US (Washington Insider Magazine) – A new National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report recommends that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) establish a Center for Whole Health Innovation to scale and implement whole health care nationwide.
What Is Whole Health Care?
Whole health care is a patient-centered approach that goes beyond disease treatment to address social and structural determinants of health. It prioritizes prevention, resilience, and overall well-being through interprofessional team-based care, focusing on:
- Personalized care plans
- Peer support and coaching
- Reduced reliance on emergency services
- Improved clinical outcomes
VA’s Whole Health System as a Model
The VA’s Whole Health System (WHS), launched in 2018, has shown positive outcomes in pain management, opioid reduction, and mental health care. With plans to expand system-wide by 2027, WHS serves as a blueprint for national implementation.
Federal Leadership for System-Wide Change
The report urges the federal government to lead the transition due to the scale and complexity of reform. It suggests modeling the new Center for Whole Health Innovation after initiatives like:
- CMS Innovation Center
- Cancer Moonshot Initiative
The transformation will require significant federal investment and policy shifts to prioritize prevention, integrated care, and workforce well-being.
Key Takeaway
A national Whole Health approach could improve patient outcomes, health equity, and workforce sustainability, addressing critical gaps in the U.S. health care system.
