RWJF News Digest - Quality/Equality

California Telehealth Network Receives Funding for Expansion

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The California Telehealth Network is expected to receive $22 million in Federal Communication Commission (FCC) funding to expand its network, Government Health IT reports.

Physicians Increasingly Leverage Health IT for Patient Treatment

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Physicians and patients are growing increasingly more comfortable with relying on health information technology (IT) for routine medical care, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Community Health Centers to Receive More Than $851 Million for Upgrades

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration has released more than $851 million in grants made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support facility and equipment upgrades at federally qualified community health centers, AHA News Now reports.

Rhode Island Hospitals Adopt Voluntary Surgical Safety Protocol

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

All hospitals and surgical centers in Rhode Island have agreed to voluntarily adopt a surgical safety protocol designed to reduce the risk of wrong-site and wrong-patient surgeries, Modern Healthcare reports.

NQF Calls for Enhanced Pharmacist Role in Patient Safety Initiatives

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The National Quality Forum (NQF) is calling for hospital pharmacists to fill a greater role in patient safety initiatives and other hospital leadership activities, HealthLeaders Media reports.

State Reports Reveal Wide Variation in Health Care Quality

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released its annual set of reports detailing state-by-state health care quality, finding that there are "mixed reviews" for the quality of care being provided, with no states performing exceptionally well or very poorly on all quality measures, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Health Institute to Study Whether Cell Phone Technology Can Reduce Hospital Readmissions

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The San Diego-based medical research organization West Wireless Health Institute has announced plans to launch a study to determine whether cell phone technology can be harnessed to reduce hospital readmission rates among patients with heart disease, Healthcare IT News reports.

Report Details Five Strategies for State Medical Home Projects

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new report from the nonprofit National Academy for State Health Policy recommends five major strategies that states should consider when implementing medical home initiatives, Modern Healthcare reports.

FDA Releases Hospital Bed Safety Guidelines

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a guide designed to reduce the number of injuries patients incur as a result of hospital beds, Nurse.com reports.

Leading Health IT Network Ranks States' E-Prescribing Technology Use

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Massachusetts has been named by e-prescribing network SureScripts as the top electronic prescribing state for the second consecutive year, Healthcare IT News reports.

Bridges to Excellence Launches Five Reward Programs for Chronic Disease Improvements

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Bridges to Excellence has launched five new programs designed to assess physician improvement in the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of chronic disease, Healthcare IT News reports.

U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Create Cancer Care Improvement Demonstration Project

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

U.S. House of Representatives lawmakers are considering a measure that would establish a Medicare demonstration project that leverages health information technology (IT) to gather and track data on the quality of cancer care, Healthcare IT News reports.

Study Suggests Failure to Inform Patients of Abnormal Results 'Relatively Common'

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that more than 6 percent of abnormal test results are not communicated to patients, and that mixing of electronic and paper records is a key driver of miscommunication, HealthDay News reports.

Health Group to Launch Initiative to Improve Medication Adherence

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The New England Healthcare Institute (NEHI) has announced plans to launch an initiative aimed at improving medication adherence among patients with chronic illnesses, Modern Healthcare reports.

RWJF Releases Report from First Phase of Patient-Centered PHR Pilot

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has released a report detailing the first phase of its effort to develop the next generation of personal health records (PHRs), AHA News Now reports.

Premier Recognizes 23 U.S. Hospitals for Care Quality, Operational Efficiency

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Premier health care alliance has announced the winners of its annual Award for Quality, which recognizes hospitals' commitment to outstanding patient care and operational efficiency, Healthcare Finance News reports.

Boston Hospital to Provide Patients Online Access to Physicians' Notes

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

In an effort to determine whether granting patients access to physician notes may improve care, Boston-based Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has announced plans to participate in a one-year project that will allow between 25,000 and 30,000 patients to read physician notes in their electronic medical records (EMRs), the Boston Globe reports.

New Jersey Legislature Approves Hospital Error Reporting Bill

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The New Jersey Senate has approved a measure that, if signed by Gov. John Corzine (D), would require the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to disclose more detailed information on 14 preventable medical errors at New Jersey hospitals, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Foundation Awards Grants for Hospital Safety Projects

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Cardinal Health Foundation has awarded $1 million in grants to hospitals for projects designed to leverage health information technology (IT) and other measures to improve patient safety, Healthcare IT News reports.

