July 2007

James Robinson, Ph.D., was named editor-in-chief of Health Affairs , according to the San Francisco Business Times article, "Cal Health Economist Named Editor-in-Chief at Health Affairs."

Paul B. Ginsburg, Ph.D., a HCFO researcher studying the effects of quality reporting requirements on hospitals, was quoted in an ABC News article, "Government Posts Hospital Death Rates for Heart Ailments." The article discusses the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS) posting of heart attack and heart failure outcome data for 4,500 acute care hospitals across the country. Dr. Ginsburg comments, "I don't think it'll be of much value to consumers because most, even if they are interested, will probably be in a community where there is neither a high or low-ranked hospital.If I were on a hospital board, and my hospital got a low (rating), I'd really want to put pressure on the staff to tell me what's wrong."

In a Baltimore Sun article, findings from a 2005 HCFO project led by Judith H. Hibbard, Dr.P.H. are highlighted in the article, "Hospitals Brace for Life-and Death Look." The article features researchers' findings regarding public reporting and hospital performance improvement. Dr. Hibbard notes that Wisconsin hospital administrators who reported outcomes and subsequently improved performance did so because "the motivation was their public image."

Christine Bishop, Ph.D., was recently quoted in the United Press International article, "Analysis: The 'Grannie Mae' Solution?" that examines long term care (LTC) funding mechanisms for elderly individuals. Dr. Bishop notes that a strong LTC system "supports life-really living-instead of simply staying alive."

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