Early adopters see great benefit to patients, patient care budgets

Boston, MA (February 23, 2017) – Patients benefit from health systems’ pursuing research to improve medical practice within a short time.  This is the subject of a Perspective article co-authored by Richard Platt, MD of Harvard Medical School’s Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and co-author Tracy A. Lieu, MD, MPH of the Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California. The Perspective will be published in the February 23, 2017 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

The article discusses studies such as REDUCE MRSA, conducted by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute with the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), which found universal decolonization to be the most effective way to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in intensive care units.  Adopting this strategy in 138 HCA hospitals resulted in dramatic reductions in bloodstream infections and annual savings of more than $19 million.

“Our existing federally-funded research system, which focuses on large advances in knowledge and requires costly and lengthy protocols, cannot support the needed volume of applied research,” said Richard Platt. “We need greater leadership by health care systems not only to conduct applied research but also to share their findings with other providers and the community.”

“As a health plan, we applaud health systems that evaluate the treatment choices providers make every day and who commit to implementing the best practices, “said Eric H. Schultz, president and CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. “

“Organizations that conduct applied research effectively will learn how to deliver the right care to the people who need it.” Said Platt.

About Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute's Department of Population Medicine
The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute's Department of Population Medicine is a unique collaboration between Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Harvard Medical School.  Created in 1993, it is the only appointing medical school department in the United States based in a health plan.  The Institute focuses on improving health care delivery and population health through innovative research and teaching.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Mary Wallen
(617) 509-2419
mary_wallan@hphc.org