Oregon Lawmaker Proposes Measure to Improve Care Quality, Efficiency

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) has introduced a series of measures aimed at improving care quality and efficiency and facilitating the provision of end-of-life care, Modern Healthcare reports.

California to Launch Statewide E-Prescribing Pilot Initiative

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The California Public Employee's Retirement System (CalPERS) has teamed with Anthem Blue Cross, Medco Health Solutions and Blue Shield of California to deploy a statewide electronic prescribing platform, Healthcare IT News reports.

U.S. News Releases Annual 'Best Children's Hospitals' Report

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

U.S. News and World Report has released its 20th annual list of the nation's "Best Children's Hospitals," this year forgoing its traditional overarching best hospital list and instead creating an "Honor Roll" containing facilities that earned a spot on the top-30 lists for all 10 specialties surveyed, the Denver Business Journal reports.

Study Suggests Telehealth Can Improve Outcomes for CHD Patients

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study appearing in the June issue of the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation suggests that telemedicine may effectively reduce risk factors for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), Healthcare IT News reports.

RWJF Awards Planning Grant to Boston Coalition for Care Quality Improvement

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded a $200,000 planning grant to a Boston-based coalition to support efforts to develop strategies to improve the quality of care delivered to city residents, Public News Service reports.

West Virginia to Test Patient-Centered Medical Home Models

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III (R) has approved a measure that authorizes the state's health care facilities to study patient-centered medical home models, AAFP News Now reports.

University of South Florida to Establish New Minority Cancer Research Center

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Tampa-based University of South Florida (USF) and nearby H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute have been awarded a $6 million federal grant to establish a National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) Center for Excellence, the Tampa Bay Business Journal reports.

MedPAC Proposes Payment System that Rewards Value, not Volume of Care

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has issued a report to Congress describing how Medicare could be strengthened to provide better care quality for beneficiaries, CQ HealthBeat reports.

Improving Nurse Environment Improves Hospital Outcomes, Patient Satisfaction, Study Finds

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study published online in Health Affairs as part of a series on nursing workforce issues suggests that improving nurses' work environments may enhance patient experience and care quality, AHA News Now reports.

Rhode Island to Launch Health Information Exchange

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Rhode Island is expected to this fall launch a statewide health information exchange (HIE) that will allow providers to access patients' lab data and medication histories, HealthLeaders Media reports.

Florida University to Test Use of Health IT to Improve Diabetes Care

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Florida-based University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has announced plans to partner with Microsoft on a pilot project to determine whether health information technology (IT) can improve the care quality provided to patients with diabetes, the Miami Herald reports.

Nurses Develop Rap Song to Encourage Hand Hygiene Practices

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nurses in the same-day surgery unit at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a rap video crafted to encourage fellow nurses and clinicians to adhere to proper hand hygiene practices, HealthLeaders Media reports.

Joint Commission Proposes Standards for Communication, Cultural Competence

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Joint Commission is seeking comments on new proposed hospital accreditation requirements that seek to "advance effective communication, cultural competence and patient-centered care," Modern Healthcare reports.

Sebelius, Congressional Caucus Call for Health Reform to Address Disparities

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

In conjunction with the release of a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) report asserting that low-income individuals and racial and ethnic minorities have "disproportionally higher rates of disease, fewer treatment options and reduced access to care," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has called for health reform efforts to include efforts to reduce health disparities, AHA News Now reports.

Infection-Prevention Specialists Report Shrinking Budgets

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new survey from the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) suggests that, despite the increasing prevalence of health care-associated infections (HAIs), many hospitals are cutting infection prevention programs, Modern Healthcare reports.

Hospitals Use Simulation Training Labs to Promote Culture of Safety

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Several hospitals are leveraging simulation technology, which has long been employed to teach clinical techniques, to train clinicians to foster a culture of safety, HealthLeaders Media reports.

Minnesota Employer Group to Launch PHR System

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Minnesota-based employer health care coalition Buyers Health Care Action Group has announced plans to launch a personal health record (PHR) system, Health Data Management reports.

Radiology Association to Launch National Mammography Database

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has announced plans to launch a national mammography database that will guide mammography service providers as they implement best practices to improve care, Healthcare IT News reports.

Washington, D.C., Health Officials Announce Plans for Medicaid HIE

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Department of Health Care Finance, Washington, D.C.'s Medicaid Agency, has announced plans to launch a health information exchange (HIE) pilot project, Healthcare IT News reports.

University of Florida Pilots Hand-Hygiene Reminder System

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

University of Florida (UF) researchers have developed a system that can monitor compliance with proper hand-hygiene practices, Bartlesville Live reports.

UnitedHealth to Offer Web-Based Physician Consultation Service

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

UnitedHealth Group has announced plans to collaborate with American Well to develop an online physician consultation service, the Associated Press reports.

Harvard Medical School Taps Mobile Health Clinic to Improve Care Quality

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study in BMC Medicine suggests that a Harvard Medical School mobile health clinic that provides free preventive health care and counseling to low-income residents has helped enhance the quality of care provided to the city's residents, the Boston Globe reports.

New York City EHR Project Touted as National Model

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

An electronic health record (EHR) project in New York City is being touted as a model for other regional health information technology (IT) projects, Government Health IT reports.

Pennsylvania Hospital Uses EMRs to Enhance Patient Handoff

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Recognizing that traditional paper patient handoff forms used to communicate vital patient information were often incorrectly completed, greatly increasing the risk of medical errors, Pennsylvania-based Abington Memorial Hospital has leveraged its electronic medical records (EMRs) to streamline its handoff process, HealthLeaders Media reports.

Indiana HIE to Use Funding for E-Prescribing Technology

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Indiana-based health information exchange HealthLINC has received federal funding to add e-prescribing capabilities to its service offerings, Healthcare IT News reports.

Kentucky RHIO Receives Funding to Expand Services to Rural Areas

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Northeast Kentucky Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) and Morehead State University have received an $85,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand its network to rural regions of the state, Government Health IT reports.

Physicians, Patients Reap Benefits of Virtual Medicine Services

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A growing body of research suggests that patients are becoming more receptive to virtual medicine services, such as videoconferencing, instant messaging and other online platforms, employed by physicians to improve care quality and boost efficiency, the Boston Globe reports.

Maryland Launches eICU Initiative

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Maryland hospitals are now able to participate in a new coordinated electronic intensive care unit (eICU) initiative, Health Data Management reports.

HRET Receives Funding to Help Hospitals Implement AHRQ Quality, Safety Tools

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has awarded the Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET) a $1.8-million contract to assist hospitals as they implement the agency's quality and safety resources, AHA News Now reports.

Maryland Governor Approves Measure to Increase EHR Adoption

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has approved a measure designed to encourage health care providers to implement electronic health records (EHRs), Health Data Management reports.

Study Finds Preoperative Team Briefing Reduces Surgical Errors, Costs

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons suggests that a preoperative surgical team briefing prior to cardiac procedures may improve communication and reduce errors, Modern Healthcare reports.

Alabama Medicaid to Make E-Prescribing Available to Physicians

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

As part of a broader effort to implement an electronic health information exchange, the Alabama Medicaid Agency has announced plans to make a new electronic prescribing tool available to physicians who treat Medicaid beneficiaries, Healthcare IT News reports.

Report Outlines Suggested Improvements for Primary Care Delivery

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Massachusetts-based New England Healthcare Institute (NEHI) has released a report outlining strategies aimed at improving the quality and availability of primary care, Health Data Management reports.

VA Announces Funding to Bolster Rural Health Care Delivery

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded $215 million to support 74 programs that seek to improve care delivery to veterans residing in rural areas, Modern Healthcare reports.

UPenn Health System Reduces VAP Cases Using eICU

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The University of Pennsylvania Health System is leveraging an existing electronic intensive care unit (eICU) system to reduce ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP) among ICU patients, HealthLeaders Media reports.

Insurer to Participate in California Health Information Exchange

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

UnitedHealthcare has announced plans to collaborate with the California Regional Health Information Organization (CalRHIO) to launch a statewide health information exchange (HIE), making UnitedHealthcare the first insurer to support health data exchange services in the state, Healthcare IT News reports.

