Why Reducing Variation = Better Outcomes

In this episode of ShiftShapers, host David A. Saltzman welcomes Kate Grohall, co-founder and Vice President of Value-Based Solutions at Holista. Kate shares her powerful journey from working with patients in a teaching hospital to building a transformative platform focused on reducing variation in care, cost, and outcomes.

She unpacks how Holista restores trust in the provider-patient relationship, leverages real-time communication tools to improve outcomes, and helps employers drive change by demanding value—not volume.

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🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode

📌 Quality = Reducing Variation
Kate defines healthcare quality as reducing unpredictability across cost, outcomes, and patient experience.

📌 C Still Equals MD
Most consumers can't distinguish between top- and bottom-tier physicians. Holista’s proprietary vetting process closes that gap.

📌 Restoring the Provider-Patient Relationship
Holista rebuilds what’s been lost by re-emphasizing relationships and collaboration across care teams.

📌 Real-Time Care Prevents Crisis
Through a patient app and nurse engagement, Holista helps patients avoid unnecessary ER visits and complications.

📌 Incentives That Actually Change Behavior
Forgiving copays and reducing premiums for high-value care choices gives patients immediate financial benefits.

📌 Employers Take the Wheel
Employers are stepping out of the back seat and demanding better results—and Holista helps them drive smart, sustainable change.

⏱️ In This Episode

00:00 Introduction to Better Health Outcomes

00:47 Kate Grohall’s Journey into Healthcare

03:12 Understanding Quality in Healthcare

05:19 Challenges in Reducing Variation

06:50 Provider and Patient Experience

08:57 Quality Metrics Beyond Standards

13:13 Real-Time Communication in Healthcare

14:41 Changing Behavior and Incentives

21:31 Future of Healthcare and Technology

22:56 Employers Taking the Driver's Seat

24:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts