The Whole Health Index Methodology
The Whole Health Index (WHI) was created to reliably measure whole health. Using consumer- and area-level data from 93 measures of health in the three domains of global health, social drivers, and clinical quality, WHI makes it possible to better understand where there are gaps affecting the well-being of individuals and groups of people. This knowledge can inform solutions that may improve overall health and advance health equity. No other measure of health explicitly includes both social and physical drivers into one assessment and gives equal weight to both.
Why We Measure Whole Health
WHI creates a factual, objective, numerical calculation for each person. This makes it possible to measure the success of strategies designed to foster whole health and advance health equity. Accessible infographic.
Domains are weighted in alignment with the National Academy of Medicine’s Vital Signs framework. We placed factors related to physical and behavioral health (i.e. “global health” and “clinical quality”) into the ‘physical drivers’ (PD) portion of the assessment. We included factors related to social health into the ‘social drivers’ (SD) portion of the assessment. Together, these make up the overall WHI, but each driver could also be evaluated separately. This makes it possible to see whether the overall WHI is more heavily influenced by one set of factors.
The Correlation Between WHI and Other Health Indicators.
An independent third-party research and data analytics consultancy firm reviewed and confirmed the WHI’s effectiveness. Their validation found that high WHI numbers signaled longer life expectancy and more self-reported healthy days. Lower WHI was correlated with heightened mental and physical distress. Accessible infographic.
This external assessment shows WHI is a practical and valid measure of overall health for individuals and groups of people. Findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine’s Catalyst, a peer-reviewed journal featuring innovations in improving the healthcare delivery system.
The WHI is the first of its kind. We have shared the methodology because it has the potential to become a universal measure of overall health for the entire healthcare sector. We seek to partner with healthcare providers, community-based organizations, urban planners, and others to help improve health for all.
A Closer Look at the Index
The WHI scale ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 representing the best possible health. The people served by Anthem health plans range from 9 to 91, with average and median numbers at 53.
This figure represents the Whole Health Index assessment based on a sample size of 45 million people over a 12 month period (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022). Accessible infographic.
WHI in Action – Flu Vaccinations
Anthem began a flu vaccination campaign in 2022 focused on a group of members from all affiliated health plans who, as indicated by WHI, are at highest risk of complications should they catch the flu. This group received vaccination reminders via direct mail, emails, and text messages. We also worked with community partners to ensure access to vaccines through transportation assistance and local events. A seasonal analysis is conducted every year following the campaign. In addition to improving health outcomes overall, the campaign continues to show a boost in vaccine rates from 3-18% as well as a reduction in ER visits among those in the group.
Explore State-Level WHI Data
The WHI measures the overall health of a state’s residents. It can numerically validate information that may be only anecdotally known about social drivers of health, and as a result, identify actions that may be taken to improve health.