By JOSH SEIDMAN
Matthew Holt and I share the sentiment that we are overspending on the wrong areas in healthcare. However, I bring data to support this claim rather than just a rant. Clinical care only impacts about 20% of health outcomes, yet we continue to invest heavily in it, despite the fact that the U.S. lags behind other nations in healthcare performance despite higher spending.
After over 30 years in healthcare, I shifted my focus to addressing health rather than healthcare, and joined Fountain House, a pioneer in the psychosocial rehabilitation of individuals with serious mental illness. Their approach has shown significant economic and social impacts, with an average cost savings of over $11,000 per person served, and the potential for billions in savings if scaled up.
The key takeaway is that we can redirect resources to address health-related social needs and focus on achieving social outcomes, rather than solely on clinical care, which can lead to improved recovery and rehabilitation.
Joshua Seidman, PhD, is Chief Research and Knowledge Officer for Fountain House, a national mental health nonprofit working for and alongside people with serious mental illness to support their recovery.
