Majority of Health Organizations See Benefits from Outcomes-Driven Strategies

Healthcare organizations are finding that focusing on outcomes benefits both patients and their own performance as well.

According to Ernst & Young LLP’s new report, Optimizing Health Outcomes for All, 85% of surveyed organizations said their efforts have led to better patient outcomes. Nearly 75% also report financial gains.

The organizations that have made health outcomes a bigger part of their strategy are more likely to see clear improvements, the study found.

These outcomes include better access to care, earlier diagnoses and fewer hospitalizations—which are all linked to cost savings, higher revenue and better management of chronic conditions.

About 25% of organizations still don’t fully understand what “optimizing health for all” means. This gap in understanding is slowing down progress.

Based on responses from 500 provider, payer, life science, government, nonprofit and community organization leaders, the report looked at how different sectors are working to close health gaps and improve care.

“Through collaboration across sectors, we can amplify our collective impact and ensure healthcare resources are deployed where they are most needed to improve patient outcomes,” Susan Garfield, Ph.D., U.S. chief health officer and global client service principal of Ernst & Young, said in a press release.

However, not every organization is approaching health outcomes optimization the same way.

Most respondents (86%) said they expect their organization’s focus on health outcomes to stay the same or grow, but there is a difference between public and private sectors.

Public sector organizations showed steady support (74% in 2025 vs. 77% in 2024), while private sector support has dropped (43% vs. 70%).

Data also revealed that more organizations are now focused on improving access to and quality of care. In fact, 56% of respondents list these as top priorities, up from 44% last year.

Affordability remains a concern for 34% of respondents.

“A well-defined health optimization strategy that bridges the gap between awareness and implementation can bring a business case to life,” Garfield added. “This strategy includes data analytics, workforce capabilities and community engagement working together to reach the value drivers that ultimately help everyone.”

Ernst & Young LLP study authors wrote in the report that “Optimizing health outcomes for all people requires recognizing these challenges and tailoring interventions to help individuals, communities and the health system at large overcome them."

Data and technology are playing a bigger role in closing these gaps, as the study revealed two-thirds of organizations are now using data to identify health disparities.

Many are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to improve patient engagement, predict health risks and increase efficiency.

Larger organizations with advanced AI are using it to move from reacting to problems to preventing them.

Overall, there are challenges that remain around understanding and adoption, data suggests.

About 25% of organizations still don’t fully understand what “optimizing health for all” means. This gap in understanding is slowing down progress.

Another factor driving impact is collaboration.

Life sciences collaborations are up, with 45% of organizations reporting these partnerships, compared to 30% last year.

Payer partnerships are also growing, with nearly 40% of organizations working with insurers to share data and strategies.

Providers remain the most common and trusted collaborators, but the report also highlights growth in partnerships with public health agencies, community and faith-based organizations, and especially life sciences companies.

It was found that the top reasons for these partnerships include sharing knowledge, co-delivering initiatives, establishing evidence, exchanging data and driving investment.

One key group in the study, providers, reported the lowest levels of positive impact on health outcomes (27%) compared to the industry average (39%).

They also showed the highest expected decline in prioritizing health outcomes optimization, with 27% citing the external environment as a key factor.

Some providers noted value-based care models were important drivers of both improved outcomes and financial performance.

Payers, however, are showing growth in how they integrate health outcomes optimization into their broader strategies, including compliance and data efforts.

While 83% of payers plan to grow or maintain their focus, 17% expect to decrease their efforts.

National payers tend to be guided more by internal strategies, while regional payers are more influenced by community connectivity and societal impact, the report shared.

The life sciences industry paints a mixed picture.

The pharmaceutical sector is among the most cautious, with 39% expecting to reduce prioritization due to outside pressures.

However, the biotech industry reports higher engagement, stronger data capabilities and fewer cutbacks.

Life sciences partnerships, especially with government agencies, are also on the rise.

Government organizations, particularly at the state and local levels, report the most positive outlook.

Over three-quarters anticipate increased prioritization of health outcomes optimization, even as policy and funding shift.

They lead in community engagement but are behind in data and analytics development.

Nonprofit organizations are also committed to maintaining or increasing their focus.

Their area of focus can be different, especially on upstream drivers of health and closing care gaps, the report shared. However, many still have limited data and analytics capabilities, with nearly half reporting they are focusing on both health and financial benefits.

Garfield said in the release that “turning awareness into tangible action is key to driving improvements in health care access and quality. To truly optimize health outcomes, we must move beyond recognizing the challenges and focus on creating practical scalable solutions that address the needs of individuals, communities and the entire health ecosystem.”