Health Care and Human
Services Quality
State public health and human service agencies must ensure their programs and services are performing as efficiently and effectively as possible, not only to capitalize on each taxpayer dollar but often to comply with federal mandates. Performing quality assessments of public programs for both of these purposes is a central focus of Commonwealth Medicine's research capabilities.While improving the quality of health care and human services is the overarching goal of all our research centers, the Center for Health Policy and Research offers this service as a core research area. Whether examining an issue from a population perspective or gauging the impact of a particular program, our researchers apply their vast knowledge of public health financing and organizational structures to provide relevant and timely program evaluation, health policy analysis and strategic planning support.
Researchers and consultants at the Center for Health Policy and Research bring a deep understanding of Medicaid policies, regulations and federal requirements for quality assessments. Center staff draw upon this expertise to examine topics such as access, health care quality measurement and improvement, cost and utilization, and pharmaceutical and health information technology policy issues. Where possible, we strive to provide in-depth evaluations of the program or topic in question by analyzing the impact of related programs and offering novel recommendations for system improvement.
One significant Center initiative in this area was the innovative Pathways to Coverage resource tool on public health insurance programs for community members. The publication and its website provide coverage options and resources for a range of vulnerable populations in Massachusetts to ultimately improve the care they receive from state programs.
For public agencies providing services to individuals with disabilities, the Center for Health Policy and Research's Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research (CDDER) provides detailed executive reporting services for better decision-making, as well as comprehensive risk management systems to enhance the health and safety of people with developmental disabilities. Other areas of Commonwealth Medicine expertise in health care and human services quality evaluation include behavioral health, long-term care and community-based services, and foster care and adoption.