Outcomes and Effectiveness Research
Current Grants
Accelerating Change and Transformation in Organizations and Networks (ACTION)
Nathaniel Hupert, M.D., M.P.H., PI
Agency of Health Research and Quality (AHRQ)
3/1/2006-6/30/2010
The ACTION contract provides funding to form a partnership for rapid-cycle, applied research one-to-two-year research projects examining how various technologies and strategies may improve outcomes and delivery. Topics of study include the structure, organization and coordination of care; economic incentives; patient safety; working conditions and quality of care; health care for medically underserved populations; long-term care; health information technology; and readiness for terrorist events and other public emergencies. The Weill Cornell partnership for ACTION includes NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Healthcare System, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, and GHI. CERT collaborators include the Hospital for Special Surgery and The Methodist Hospital (Houston).
CERT for Conducting Research in Medical Devices
Alvin I. Mushlin, M.D., Sc.M., PI
Agency of Health Research and Quality (AHRQ)
04/01/06-03/31/11
The Centers for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTs) is a research program administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration, agencies within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The mission of the CERTs is to conduct research and provide education that will advance the optimal use of drugs, medical devices, and biological products.
The Weill Cornell CERT is based both in the Medical College's
Department of Public Health and in the Hospital for Special Surgery
(HSS). It's research projects focus on the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of medical and orthopedic devices.
Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics on Health Information Technology (CERT-HIT)
Rainu Kaushal, M.D., M.P.H., sub-PI; Lisa M. Kern, M.D., M.P.H., Investigator (subcontract – Brigham Women’s Hospital, PI: Bates)
Agency of Health Research and Quality (AHRQ)
9/1/2007 – 8/31/2011
The goals of the CERT are to answer questions related to the impact of HIT on therapeutics, including appropriateness, safety and efficacy across diverse patient populations. Six projects are proposed, covering a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient, inpatient and the transition period after discharge from the hospital.
Center of Excellence in Health Disparities Research
Alvin I. Mushlin, M.D., Sc.M., co-Investigator (Carla Boutin-Foster, M.D., M.S., PI)
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD)
07/25/09 – 05/31/14
This is an application to establish a Comprehensive Center of Excellence in Disparities Research and Community Engagement (CEDREC) as a consortium between Weill Cornell Medical College, Hunter College School of Nursing-City University of New York, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, and the Center for Healthful Behavior Change at New York University School of Medicine.
Collaborative Planning for Delivery of Essential Healthcare Services
Nathaniel Hupert, M.D., M.P.H., Wei Xiong, Ph.D., sub-co-PIs
(subcontract – Dartmouth University, PI: Robert Gougelet)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)
New England Center for Emergency Preparedness (NECEP)
01/01/2009 – 11/30/2009
This project is designed to demonstrate and document a total and integrated response to an overwhelming influenza pandemic. Through the project, the State of New Hampshire in conjunction with its critical partners, will demonstrate and evaluate plans and methods for coordination of healthcare delivery that will function despite disruptions, and plan for the identification, maintenance, and prioritization of essential healthcare services while caring for large numbers of influenza patients during a pandemic.
Developing, Validating and Employing Quality Metrics for HIT and HIE in the Ambulatory Setting
Rainu Kaushal, M.D., M.P.H., PI; Lisa M. Kern, M.D., M.P.H., Investigator
Agency of Health Research and Quality (AHRQ)
9/30/2007 – 6/29/2010
The aims of this grant are: 1) to develop a set of quality metrics that can be retrieved electronically and is sensitive to the types of improvements in quality that health information technology (HIT) with health information exchange (HIE) may contribute in the ambulatory setting, 2) to validate the quality metric set, 3) to test the reliability of electronic retrieval of the quality metric set, and 4) to use the quality metric set to evaluate the long-term effects of using HIT with HIE on quality of care.
The Effects of Primary Care Practice Redesign on Quality, Cost and Patient Experience in the Hudson Valley
Lisa M. Kern, M.D., M.P.H., PI; Rainu Kaushal, M.D., M.P.H., PI
The Commonwealth Fund
1/1/2009–12/31/2011
The objectives of the grant are to determine the effects of medical home implementation on quality, cost and the patient experience in the Hudson Valley, a region comprised of eight suburban and rural counties immediately north of New York City.
Electronic Prescribing and Electronic Transmission of Medication Lists at Discharge to Improve Ambulatory Medication Safety
Rainu Kaushal, M.D., M.P.H., PI; Lisa M. Kern, M.D., M.P.H., Investigator
Agency of Health Research and Quality (AHRQ)
9/30/2007 – 9/29/2010
The aims of this grant are: 1) to measure the effects of transitioning from one electronic prescribing system to another on medication errors and human-computer interactions in the ambulatory setting, and 2) to evaluate the impact of electronic transmission of discharge medication lists from the hospital to the ambulatory setting on medication errors and adverse drug events.
