Investing in Impact Measurement with Prof. Courtney Van Houtven

In this episode of the International Foundation for Integrated Care's podcast series, 'Measuring the Impact of Integrated Care,' Niamh Lennox-Chhugani, is joined by Prof. Courtney Van Houtven from the Department of Population Health Science at Duke University School of Medicine.

Prof. Van Houtven is a Research Career Scientist at the Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

Her research focuses on long-term care policies and economics of aging, especially care at home. She strives to identify pragmatic trials, care models, and policies that optimize the ability of people with care needs to age in place while at the same time supporting their family and friend caregivers.

Key Discussion Points

[01:11-02:30] The intricacies of measuring the impact, outcomes, and value of integrated care, referencing Prof. Van Houtven's research on patient and caregiver experiences, especially in the context of home and inpatient care.

[02:31-10:25] The difficulties of data collection, the importance of scalable and context-dependent measures, and the need for health systems to invest in capturing accurate, comprehensive data.

[10:26-20:55] The balance required between using existing data and implementing new measures without overburdening professionals and caregivers.

[20:56-25:15] The episode concludes with calls for greater international collaboration and integration of formal and informal care systems.