Evaluating the Impact of Initiatives in the Hudson Valley Region of New York

Weill Cornell Medical College is conducting independent evaluations of several initiatives in the Hudson Valley. The Hudson Valley has become a national leader in transforming communities through the implementation and use of interoperable health information technology, especially by solo and small-group practices. Rigorous evaluation can quantify the clinical and economic value of these initiatives.

Weill Cornell’s evaluations encompass multiple studies that measure the impact of the following technologies and programs:

• Electronic prescribing systems
• Electronic health records
• Health information exchange
• Pay-for-performance
• “Medical home” practice redesign
• Quality reporting

These studies examine the impact of these technologies and programs on:

• Health care quality
• Health care costs
• Medication safety
• Consumer perceptions and experiences
• Provider perceptions and experiences
• Implications for health care policy

In addition to evaluating technologies and programs individually, investigators at Cornell are conducting comparative effectiveness studies, including direct comparisons of different electronic prescribing systems and direct comparisons of pay-for-performance and the medical home.

Results to date include:

• Use of electronic prescribing significantly decreases the frequency of medication errors.
• Use of an electronic portal for laboratory result viewing significantly increases quality of care.
• Most health care consumers in the Hudson Valley are supportive of electronic health information exchange, both in terms of participating themselves and having their physicians participate.
• Physician leadership is critical for community transformation.

For more information about Cornell’s evaluations, contact:
Rainu Kaushal, MD, MPH at 646-962-8065 or rak2007@med.cornell.edu
Lisa Kern, MD, MPH at 646-962-8066 or lmk2003@med.cornell.edu