Evaluation of the Healthcare Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers Program (HEAL NY) – Phase 5
Rainu Kaushal, M.D., M.P.H., PI; Lisa M. Kern, M.D., M.P.H., Investigator
New York State Department of Health
9/1/2008 – 8/31/2011
This series of studies assesses the impact of the HEAL 5 initiative, which consists of efforts to build a statewide health information network for New York, enhance clinical information systems, and facilitate implementation of electronic health records. The HEAL 5 initiative comprises 19 projects being pursued by 16 grantees. We will evaluate the effect of each grantee’s project on one of the following outcomes: public health, medication management, quality reporting, or consumers.
Evaluation of THINC Clinical Information Technology
Rainu Kaushal, M.D., M.P.H., PI; Lisa M.Kern, M.D., M.P.H., Investigator
New York State Department of Health (subcontract Taconic IPA)
7/1/2007 – 6/30/2011
This series of studies will evaluate the impact of implementing electronic medical records in the Taconic region of New York State by THINC (the Taconic Health Information Network and Community). The 5 components of this proposal assess: the financial impact, changes in quality of care, effects on medication errors, provider perceptions, and patient perceptions.
Hospital Preparedness Exercise Evaluation Resource Guidebook
Nathaniel Hupert, M.D., M.P.H., P.I.; Wei Xiong, Ph.D., Co-investigator
Agency of Health Research and Quality (AHRQ) – ACTION task order
09/30/08 – 12/31/09
The purpose of this task order is to address the need to develop a set of overarching guidance principles which will allow hospitals to communicate effectively with community partners, meet federal exercise requirements and meet accreditation standards.
Inaugural Director of the CDC's new Preparedness Modeling Unit
Nathaniel Hupert, M.D., M.P.H. PI
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
09/02/2008-02/28/2010
This initiative supports, coordinates, and leads preparedness modeling activities throughout the CDC. The PI will provide substantial assistance to senior scientists within the CDC and the assignment will provide him with access to resources which will allow him to further develop and enhance skills as a researcher and practitioner of "computational public health."
K23: Training Grant and Career Development - WMC
Alvin I. Mushlin, M.D., Sc.M., Investigator (Pina Sanelli, M.D., P.I.)
National Institues of Health
07/01/2008-06/30/2013
This K23 award proposes to study the sensitivity and specificity of CT perfusion to provide earlier detection and guide treatment of vasospasm after SAH. The plan focuses on the use of CT perfusion to detect early vasospasm in patients with SAH due to an aneurysm, to compare CTP with other techniques, and to use CTP to guide therapy and improve outcomes.
K30: Clinical Research Curriculum Award - WMC
Alvin I. Mushlin, M.D., Sc.M., Investigator (Julianne Imperato-McGinley, M.D., P.I.)
National Institues of Health
/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
09/19/2005–08/31/2010
The overall goal of the K30:Clinical Research Curriculum Award - WMC is to train patient-oriented researchers to conceive, design and conduct independent clinical research in a well-structured cross-disciplinary team environment. The primary objective is to provide the fundamental skills of clinical research and an understanding of the complex issues associated with conducting such research.
Medical Groups, Pay for Performance, and Disparities in Health Care
Lawrence P. Casalino, M.D., Ph.D., PI
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
04/01/2009 – 09/30/2010
The project goals are to provide specific knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methodologies for studying and affecting organizational change.
National Study of Physician Organizations and the Management of Chronic Illness II
Lawrence P. Casalino, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Investigator (Stephen Shortell, Ph.D. [PI], University of California at Berkeley)
Commonwealth Fund
11/01/2008 - 04/30/2010
Dr. Casalino’s focus in this project is the conceptualization and development of site visit materials; the site visits themselves; and the analysis of the data and reporting of the results from the site visits.
National Study of Small and Medium-Sized Physician Practices
Lawrence P. Casalino, M.D., Ph.D., PI
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
02/15/2007-02/28/2010
This study will develop a national sampling frame for studying medical practices of 1-19 physicians, including a 40 minute telephone survey with the medical director, lead physician, or CEO/president of each practice. It will analyze the small practice survey data and link it to Medicare claims data and conduct analyses of the relationships of practice structure and processes to quality and costs.
Prospective evaluation of the clinical and economic outcomes of total joint replacement: The CERT joint replacement registry
Alvin I. Mushlin, M.D., Sc.M., Co-PI (with Thomas Sculco, M.D., HSS)
Agency of Health Research and Quality (AHRQ)
04/01/2006-03/31/2011
Establishing and analyzing the CERT joint replacement registry is the main project of the Weill Cornell CERT program on medical devices. The aim of the joint registry is to build a comprehensive database of information on all aspects of the total joint replacement experience. This project is a collaborative effort between Weill Cornell Medical College and the Hospital for Special Surgery.
