Understand Key Concepts of Population Health

Population health aims to improve health outcomes for specific groups by addressing their unique needs and health concerns. It considers various factors influencing health, including social determinants of health, access to care, and health disparities. Strategies for population health management include:

  • Identifying those at risk
  • Promoting wellness and prevention
  • Preventing or slowing disease progression
  • Addressing barriers
  • Allocating resources effectively

Population health foundational concepts

Population health is complex and multifaceted. To effectively serve specific populations, population health programs consider several foundational concepts, including…

  • Social determinants of health
  • Health disparities and equity
  • Health promotion and disease prevention
  • Policy and advocacy
  • Care coordination and collaboration
  • Chronic disease prevention and management
  • Behavioral and mental health integration
  • Community engagement and partnerships
  • Data and analytics

Special populations

Pediatric population health

In the pediatric population, collaboration and care coordination among pediatricians, schools, and specialists is important. The focus is on prevention, early intervention, and support for healthy development. 

Maternal population health

Maternal population health promotes the physical, mental, and social well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period to improve health outcomes for both mothers and their infants. Overall, these programs comprehensively address individual needs and consider broader public health strategies to improve maternal and child health. 

Geriatric population health

Geriatric population health focuses on managing the health and well-being of the aging population within a community, promoting healthy aging, effective chronic disease management, and maintaining functional independence. Care transitions are particularly important for the geriatric population, as they frequently change care settings. 

This article shares a portion of the information covered on this topic in CCM Certification Made Easy, 4th Edition by Deanna Cooper Gillingham, RN, CCM, FCM (2025). For more details on this topic, including key concepts related to each special population and related concepts, purchase your copy at CCMCertificationMadeEasy.com.