Unfortunately, the opportunities to create shared value outstrip the available resources; prioritization is required. The organizational resources that are required to develop and to maintain a shared value program, and organizational expertise and naiveté in the area, must be considered when prioritizing initiatives. Although an analytic framework might be seen as easing the prioritization process, we are cautious about adopting one that is more stringent than the criteria defined by Porter and Kramer
2 (and thus constrains thinking): “policies and operating practices that enhance the competitiveness of a company while simultaneously advancing the economic and social conditions in the communities in which it operates.” However, we have identified a few issues that must be considered.
The prioritization process is ideally transparent, with the resulting programs addressing community concerns and priorities. Using the local community health needs assessment can help achieve this goal. Both burden and disparity must be considered.
31 For example, even though employed individuals tend to be healthier than the average population,
32 worksite health promotion programs can have a major impact because they can reach most American families. On the other hand, although homelessness does not affect nearly as many people, programs that reduce homelessness have a very large impact on each recipient and on the costs borne by health care organizations because the homeless tend to have high needs for health care.
There are additional barriers to the implementation of shared value programs in the health care sector.
33 For example, organizational leaders may need assistance to make the connection between the health of the community and their organization’s business interests. They might not immediately grasp how housing or other community interventions promote their organizational mission. Even if convinced of the value of program development, they may not know what to do.
Case studies of successful shared value programs might increase executive confidence and organizational capability.
1,24 Participating in a collaborative effort can provide additional guidance and experience. In the field of telehealth, the Center for Connected Health Policy is an organizational resource.
6 For organizations that are interested in building their worksite health promotion capabilities, Health Enhancement Research Organization is an excellent resource.
18,34 Organizations that wish to improve student outcomes by sponsoring SBHCs might turn to the School-Based Health Alliance.
35 Multiple organizations can help health care organizations understand how to create shared value by improving housing stock and access to affordable homes; such organizations include LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) and its partners who are advancing the Healthy Futures Fund, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, and the Build Healthy Places Network.
36–39 Stakeholder Health, an organization of health care organizations that are investing in community development through local purchasing and similar initiatives, can provide insight through shared mission and experience.
40 In the area of environmental action, Practice Greenhealth and Health Care Without Harm are examples of resource organizations.
25,26 A 2016 National Academy of Medicine workshop summary also describes a number of ways by which businesses can improve the health of communities.
41