Transforming Safety-Net Clinics into Patient-Centered Medical Homes
Lawrence P. Casalino, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Investigator (M. Chin, [PI], University of Chicago)
Commonwealth Fund
11/01/2008 - 1/31/2013
This study will evaluate whether a Commonwealth Fund initiative to help 50 safety net clinics transform themselves into Patient Centered Medical Homes is successful at aiding the transformation. It will include an examination of the factors associated with success or failure at individual clinics. The study will also evaluate whether the initive results in higher quality, more efficient medical care and enhanced patient satisfaction.
Understanding Why Some Physician Organizations Excel at Chronic Disease Management
Lawrence P. Casalino, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Investigator (Stephen Shortell, Ph.D. [PI], University of California at Berkeley)
Commonwealth Fund
11/01/2008 – 09/30/2010
For his subcontract, Dr. Casalino will conceptualize and develop site visit materials and analyze data and report results from site visits.
Recent Grants
Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative II
Nathaniel Hupert, M.D., M.P.H., PI
Clinton Foundation
7/1/2006-6/30/2008
This contract continues with previous work assisting in the development and implementation of national plans scaling up care and treatment for people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide. The goal of this project is to improve access to quality care and treatment for HIV and AIDS.
Disparities in Radiotherapy for Early Breast Cancer and DCIS
Alvin I. Mushlin, M.D., Sc.M., Mentor (Heather Taffet Gold, Ph.D., PI)
American Cancer Society
01/1/2004–12/31/2008
This study will assess the quality of radiation treatment and the impact of lower quality for women diagnosed with DCIS and early breast cancer.
Enhancing Surge Capacity and Partnership Effort, University of California-Davis Hospital and Health System
Nathaniel Hupert, M.D., M.P.H., Co-PI (In collaboration with Dr. C. Sandrock [PI], University of California at Davis)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
9/1/2007– 9/29/2008
This project focuses on quantifying the role of telemedicine and altered standards of care on outcomes of hospital-based care for victims of local or widespread medical emergencies.
Evaluating the Impact on Quality and Costs of Regional Clinical Data Exchange Programs in New York State
Rainu Kaushal, M.D., M.P.H., PI; Lisa M. Kern, M.D., M.P.H., Investigator
The Commonwealth Fund
11/1/2006 – 7/31/2009
This study will calculate the return on investment for 6 regional health information organizations in New York State, from the perspectives of providers and payers.
Framework Program for Global Health
Alvin I. Mushlin, M.D., Sc.M., Mentor (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine. P.I.: Warren Johnson, M.D.)
NIH Fogarty
04/01/2007–03/31/2009
The aim of this multidisciplinary project, developed by faculty at the five Cornell University colleges, will create a global health curriculum that combines new courses and seminars with existing courses and domestic and international research experiences and internships to provide a career pathway for the next generation of global health scientists, and will encourage researchers in global health to engage in greater collaboration and interactions in research.
HCV Treatment Cost-Effectiveness in 3 IDU Populations
Alvin I. Mushlin, M.D., Sc.M., Mentor (Bruce R. Schackman, Ph.D., PI)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
04/01/2004 – 03/31/2009
This K01 award will support the PI’s development as an independent research scientist conducting economic evaluations of the medical complications of IDU.
Models and Tools for Mass Casualty Surge Requirement
Nathaniel Hupert, M.D., M.P.H., Co-PI (Sub-Contract with Abt Associates, Inc. PI: Casagrande)
Agency of Health Research and Quality (AHRQ)
09/01/2007-03/31/2009
This contract is a continuation of the design and module creation for AHRQ Surge Model of mass casualty hospital response. Specific modules covered under this subcontract include botulinum, explosive device, and food-borne illness.
The Role of Diabetes Mellitus in Qatar: Evaluating Treatment Patterns, Risk Factors, and Outcomes
Alvin I. Mushlin, M.D., Sc.M., PI; Lisa M. Kern, M.D., M.P.H., Investigator
Weill Cornell Medical College, State of Qatar
07/01/2005 – 06/30/2008
This project in collaboration with WMC-Q and Hamad Hospital will include several studies investigating the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Cardiovascular disease in the Qatari population. Each study will provide excellent opportunities for students at the Weill Medical College at Qatar to participate in all phases of research, including data collection, analysis, interpretation of results, and development of manuscripts.
THINC RHIO Pay-for-Performance Demonstration Project
Rainu Kaushal, M.D., M.P.H., site PI; Lisa M. Kern, M.D., M.P.H., Investigator (subcontract THINC RHIO, Inc. PI: Blair)
New York State Department of Health
7/1/2007 – 1/31/2009
This study will evaluate the effects of a pay-for-performance initiative which integrates data from several insurance companies into a single report card for physicians.
