Research Mission and Major Areas of Research

The research mission of the Center is to achieve nationally and internationally recognized excellence in health services research. The research program currently concentrates on five areas:

Integrated health systems management
Information technology in health care
Quality and value measurement in health care
Medical group practice management
Program evaluation in health care

These specialized areas further distinguish the research program. In order to achieve its mission, the research program has developed both depth and breadth in its planned activities. Two key strategies are employed to ensure success. First, a collaborative approach is utilized in which the research program serves as the integrator, marshalling the appropriate resources to address certain industry issues that either fall outside the areas of specialization, or are too large in scale to be supported internally. This collaborative approach engages academic colleagues, both domestic and global, industry experts, and strategic alliance partners. Second, based on the expertise in the Institute and Robinson College of Business, the research program concentrates its initial research foci on the following areas of specialization:

Management of Integrated Health Systems
The health care industry can be characterized as the sector that has undergone the most dramatic, continuous change in the economy. This "change" orientation has created uncertainty and perceived risks that have clouded the outlook for many investors and constrained capital flow to many health care organizations. The veritable explosion of information systems has called into question the viability of traditional ways of doing business and has exacerbated this situation. The Center is focusing its efforts on helping develop a more accurate and objective understanding of the governance of integrated health systems working with such integrated systems as Promina Health System (Atlanta) and linking with the full spectrum of players that shape the industry and its outlook. Another area of interest focuses on operational management issues in healthcare organizations, such as efficient flow of patients, materials, and supplies.

Information Technology in Health Care
Several of the faculty have the requisite backgrounds, training, and experience which positions the Center in the unique role as one of the leading proponents of information technology and e-Commerce in health care. The overall focus of research is on information processing, decision-making, and analysis of large-scale databases of commercial and national data in an effort to better understand patient, professional, and industry behavior. Specific research topics of interest include design and evaluation of electronic health information systems (particularly in ambulatory care settings), including those focused on outcomes measures and fraud/abuse, patient-provider relationships, and pricing strategies for health services. Another area of expertise is simulation modeling of healthcare systems and processes.

Quality Measurement in Health Care
The faculty has developed considerable expertise in the measurement of quality in healthcare. The faculty has extensive experience in the epidemiology and geographical differences in clinical disease and the associated causation of health outcomes. In collaboration with the Georgia Hospital Association, a study was conducted to assess the relationship of management practices to health outcome measures in approximately 150 Georgia hospitals. In addition, the faculty has overseen extensive assessment of medical records for managed care organizations in collaboration with the Georgia Medical Care Foundation. With the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance, the faculty has conducted extensive patient and provider satisfaction surveys, as well as utilized HEDIS/NCQA outcome measures to evaluate quality of care to recipients in managed care programs. Future research topics of interest include defining and evaluating quality of care provided by health systems and health maintenance organizations.

Medical Practice Management
The fastest growing area of health services research is medical practice management. Its implications for cost effectiveness, functional success, and leadership is critical for success in the field. The Center will develop research and educational programs that advance medical group management and elevate its effectiveness for the pivotal role that it has assumed in the health services industry.

Program Evaluation
The Center has an established record in evaluating a number of health programs for health care organizations. Our strong quantitative orientation has enabled the Medicaid program, for example, to utilize data over time to effectively enhance and improve its managed care activities