Comparative Effectiveness Research: Informing Decisions and Improving Quality

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is the study of methods to “prevent, diagnose, treat, and monitor a clinical condition or to improve the delivery of care” (IOM 2009). Its purpose is to assist consumers, clinicians, purchasers, and policymakers in making informed decisions that will improve health care at both the individual and population levels (IOM 2009).

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Improving Diversity in the Health Professions

Why do many disadvantaged groups in the United States, including people of color and low-income populations, still lack reliable access to highquality, affordable health care? Why are these groups also among the most affected by persistent and ever-widening disparities in health and health care?

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Taking Action to Address Disparities through Health Reform

This webinar examined how funders can address health disparities through health reform.

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Improving Quality: Long-Term Vision and Incremental Change

Quality is one of the most pressing issues facing the health care system today, and foundations are using a variety of approaches to support quality improvement efforts at the local, state, and national levels, turning a cacophony of consumer voices into coherent, actionable work.

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Health Information Technology: Increasing Quality and Access within Safety Net Providers

Health foundations are uniquely positioned to help safety net providers reach their full health information technology potential, and by providing various means of support, foundations can help to bridge competitive tensions that often derail cooperation.

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Innovations in the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes

One of the most deadly and disabling consequences of America’s obesity epidemic is the precipitous increase of individuals suffering from diabetes. According to estimates by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), approximately 4,110 people are diagnosed with diabetes each day, with 1.5 million new cases diagnosed in 2005. The ADA predicts that one in three Americans born in 2000 will develop diabetes during their lifetime.

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Considering Quality: Engaging Consumers to Make Better Health Decisions

Given information and opportunity, consumers can play an important role in improving health care quality and the responsiveness of the health system to their needs. Whether they are making decisions about choosing a health plan, a particular provider, a course of treatment, or how to incorporate healthy choices into their daily lives, empowered and engaged consumers can be a potent force for change.

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Health Programs Get Funding Boost: New Federal Funds Available for Prevention, Treatment, and Research

This GIH Issue Focus highlights new federal funds available for prevention, treatment, and research, and shares additional policy developments relevant to funders.

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Grantmakers Respond to Medication Errors

Medication errors are among the most common preventable medical errors. This Issue Focus article discusses a variety of strategies to reduce medication errors, from relabeling similarly named medications to purchasing and implementing new technologies in institutional settings, and how foundations can facilitate the adoption of these and other strategies.

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Death of the Magic Bullet: Examining Antibiotic Resistance

This GIH Issue Focus examines antibiotic resistance and explores opportunities for health funders.

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