Indian Health Service to Use Federal Stimulus Funds for Health IT Improvements

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is expected to spend $85 million of its $500 million federal economic stimulus appropriation on health information technology (IT) upgrades at facilities that provide care for predominantly American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Health Data Management reports.

Study Assesses Consumer Opinion of EHR's Role in Health Care

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study published in the June issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine finds that patients and providers would welcome the opportunity to have electronic health records (EHR) and other related technologies play a more substantial role in their care, Healthcare IT News reports.

Hospitals Invest in Healing Design Elements to Improve Efficiency, Outcomes

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Hospitals are increasingly turning to evidence-based design elements to ensure that new construction and renovation projects best meet the needs of patients and staff, the New York Times reports.

Consumers Union Report Suggests Lack of Progress Toward Reducing Preventable Medical Errors

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new report by nonprofit publisher Consumers Union suggests that, despite an "initial flurry of activity" following the release of the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) 1999 "To Err is Human" report, the nation has since made limited progress against several of the IOM's recommended patient safety reforms, Reuters reports.

Maryland Governor Signs Bill to Increase EHR Availability, Build HIE

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has signed legislation that will allow the state to use funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide health care groups incentives to implement electronic health records as part of a broader coordinated effort to create a statewide health information exchange (HIE), the Washington Business Journal reports.

Program at Massachusetts Hospital Highlights Challenge of Curbing Readmissions Among Elderly

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A Massachusetts General Hospital initiative targeting preventable hospitalizations and ED visits among elderly patients exemplifies the challenge faced by providers trying to trim costs while improving outcomes, the Boston Globe reports.

Massachusetts Passes Hospital Error Reporting Rules

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Massachusetts Public Health Council has voted to implement aggressive medical error reporting rules for hospitals, the Boston Herald reports.

Hospitals Encountering Challenges in Efforts to Cut Readmissions

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Despite the industrywide push to reduce preventable hospital readmissions, some hospitals are encountering unintended obstacles to improvement, the New York Times reports.

West Virginia Health Care Providers Adopt VA EHR Technology

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

West Virginia has adopted the Veterans Administration's (VA) open-source electronic health record (EHR) software, VistA, in several state-run hospitals and nursing homes that treat elderly and psychiatric patients, the Boston Globe reports.

Pennsylvania Health Insurer Awards Grants for EHR Adoption

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Pennsylvania-based health insurer Highmark has announced plans to provide $1 million to encourage physician adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), the Pittsburgh Business Times reports.

GE Plans Lower-Cost Health Products as Part of New Initiative

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

General Electric (GE) has announced that it will invest $6 billion over the next six years to develop at least 100 lower-cost medical equipment and technology products and services aimed at lowering health care costs, improving care quality and increasing access, as well as promoting the adoption of medical information technology (IT), the New York Times reports.

AHRQ Report Highlights Health Care Quality, Access Disparities Gap

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new report published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) finds that health care disparities across at least 60 percent of quality measures stayed the same or worsened between 2000 to 2001 and 2005 to 2006, AHA News Now reports.

Patients Receiving Only 59 Percent of Recommended Care, AHRQ Finds

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The sixth annual National Healthcare Quality Report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) finds that the quality of care provided by the U.S. health care system continues to improve at a slow pace, but many Americans still do not receive recommended care, AHA News Now reports.

Beth Israel Medical Center Uses Game of Tag to Enhance Compliance with Hospital Protocols

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Boston-based Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is using the popular childhood game of Tag to encourage emergency department (ED) staff to better comply with hospital protocols, HealthLeaders Media reports.

RWJF Awards Funding for Public Health Records Project

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has awarded $5.3 million to a national University of Wisconsin School of Nursing-based program that develops personal health records (PHR) systems, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Washington Hospital Implements Techniques to Prevent Infection

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Seattle-based Swedish Medical Center has implemented four techniques aimed at reducing central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates, HealthLeaders Media reports.

Health Groups Outline Strategies for Reducing Racial Care Disparities

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A coalition of 24 national health and advocacy organizations has sent a letter to President Obama and congressional leaders outlining three legislative strategies aimed at reducing health care disparities among racial and ethnic minorities as part of broader health reform, AHA News Now reports.