The document discusses the healthcare industry's challenge of improving population health while lowering costs. It defines population health as the health outcomes of a group including distribution of outcomes within the group. The goal is to improve overall health and eliminate disparities between subgroups. The Affordable Care Act aims to impact determinants like access, quality, and prevention. However, the question remains of how to make services affordable for consumers and viable for institutions. Population health advocates collaborating across sectors to address factors like behavior, environment, and healthcare that influence outcomes. The challenge is identifying cost-effective investments that improve outcomes and reduce inequities.

1. FIRST1TRANSITIONSFIRST1STRATEGIESFIRST1TRANSITIONSFIRST1STRATEGIE
Analyzing the health industry landscape for 2015 and beyond reveals
a conundrum for the ages. Filling professional journals, driving strategic
decisions, and keeping healthcare leaders up at night is the question of
how to improve the health of our population while driving down exorbitant
healthcare costs.
Improving Population Health blog (improvingpopulationhealth.org) edited
by Dr. David A. Kindig, defines Population Health as “the health outcomes
of a group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within
the group.” Population Health explores
how policies and programs impact
determinant factors such as health
care, individual behavior, and the
environment to produce outcomes
in terms of length and health-related
quality of life. The goal of the approach
is to improve the health of a population
and eliminate the disparity of health
between sub-groups within the
population. It achieves this goal through
a focus on health outcomes and
acknowledgement that the healthcare
delivery system is only one determinant
of many impacting these outcomes.
Policies and Programs
The Affordable Care Act is an example of a policy intended to directly
impact determinant factors including access to healthcare delivery
systems, quality of care, prevention measures, and community-based
activities. Its provisions illustrate the conundrum facing the industry. For
example, one IRS provision requires nonprofit hospitals to complete
community health needs assessments every three years and report
annually on how they are meeting those needs. Accountability for
identifying and addressing specific community requirements can go a
long way to improving the health of local populations. Yet, the question
remains how to make the services both affordable for consumers and
financially viable for the institution.
Determinant Factors
The Population Health perspective advocates entities within the
healthcare delivery system truly affect what makes and keeps people
healthy by collaborating with public health
agencies, community organizations, schools,
and businesses to address determinant factors
contributing to poor health. The challenge is
to identify the most cost-effective cross-sector
investments of time, money, and resources that
produce the highest returns in the form of outcome
improvements and reductions in health inequities
between sub-groups.
Individual behavior, such as consumerism, is
also a determinant impacting health outcomes.
High deductible insurance plans, healthcare
exchanges, and cost-sharing programs have given
rise to an era of consumer-driven healthcare.
People are selecting policies and providers
based on the actual cost of care and level of
discount; compelling government agencies along
with public and private providers to do more to
meet consumer demands for transparency and
disclosure. Facing the power of consumer choice,
providers must offer competitive pricing and
outstanding service-levels; never an easy model to
achieve or sustain.
Healthcare Economics
The quandary of how to improve health while
driving out costs shines the spotlight on healthcare
economics. The industry has to do much more
with a whole lot less. Healthcare organizations
must develop or enhance process improvement,
technology, and customer service competencies
to remain viable and competitive in 2015 and
beyond.
For an assessment of your organization’s current
competencies and to build strategies for thriving
in today’s healthcare marketplace, contact a First
Transitions office near you or visit our website:
www.firsttransitions.com.
QUALITY: Take time to do things right the first
time.
SERVICE: Render intelligent, timely and
considerate service to all.
CONCERN FOR PEOPLE: Treat clients,
program participants and employees
with honesty, trust, fairness and respect.
COMMUNICATIONS: Communicate with
our clients, program participants and
employees in ways which will assure mutual
understanding.
CONSISTENCY: Insure that our behavior
each and every day supports our values,
goals, and standards.
SIMPLICITY: Conduct our business in an
easily understood manner.
REALISM: Acknowledge that our success
will come through intelligence, hard work,
patience and experience.
RECOGNITION: That our clients and
participants trust us with the most highly
confidential information they have.
RESPONSIBILITY: Encourage individual
responsibility and decision making.
FLEXIBILITY: Recognize the necessity to be
open to change for the mutual benefit of
our clients, program participants and our
organization.
RESPECT FOR TRADITION: Understand what
created past successes.
INTEGRITY: Consistently practice the utmost
modesty and integrity in serving our clients,
our participants and ourselves.
