Sustained Focus Areas
Our sustained focus areas are projects that seek ways to effect larger, systemic change. These projects are five-to-seven-year commitments on broad topics and require the full CaroNova 7-Step Innovation Process to fundamentally change a system of care – with scale and sustainability at the forefront. CaroNova is currently developing two topics for potential advancement, pending Advisory Board input.
Focus Areas:
Serious Illness Care
Care for the seriously ill has long been in need of reform. As end-of-life costs escalate, both North and South Carolina routinely fall behind the nation and neighboring states on measures indicating how patient choice and quality of life are prioritized.
Providers and case managers have little latitude to activate flexible, goal-focused care options for patients and caregivers. Payors have few choices regarding reimbursement for expensive treatment interventions, and even fewer options to support alternative assistance measures that may enhance a patient’s quality of life. Outcomes for both patients and caregivers can be costly and painful in hopes of prolonging a fragile life, often conflicting with a patient’s wishes or best interests.
To achieve better outcomes for patients and caregivers, reduced costs for families and payors, and reduced disparities in access, improved serious illness care requires fundamental changes.
Youth Mental Health
Youth Mental Health is a high priority for both North and South Carolina. The number of children experiencing mental health crises has steadily risen for years, with the pandemic increasing the severity of the situation. CaroNova recognizes that much is being done in this area and will use its process to align with and aid in efforts to reverse these trends.
CaroNova is in the early, exploratory phase of Youth Mental Health. Through interviews with subject matter experts, literature reviews, and learning from those with lived experiences, CaroNova will build a strong understanding of the landscape in both North and South Carolina and identify opportunities for reform.
