ARDX_collateral_ebook_communication_and_outreach_final_121817

Policy Communication and Outreach DevelopmentAligning Policy Change, Outreach, and Data Analytics Solving Healthcare ComplexiƟes

They Say Communication Is Key. This statement is relevant now more than ever, especially as it pertains tocommunicating policy change. In this day of digital communication, it should be simple enough, right? Policychanges, send an email, update the website, and you are done. If only it were that simple.As healthcare policy continues to evolve, implementing effective communication and outreach strategies isessential to ensuring healthcare compliance and improved quality outcomes. Consider how the policy changewill affect the entire healthcare lifecycle and audience – the agency, providers, payers, patients, the public,and third-party vendors. Now consider how it affects each audience differently. How will the messagingdiffer? What communication methods are best suited to reach each of these audiences? What data are youobtaining to measure success?It can be a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some best practices that ARDX has developedand implemented for our clients.Analyze the Impact.Having a deep-rooted understanding of the current policies will help determine the impact of the new policy change. Utilizingexploratory data analysis, begin assessing the impact that the new policy change will have on stakeholders – this will allow youfurther insight and provide focused points of action to develop a solid Impact Analysis. Additionally, analyze current data trendsto address any current communication gaps and ensure these are addressed as you build out your strategy.Gain Buy-In.Data shows that it costs a company $62.4 million on average per year, due to stakeholders being misinformed or misinterpretingpolicies1. Start with ensuring organizations clearly understand the policy change, and how it affects the operations, their role,and all stakeholders. Develop onsite trainings, webinars, and computer-based training modules within a learning managementsystem to track stakeholder progression with understanding the policy change. Use infographics, newsletters, job aids, andmanuals to provide transparent messaging and guidance as it relates to the policy change. Implement an inquiry tracking solutionto gather stakeholder questions and analyze feedback trends and acknowledge gaps. COMPANY COST PER YEAR DUE TO POOR COMMUNICATION Source 1: https://www.holmesreport.com/latest/article/the-cost-of-poor-communications

Establish a Communication & Outreach Program. 84%Avoid creating a “one-size fits all” approach; instead communication and of communication willoutreach programs should be versatile to address a diverse audience. be visual by 2018Utilizing the results derived from the Impact Analysis, begin to develop Source 2: https://www.blog.hubspot.com/marketing/visual-content-marketing-strategya multi-pronged communication and outreach program that fits eachaudience. Determine what training and methods are needed to bestdeliver the communication. Some stakeholders may better respond toonsite meetings, followed-up by weekly status updates sent throughemail. Whereas, ongoing virtual webinars and interactive computer-based training modules may gain higher engagement from broad groups;creating a variety of video promotions, mobile applications, website FAQs,or establishing a helpdesk may yield a higher response rate from the largeand geographically dispersed audiences. Establish the most appropriatesolutions and modes for outreach.Whichever multi-pronged approach works best, make sure that the goalis clear, the messages and documentation are concise, and that it alignswith the outreach tool being used.Measure Success.Just as healthcare policy constantly evolves, so must your communication and outreach program. Measuring the success of yourprogram should be ongoing, as your program is currently being implemented. Establishing focus groups and online surveys togain feedback of the progression of your outreach program allows you to immediately identify gaps that may not have beenrealized during the Impact Analysis. Use feedback data to validate outcomes that may be observed in your program operationsdata. By conducting these check-points during the implementation of the program, you are better able to easily course-correctby offering new trainings, additional supportive materials, and operational compliance and monitoring strategies. Obtaining andleveraging the data from these check-points is essential to the current outreach program, but will be more valuable as you beginto develop a new program for the next policy change.About ARDXUnderstanding the policy behind our nation’s evolving healthcare environment is what sets ARDX apart. As a leading healthcare management and IT consultingfirm, ARDX works to deliver integrated management and technology solutions to various agencies within the Federal Government.Our long-standing project successes with agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have provided ARDX with a uniqueunderstanding to help our clients navigate the nation’s evolving healthcare challenges. ARDX’s boutique-style approach of collaboratively working one-on-onewith our clients, paired with our deep-rooted knowledge of healthcare legislation allows us to simplify complex regulations, develop seamless communicationstrategies, and deliver integrated quality outcomes.Through customizable and efficient solutions focused on Population Health, Payment Reform, and Patient-Centered Care & Outcomes, ARDX continues toimprove the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of our nation’s healthcare. Our goal is simple, we help our clients affect change that matters: better health,better access, and lower cost of care.Founded in 2006, ARDX is a Virginia-based corporation that has undergone significant growth as a SBA 8(m), SDB, and SWaM certified company. Our process-driven philosophies and commitment to quality has earned ARDX the ISO 9001:2008 and ANAB accreditations, as well as the CMMI Level 3 certification. ARDXis also on the GSA PSS (MOBIS), SPARC SB Prime: 8(a) and Woman Owned 8(m), STARS 8(a), SAMHSA IDIQ, and SeaPort-e schedules.

Let ARDX Solve Your Healthcare Complexities. Solving Healthcare ComplexiƟes1215 North Military Highway, Ste. 754 | Norfolk, Virginia 23502 | (O) 757.410.7704 | (E) [email protected] | (F) 866.726.2485 www.ardx.net©2018 ARDX. All Rights Reserved. @ARDXConsulting 12/2017