COMMITMENT: Take the plunge - there is
truth in the theory that there is “strength
in numbers.”
And finally, never sacrifice these precepts
for the short term.
OUR SERVICES WHAT WE STAND FOR
Our day-to-day activities, our dealings
with each other and our relationships with
customers/clients must be governed by a
passionate and unwavering commitment to
a set of values, which are:
First Transitions, Inc. has been a
provider of career-transition
services since 1981. We have
completed consulting assignments
for more than 500 organizations
in 44 states. Our uniqueness has
been in the caring, nurturing
appoach we have taken in
assisting individuals in attaining life
goals, personal or professional.
4
w w w . f i r s t t r a n s i t i o n s . c o mFIRST1TRANSITIONSFIRST1STRATEGIESFIRST1TRANSITIONSFIRST1STRATEGIESFIRST TRANSITIONSN E W S & I N S I G H T S
FIRST TRANSITIONSN E W S & I N S I G H T S
1211 W. 22nd Street • Suite 1006 • Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 571-3311 • Fax (630) 571-5714 • www.firsttransitions.com
Executives
Senior Managers
Directors
Managers/Supervisors
Exempt and Nonexempt
Group Workshops
Executive coaching
Career Assessment
Organizational career
development programs
Succession planning
Retention strategies
Leadership development
360o
performance appraisals
Selection process design
Onboarding program design
e-Coaching
Pre Retirement Education
Programs
FIRST TRANSITIONS News & Insights
Editor: Nicole DeFalco
Art Director: Tricia Keener Blaha
CAREER TRANSITION
PROGRAMS FOR:
WHERE TO FIND US:
1211 West 22nd St., Suite 1006
Oak Brook, IL 60523
630-571-3311
630-571-5714 (fax)
10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 875
Chicago, IL 60606
312-541-0294
33 Wood Ave. South, Suite 600
Iselin, NJ 08830
800-358-1112
114 Pacifica, Suite 320
Irvine, CA 92618
949-551-4377
Terraces Center
400 Perimenter Center Terrace, NE
Suite 900
Atlanta, GA 30346
770-891-7866
200 S. Executive Drive, Suite 101
Brookfield, WI 53005
800-358-1112
8888 Keystone Crossing
Suite 1300
Indianapolis, IN 46240
800-358-1112
Our Web site address:
www.firsttransitions.com
E-mail us at:
admin@firsttransitions.com
OUR LOCATIONS
THE HEALTHCARE CONUNDRUM
How to improve care and lower cost?
Volume 16 - Issue 1
*F1T00115_WinterNews_Vol16-1.ind1 1 1/19/15 8:34:56 PM

2. We had the good fortune to talk with Bill Myhre about what has
transpired since first meeting Russ Jones in 1996!
When they met, First Transitions was handling outplacement for
Bill’s employer. Impressed with what he saw, Bill brought them in for
outplacement services at his next employer.
Since then, he says, “I have used First
Transitions many, many times over and it’s
always a great return on investment!”
Bill admires the genuine interest First
Transitions takes in clients. “They make a
strong connection with every person. The
results are good, interaction is excellent, and
people are satisfied.” Clients tell Bill the personalized attention makes
them feel valued and gives them confidence. “People are motivated
to dig deep, consider what they want, stay positive, and move forward.
They leave understanding themselves better. After they get jobs, they
stay in touch!” he declared.
Almost all First Transitions clients have maintained a positive
relationship with him. “It’s a terrific benefit” Bill explains. “Russ’ team
DEAR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES:
In an attempt to spare him the stress, my friend didn’t tell her son the
reason for their trip to the pharmacy. Unfortunately, thirty fearful minutes
gnawing at his fingernails waiting for his turn for a flu shot blew away
his mom’s hope for an anxiety-free
experience. Later, her son said he would
have preferred to know about the
pharmacy visit ahead of time. He also
commented the wait was worse than
the needle.
Much like standing in line for a flu
shot, lack of control and fear of the
unknown are top stressors for people in
business. Hearing about layoffs creates
anxiety as employees wait to see if
they will be among those let go. For
people in transition, not knowing what
the next move will be or when it will
come causes the greatest concern.
