Partnership to Improve Patient Care

Inclusion of patient representatives praised by PIPC Chairman Tony Coelho

WASHINGTON, DC – The Partnership to Improve Patient Care (PIPC) today welcomed the naming of the Board of Governors of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). 

“Creation of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute is an important step in advancing comparative effectiveness research for the benefit of patients and providers,” PIPC Chairman Tony Coelho said.  “The members of the PCORI board have an essential role in establishing a new program of research that is patient-centered, sustained, and credible.” Coelho added, “PIPC has been a leading supporter of the provisions of the health reform law that create the Institute, and we look forward to working with the Board to advance the Institute's mission.”

The new research institute, which was created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, will set CER priorities, fund independent research, establish research methods, and communicate results to the public in a clear and understandable manner. The PCORI board includes a diverse array of members, including three patient and consumer representatives.

“GAO selected strong representatives for the patient and provider communities from among the many qualified candidates who were nominated,” Coelho said. “We are particularly pleased with GAO's selection of Andy Imparato, President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities. For the first time, a patient will have an active role in decision-making about comparative effectiveness.  This is a huge step forward for this entire effort.” Coelho added, "GAO also identified strong candidates representing physicians and other providers, including Dr. Harlan Krumholz, who was nominated by the American College of Cardiology, a PIPC member."  

About PIPC

The Partnership to Improve Patient Care was formed in November 2008 to support proposals to expand the government’s role in comparative effectiveness research that are centered on patient and provider needs; raise awareness about the value of well-designed CER; and promote the important role of continued medical innovation as part of the solution to cost and quality challenges in health care. Partnership members include a wide range of health care organizations representing patient, provider and industry advocacy groups.
 
To learn more about PIPC, visit http://www.improvepatientcare.org.