The seventh and final step in the Population Health Sycle (TM) framework is Start/Stop/Same. This step involves reviewing the results of the Score step and making decisions about whether to continue or modify interventions or programs or to start new ones.
The Start/Stop/Same step is a critical component of population health management because it helps the program to continuously improve outcomes by making data-driven decisions. By reviewing the data collected in 
the previous steps of the PHS framework, the program can identify areas where interventions are effective and should be continued, as well as areas where interventions are not achieving the desired outcomes and should be modified or discontinued.
The Start/Stop/Same step involves a number of activities, including:
- Reviewing the data: the data collected in the Score step should be carefully reviewed to identify areas where interventions are effective and areas where interventions are not achieving the desired outcomes.
- Identifying opportunities for improvement: Based on the results of the Score step, the program should identify opportunities for improvement and develop strategies to address them.
- Continuing effective interventions, keep them the Same: The Program should continue interventions that are achieving the desired outcomes and have a positive impact on population health.
- Stop ineffective interventions: The Program should modify or discontinue interventions that are not achieving the desired outcomes or are not cost-effective.
- Start new interventions: The Program should consider starting new interventions that are aligned with the population’s health goals and have the potential to improve outcomes.
The Start/Stop/Same step requires the program to be flexible and willing to adapt to changing conditions and information. As population health needs and priorities evolve, the program must be prepared to modify interventions and programs to ensure that they are aligned with the needs of the population.
Although most programs conduct annual reviews, the Start/Stop/Same step should not be a one-time event but rather an ongoing process that should be conducted regularly to ensure that population health interventions are effective and aligned with the needs of the population. Often there is routine quarterly Scoring of a program along with the annual Score. These program interim reviews can look at trends and results for Scores that require shorter intervals to see results allowing for mid-year adjustment and program corrections. By continuously evaluating the impact of interventions and making data-driven decisions, the program can improve outcomes and promote health equity.
In conclusion, the Start/Stop/Same step is a critical component of the Population Health Sycle(TM) framework. By reviewing the results of the Score step and making data-driven decisions about interventions and programs, the program can continuously improve population health outcomes and promote health equity. So what do you do after this step? You Sycle back to step 1.
If you’re looking for assistance developing population health management programs or improving one you already have, contact us or call us at 904*613*1224.
The Population Health Sycle(TM) – SURVEY your Population – Step 2
The Population Health Sycle (TM)- SEGMENT your Population – Step 3
The Population Health Sycle (TM) – SELL – Step 4