AHRQ website spotlights UMMC program

An innovative program directed by Michael Jones, chief community health officer, with support from Dr. Claude Brunson, professor of anesthesiology and senior advisor to the vice chancellor for external affairs, was highlighted in the Aug. 29 issue of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Innovations Exchange website at www.innovations.ahrq.gov.

The article, “Formalized, Technology-enabled Referral Relationships between Medical Center and Community Clinics Enhance Access and Reduce Inappropriate Emergency Department Visits,” describes the development, results and lessons learned from the "Healthy Linkages" program. The program, co-sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Health, refers patients who come to the emergency department for primary care services to a "medical home" that can better provide continuity of care.

Innovations Exchange is a comprehensive program that increases the development of and adoption of innovations in health-care delivery and policy.