Article

What is a whole health solution?

What’s “whole health” all about?

The concept of “whole health” became increasingly popular in the past decade.

But what exactly is it?

Whole health is simply an approach to care that tries to look at a person’s needs and address them with personal, comprehensive care.

But while many solutions have attempted to make “whole health” the center of their care model, conflicting definitions have muddled the process. What does whole health really mean? Is it attainable? Why is it so popular right now?

The reality is that the definition is broad and different for many companies. This only makes it more confusing for health leaders trying to take clear steps towards creating healthier populations.

That’s why Vida Health focuses on saying what we really mean.

Whether or not some would call us a “whole health” solution, we’re healthcare designed for body and mind.

Studies show that physical and mental health are closely linked, so it makes sense that when one suffers, so does the other. While a traditional healthcare set-up is often fragmented, Vida is a virtual care solution that’s stepped up to unify care initiatives and maximize results.

“Whole health” and body + mind: What’s the difference?

Wellness programs aim to improve personal health through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, like smoking cessation and stress management. They’ve gained traction over the last few decades, but don’t prioritize the clinical aspect of healthcare.

A lot of models proclaiming wellness and holistic care have missed the mark, so whole health attempts to bridge those gaps. However, as different organizations have pursued different solutions, “whole health” as a concept has become fragmented and confusing.

Vida, a virtual care solution, addresses serious health conditions — like diabetes, depression, and hypertension—through research-backed and scientifically-informed methods.

While elements like diet and exercise are part of the Vida program, our approach involves clinicians and certified coaches guiding a person’s care. Most importantly, our integrated care teams go beyond lifestyle fixes and work to improve clinical diagnoses with measurable outcomes.

So what’s healthcare designed for body + mind?

1. A single app built for treating physical and mental health together

Many solutions on the market are geared towards an integrated care solution for their populations. Unfortunately, many fail to combine physical and mental health services in one platform. Those that have combined the two often cobble together solutions as an afterthought, making the care experience more complex for its users.

If we know it’s important to unify body and mind care, why do so many solutions segment them into separate platforms? Frankly, because it’s easier that way. But to innovate the member experience — and achieve the best results — the most successful member pathways must be designed with the whole person in mind, from the start, in a single app experience.

In addition to user experience, a unified app enables care teams to collaborate on a member’s care journey for the best results. Vida is a virtual care solution that sets both providers and members up for success to maximize outcomes.

That’s why Vida is healthcare designed for body and mind. From the start, we’ve worked to create a cohesive and integrated solution.

2. An interconnected provider network that’s easy to access

A successful solution should give members access to providers that can treat body and mind in tandem with one another. These providers have to also be available and responsive for members to achieve lasting results.

While machine learning tools and supplementary content can aid in their care, nothing can replace engaged human providers who can offer guidance, support, and direction. Connection and access to these professionals is how members find success.

Asynchronous text, video chats, and phone calls are all just a few ways that providers can be involved in someone’s care journey. However, the frequency of visits and consistency of providers can also have a significant impact.

When considering whole health solutions, take a moment to consider how care will be impacted by the dynamics and accessibility providers have with members.

3. Providers who members can trust

Genuine member-provider relationships are a key factor in a successful care journey. Members have to be able to trust, cooperate, and regularly visit with their care providers in order to have the best outcomes.

Studies show that when people have affinity with their providers, they are more likely to have higher satisfaction and experience better outcomes.

So how can a virtual care solution prioritize trust between its members and providers?

Face-to-face time to chat, rather than chat bots or text messaging
Frequent and reliable appointment times
Providers who engage evidence-based therapy practices

4. Able to treat conditions with different levels of severity

Vida recognizes that a person’s health changes over time, and the journey towards improved health can ebb and flow.

No one should be expected to remain at the same level of health throughout care. Typically, members see improvement, but others may be met with personal challenges or life changes that cause progress to fluctuate. With this in mind, it’s important to have a solution that can meet members no matter where they are in their healthy journey.

At Vida, we offer various programs and pathways carefully designed to meet a member’s specific needs and care providers equipped to meet various levels of acuity. From mental health coaches to cognitive-behavioral therapists, our pathways are geared toward treating various levels of acuity.

Beyond personal struggles or unforeseen circumstances, social determinants of health (SDOH) impact a member’s journey. Their access to care is influenced by factors like ease of transportation, reliable housing, and accessibility to nutritious food. That’s why Vida incorporates care navigators who can partner with members to get the best care possible for their circumstances.

5. An engaging environment for better outcomes

Enrollment in a program is only the first step: a person’s care journey requires time and commitment. To improve outcomes for body and mind, solutions have to keep members engaged and incentivized.

As physical health problems compound with mental health struggles, it’s so important for members to be connected with a care provider. Oftentimes, those suffering from comorbidities might not be aware of their other conditions, like anxiety or depression. Being engaged in a solution focused on body and mind can outline the full picture for their health.

Additionally, these health conditions left untreated become increasingly costly. Worse outcomes and quality of life are also on the line, so the stakes are high for an effective and engaging member experience. For this to be the case, a solution has to be inclusive of people from various cultures, languages, dietary backgrounds, and physical abilities.

Vida Health: Unmatched outcomes for body and mind

Our studies show that treating diabetes and depression together results in better outcomes for Vida members. Our proactive and adaptable approach means that members will be put in the right programs for their needs.

For example, over 10% of Vida members begin receiving mental healthcare after first enrolling in a physical care program and establishing trust with their providers. In fact, our members with diabetes see a 33% greater reduction in A1C (average blood glucose level) in just 4.5 months when we treat them for diabetes and depression at the same time.

Virtual care solutions may seem to be built for more “digitally agile” populations, but that simply isn’t the case. One-third of Vida users within a large Medicare population qualified as super-users, taking 7+ actions a week within our app.

A commitment to quality whole health care

Our nationwide provider networks continuously communicate and coordinate care for our individual members. Nutritionists, coaches, CDCESs, and therapists surround our members with support and work together to deliver care. We take care to completely integrate into our members’ benefits ecosystem — encouraging our members to regularly visit their primary care providers.

We’re confident that our approach to treating the whole person drives meaningful results. That’s why Vida is currently the only virtual care solution on the market that puts 100% of its fees at risk for both physical and mental health outcomes.