Health Policy and Regulation
by Laura DeStefano | Jul 26, 2013 | Discussion Paper, Perspectives
Introduction Health literacy refers to a broad set of skills that help patients understand health information, implement basic self-care activities, and navigate health care systems. These skills include reading, writing, and math, as well as the ability to comprehend...
by Laura DeStefano | Jul 26, 2013 | Commentary, Perspectives
The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM’s) report Best Care at Lower Cost [1] indicates that team-based care is an important tool for making the transition to a learning health care system, and it is a major objective of the work the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation has been...
by Laura DeStefano | Jul 16, 2013 | Commentary, Perspectives
Rising health care costs, increasing prevalence of chronic disease, persisting health care disparities and access issues, and the aging population underlie the urgent need for change in the U.S. health care system to simultaneously improve health and reduce costs...
by Laura DeStefano | Jul 12, 2013 | Commentary, Perspectives
The national health care system is beginning to embrace the idea of a continuously learning health care system, as proposed by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the report Best Care at Lower Cost [1]. The necessity of such a system arose from the IOM’s Quality Chasm...
by Jenna Ogilvie | Jul 10, 2013 | Discussion Paper, Perspectives
Although the U.S. health system excels in several areas, its overall performance remains uneven in terms of safety, quality, value, and the health outcomes achieved. One important lever to address these performance gaps is the use of structured, evidence-based...
by Laura DeStefano | Jun 28, 2013 | Commentary, Perspectives
As discussed by Christine Cassel of the American Board of Internal Medicine in an Institute of Medicine (IOM) commentary on June 14, 2013, the Choosing Wisely campaign unites more than 25 medical specialty societies, each agreeing to identify “Five Things Physicians...
by Jenna Ogilvie | Jun 25, 2013 | Discussion Paper, Perspectives
Introduction Good health is important—for our work, our play, and our everyday lives. There are many things we can do to maintain good health. We can exercise, eat healthy foods, and not smoke. But sometimes we need medical care to help keep us from getting sick or...
by Laura DeStefano | Jun 21, 2013 | Discussion Paper, Perspectives
In April 2013, in collaboration with the Connecticut Health Foundation, the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM’s) Roundtable on the Promotion of Health Equity and the Elimination of Health Disparities convened a public workshop with community leaders and health policy...
by Laura DeStefano | Jun 11, 2013 | Commentary, Perspectives
Business and government often respond rapidly, without engaging health professionals, in their efforts to solve crises or embrace new technologies. Too often, decisions made prove to be shortsighted. One needs only to look to recent history for unintended...
by Laura DeStefano | May 29, 2013 | Discussion Paper, Perspectives
Introduction We are entering a critical time in health care in the United States. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) changes the American health care system in many ways. Of major importance is the fact that it expands access to health insurance for...
