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Describe your topic.
Changes in healthcare within the United States have led to significant changes to the relationship between physicians and hospitals. In the past, physicians were dependent on inpatient services offered by hospitals. With a shift of care to the ambulatory setting, physicians became less dependent on hospitals. Eventually, physician practices competed with hospitals in the outpatient market. The different ways physicians and hospitals aligned with each other have evolved over time due to these changes and there are currently several models for this relationship in existence. How these models compare with each other is not well understood. The nominator wanted to know: (1) What are the benefits and harms of various physician-hospital alignment models on physician outcomes? ; (2) What are the benefits and harms of various physician-hospital alignment models on patient outcomes? ; and (3) Do the benefits and harms of various physician-hospital alignment models vary by physician characteristics?
Describe why this topic is important.
The nominator expressed that this was a topic of importance to healthcare systems due to the myriad models of physician-hospital alignment in existence. Determining which among these models would lead to the best possible patient outcomes through a well-conducted systematic review was of value to the health systems with representation within the HMA.
Tell us why you are suggesting this topic.
AHRQ EPC Staff solicited this nomination from HMA, a health systems organization. Addressing the needs and concerns of health systems is a current priority of AHRQ.
Target Date.
Describe what you are doing currently and what you are hoping will change because of a new evidence report.
An evidence review conducted on the current topic will be useful in helping health systems decide on establishing and adapting physician-hospital alignment models that promote optimal physician practice and favorable patient outcomes.
How will you or your group use the information from a new evidence report?
Results will inform decision-making within health systems with regard to adoption of an optimal physician-hospital alignment model that meets their needs and the needs of their patients.
How would you or your group plan to disseminate information from the report? Who would you plan to disseminate it to?
HMA will use the results of the review and disseminate it among member health systems. HMA is comprised of executive members from the country's largest integrated health systems and a strategic balance of the industry's most innovative companies. Executive members exchange best practices and benchmark information on increasing the quality and efficiency of healthcare. The Academy is a knowledge source for identifying and monitoring tactical and strategic issues
Do you know of organizations that could use an evidence report to change clinical practice? Are you a part of, or have you been in contact with, any organizations that might implement the research findings of an evidence report?
The evidence report would be useful to the health systems with representation within HMA.
Information About You: (optional)
Provide a description of your role or perspective.
If you are you making a suggestion on behalf of an organization, please state the name of the organization.
Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program.
