What does the concept of 'population health' refer to?

The concept of 'population health' primarily refers to the health outcomes of a group of individuals and the distribution of those outcomes within the group. This concept emphasizes understanding how social, economic, and environmental factors affect the health of populations, rather than treating individuals in isolation.

Population health includes examining metrics such as prevalence of diseases, health behaviors, and access to healthcare within specific communities or broader demographic groups, which helps identify disparities and areas needing improvement. It's a holistic approach aimed at improving health outcomes for entire populations, as opposed to solely focusing on individual patients or specific segments of the population, such as those with urgent care needs.

By understanding population health, healthcare systems can develop strategies that address broader determinants of health, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs for communities.