management Next Level is a proactive, integrated care approach which can be embedded in and across different settings. Challenges are multimorbidity, integrated information technology (IT) systems and alternative payment models. Panel Management Next Level has the potential to reach the quadruple aim of improved patient experience, improved population health and improved healthcare professional experience while reducing the costs of care.