Though anticipation can be exhilarating
when it comes to roller-coasters and ketchup, in the realm of careers it
is downright agonizing. Fortunately, there is much wisdom to be gleaned
from our young friend’s observations about his flu shot. No more waiting
for the other shoe to drop. It is time we schedule our footwear change
and pick the pair we want to wear!
Planned Obsolescence is a well-known business strategy. Products or
services are designed to “expire.” Companies do this to stay ahead of
the competition and to ensure consumers feel the need to purchase
replacements when they come to market. Instead of awaiting a decline
in sales before developing their “next big thing,” businesses use planned
obsolescence to maintain control and stay ahead of the
game. I propose individuals apply this same strategy to
their own careers.
Plan and pursue the next iteration of you. Adopt a
personal strategy of planned obsolescence. This does
not mean you have to find a new job, field, or career.
It could be a strategy to bloom where you are planted.
The point is, it is a strategy – a deliberate course of action
over which you have control.
Define a three to five year career trajectory by applying
strategic planning models such as Porter’s 5 Forces or
SOAR (appreciative inquiry) to “brand you.” Then, set
a plan in motion to build up strengths, competencies,
and capabilities so you are prepared to use them
when the time comes. For example, commit to reading
a variety of books to gain a fresh perspective and to
grow critical thinking skills. Make time for training and
personal development. Pick up a hobby. Renew old
acquaintances. Stay close to friends. Network regularly.
Imagine how calm and confident you will feel when you
know where you are headed and how and when you will
get there.
Best Wishes for a Terrific Year,
Russ Jones
make people feel good and credit the organization for
the value of the service. The branding they do on behalf of
the organization fosters loyalty. Former employees remain
colleagues and serve as resources.”
Whether working with them on outplacement, executive
coaching, or leadership development, Bill suggests HR
professionals rely on First Transitions’ approach. Bill shared an
example of a leadership program Deb Taber facilitated for a
new management group. “Through assessments and the best
training I have ever experienced, they helped us grow into a
true team. Within 18 months, we turned a $10 million loss into a
$1 million profit! We followed their lead and came away wiser
leaders.”
Contact our office near you or visit our website,
www.firsttransitions.com, to start partnering with First Transitions
today!
Plan Your Obsolescence 1 Chance Meeting. 18 years. Countless Projects.
Zero Regrets.
3 TIPS: FOR MAKING RESOLUTIONS STICK
Research suggests less than 10% of people fulfill their New Year’s resolutions. Here are 3 tips for beating the odds and making resolutions
that last.
One bite at a time. Breakdown resolutions into milestones attainable in short periods of time. For example, a fitness goal
can be a series of “little wins” such as download and set up MyFitnessPal app on January 1, set up “Fitbit” on January 2, hit
daily step goal 5 days in a row, lose 1lb by January 8, etc.
Look on the bright side. Special K cereal has a brilliant campaign asking, “What will you gain when you lose?” They are
shifting focus from the price to the prize. Try it. Write your resolutions not in terms of the sacrifice but rather from the point of
view of what the work will get you. Instead of “lose weight,” resolve to “buy new suit 2 sizes smaller.” Instead of “workout 3x a
week,” resolve to “take the kids on a beautiful hike this summer.”
Go public. Often, we keep our resolutions to ourselves in an attempt to avoid embarrassment if/when they are abandoned.
This is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Resolutions made in the shadows rarely end up in the spotlight of success. Publicly declare
your Resolutions and invite the support of friends, family, and colleagues. Making your resolutions known increases your level
of commitment and adds an element of accountability to help you stay the course.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
2 3
S T R A T E G I E S F O R O R G A N I Z A T I O N A L A N D I N D I V I D U A L S U C C E S S
FIRST1TRANSITIONSFIRST1STRATEGIESFIRST1TRANSITIONSFIRST1STRATEGIESFIRST TRANSITIONSN E W S & I N S I G H T S
THREE TIPSTHREE TIPSTHREE TIPSTHREE TIPSTHREE TIPSTHR
1
3
2
“You’re right, I owe all my success to luck! I’m lucky that my
alarm clock rings at 5:00 so I can get to work before everyone
else. I’m lucky that my car has a CD player so I can listen to
self-improvement programs while I commute. I’m lucky there
are electric lights in my office so I can stay late....”
“I have used First
Transitions many, many
times over and it’s
always a great return
on investment!”
*F1T00115_WinterNews_Vol16-1.ind2 2 1/19/15 8:34:59 PM