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HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Clinical Decision Support and Medical Liability — Jul 11, 2011

Approaches for integrating Clinical Decision Support technology into clinical practice need to take complex issues into account, including "alert fatigue," medical liability concerns, and general patient welfare. Liability concerns, while important, should not override or derail the clinical value of CDS and patient safety.

RAND Health in the News

A selection of news reporting on critical RAND Health research and commentary.

The Affordable Care Act: Four Key Policy Areas

With the complex process of implementing the ACA underway, RAND research is tracking the progress of implementation and assessing the potential consequences of choices facing federal and state governments, employers, families, and individuals.

Our work has examined the law's likely impact in four key policy areas: costs and coverage, state exchanges, Medicaid expansion, and payment reform and new models of care.

What's Trending

Should States Expand Medicaid Under the ACA?

U.S. state map with stethoscopeSome governors have stated publicly that their states will not participate in Medicaid expansion. A recent RAND study explores how this could affect government costs and coverage.

Health Reform Shields Young Adults from Emergency Medical Costs

A nurse meeting with a young woman and her mother in a hospitalA new federal law allowing young adults to remain on their parents' medical insurance through age 25 has shielded them, their families, and hospitals from the full financial consequences of serious medical emergencies.

Jury Is Still Out on Bariatric Surgery for Patients with Moderate Obesity and Diabetes

patient getting a blood sugar testBariatric surgery for diabetic people who are not severely obese has shown promising results in controlling glucose, but more information is needed about the long-term benefits and risks before recommending bariatric surgery over non-surgical weight-loss treatment for these individuals.

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Journal Article

Engagement Is Key to Improving Depression Care in Underserved Communities — Jun 14, 2013

women in dryer chairsIncorporating community programs such as churches, social service providers, and beauty salons into efforts to improve depression care in low-income neighborhoods can help improve quality of life and lower the risk of a life crisis.

Project

Improving Infant and Maternal Health in Rural Nigeria — Jun 13, 2013

Nigerian midwifeThe BORN Study examines efforts to improve maternal and infant health in Nigeria, where more than 250,000 infants die each year. BORN findings could have wide-ranging impact on health in the region.

Blog

Saving Grady: Reflections on Kate Neuhausen's Narrative Matters Essay — Jun 10, 2013

Atlanta's Grady Memorial HospitalIt was widely assumed that Atlanta's Grady Memorial Hospital would be the next storied public hospital close its doors, but at its darkest hour, it received help from an unexpected quarter, says Art Kellermann.

Report

Improving Care for Medicare Beneficiaries with Physician Payment Reform — Jun 5, 2013

doctor speaking with senior patientPhysician payment policy is shifting from one that incentivizes the delivery of more services without regard to quality or outcomes to one that incentivizes the delivery of high quality, resource conscious health care. Thoughtful incentive design can ease the transition process for both physicians and the Medicare program.

Blog

Moore Must Be Ready for Psychological Aftermath — May 31, 2013

Moore, Okla. resident looking through remains of her house that was detroyed by the tornadoEnsuring the availability of needed mental health resources was critical in the immediate aftermath and recovery phase of the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado. Authorities in Oklahoma must ensure that such services are in place early so that Moore's residents can begin the long journey to recovery.

Report

Reviewing Workplace Wellness Programs — May 30, 2013

businessman with bicycleWorkplace wellness programs are becoming quite common, and employers are optimistic about their benefits. However, such programs must be well-executed to have a meaningful effect on employee health, and significant reductions in health care cost may take time to materialize.

Blog

Resources for Schools and Parents Following the Deadly Oklahoma Tornado — May 29, 2013

Tornado damaged classroom in the Tower Elementary School in Moore, OKThe toll of the tornado on school students in Moore, Oklahoma, cannot be overstated. To assist with recovery, RAND's CBITS program offers resources on psychological first aid for schools, as well as additional materials for educators and parents.

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Special Feature

Four Strategies to Contain America's Growing Health Care Spending

pills and coinsIn its second term, the Obama Administration can restrain further health care spending growth—without compromising quality—by employing four broad strategies: fostering efficient and accountable providers, engaging and empowering consumers, promoting population health, and facilitating high-value innovation.

RAND Health Newsletter

June 2013

This month's newsletter provides resources for responders, schools, and parents after the deadly tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. Additional topics include the growing role of U.S. emergency departments, the status of workplace wellness programs, the effects of the ACA on young adults staying on their parents' insurance, and more

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