Under pressure to reduce healthcare costs and increase employee productivity, employers and health plans continue to seek new and better ways to engage and sustain member participation in health management programs.

Alere has adopted a new model of care, which is emerging in the health management landscape as a more effective way to attract a rapidly growing number of ailing employees and health plan members who want to be healthier but feel overwhelmed by the idea of changing their lifestyle habits.

"The focus is no longer 'here's what you need to do' but rather 'what goals do you want to pursue?'"

Called personal health support (PHS), this person-centric approach to care is based on the philosophy that only when individuals become healthier can populations become healthier. It involves moving away from standardized programs in which each person receives the same intervention strategies for each risk or illness.

Alere’s PHS model was designed to identify and impact the most significant individual opportunities for health improvement. This means no two people get the same support experience with Alere. Each person receives interventions based on their individual values and preferences during teachable moments when they feel the most willing and inspired to change.

Alere’s caring nurses, specialists and coaches with expertise in health improvement support individuals who desire better health with a variety of tools, technologies, skills and knowledge to help them define and succeed with their personal health goals by making healthier choices.

The focus is no longer “here’s what you need to do” but rather “what goals do you want to pursue?” Behavior changes are determined based on the individual’s health status, combined with his/her comfort level, personal goals and readiness to change.

The behavior change could be as small as exercising five minutes a day, instead of giving someone an exercise regimen that they are not ready to take on. The idea is that individuals experience success with these smaller changes and gradually feel inspired to take on more challenging goals.

We believe this is how to most effectively inspire behavior change, build trust and keep each individual’s interest long enough to make a difference in his or her health.

Julie Troesch came to Alere in January 2008 with 30 years of experience, including 20 years as a surgical nurse that encompasses experience in neurology, emergency medical treatment, cardiology and gynecology, as well as dental, plastics and laser surgery. She received Alere training in cardiology and diabetes.

"Here at Alere, I am thrilled to be able to give each patient the time they need."

"I really love working here. I’ve been a nurse for 31 years. I've always loved nursing. Nursing is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. While I don’t regret the years I put in as a bedside nurse, it was frustrating when I did not have enough time to spend with my patients.

When I saw this opportunity, I felt like it was what I needed to do. Here at Alere, I am thrilled to be able to give each patient the time they need. Alere provides many new and fresh resources for nurses to use to help teach patients in a more thorough way.

It's always rewarding when patients tell me that I have educated them about something they didn't know about before, such as the fact that it's important for people with heart failure to have a low-sodium diet.  I feel like what we are doing here is helping to fill in gaps for the healthcare providers who don't have time to go over intricate parts of what patients need to do to manage their diseases.

As a nurse, I treat my patients like they are my family. I try to make a personal connection with my patients, especially if something comes up for a patient in their personal life. For instance, when I know my patients' birthdays, I make sure I call them. I have found that a personal connection can help patients be more receptive to me and what I have to offer them."