This weekly blog series is a roundup of recent news items and developments that I found interesting and would like to share.
Only one in four accountable care organization meet the Medicare Shared Savings Program goals of maintaining or improving outcomes while reducing costs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is considering revisions to the Medicare Shared Savings Program. The Brookings Institution analyzes some of the current issues facing accountable care organizations and makes a number of suggestions for improvements that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services might consider. This article is well worth reading, from both the US and international perspectives. Changes Needed to Fulfill the Potential of Medicare’s ACO Program
This is a summary of some of the benefits of open medical data culled from studies of healthcare in New York. The few examples cited are impressive. The authors also summarize some of the challenges. Liberating Data to Transform Health Care New York’s Open Data Experience
See this Brookings blog. I am sure there is more to be learned from India from what is here described but we agree that such lessons are worthwhile. What Can the US Health System Learn from India?
Please see this excellent write up from Brookings on a public private partnership for the delivery of integrated healthcare services in the Valencia region of Spain. The results are impressive in terms of reductions of admissions, readmissions, and cost. Spain: Reinventing Chronic Care Management for the Elderly
Aging at Home programs at a New York hospital. Healthy Aging at Weill Cornell
See this interesting analysis by the Financial Times on the impact of increased wealth on health systems. World’s Wealth Will Add to Health Burden
See this analysis in the Financial Times on Japan and its aging population. World Watches How Japan Manages its Aging Citizens
Some signs from the Financial Times analysis that the Affordable Care Act is helping to reduce healthcare costs while increasing access. Signs Show Obamacare is Bearing Fruit
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is interested in the flipped classroom for education of community care workers. “Flipping” the Medical School Classroom
This is an evaluation of the effectiveness of family planning assistance of community health workers in India. When community health workers are properly trained and directed, these workers can be effective. Their impact can be measured. Community Health Workers: Bringing Family Planning Services to Where People Live and Work
The export of the elderly is a phenomenon that will likely grow, particularly in the border areas of neighboring rich and poor countries. Is Grandma Destined for Export to Johor Baru?
See Brightpoint Health in New York City. They have some interesting programs for people of all ages, particularly the mentally ill and the elderly.
This article in the Lancet is a commentary on the ability of the National Health Service of the United Kingdom to deliver high quality care. The author highlights the importance of a political narrative in achieving healthcare goals. The Quality Narrative in Healthcare
The Innovation Center, empowered by the Affordable Care Act, was established to test new ways to reduce the cost and improve the quality of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. This is a brief summary of the progress. The authors summarize activities sponsored by the Innovation Center. State Innovation Model Initiative: A State Led Approach to Accelerating Health Care System Transformation
Disruptive Entrepreneurship is Transforming US Healthcare
An Age Friendly City: How Far Has London Come?
Five Cities with Top Game Changing Sustainability and Resilience Projects