Description
Book SynopsisWritten by a groundbreaking figure of modern medical study, Tracking Medicine is an eye-opening introduction to the science of health care delivery, as well as a powerful argument for its relevance in shaping the future of our country. An indispensable resource for those involved in public health and health policy, this book uses Dr. Wennberg''s pioneering research to provide a framework for understanding the health care crisis; and outlines a roadmap for real change in the future. It is also a useful tool for anyone interested in understanding and forming their own opinion on the current debate.
Trade ReviewThe arguments for integrated delivery systems, shared decision making, informed patient choice, and investment in comparative effectiveness research, as set out by Wennberg in this book, should be compulsory reading for policy makers and healthcare leaders. In putting forward these arguments he throws down the gauntlet to the medical profession to act on evidence of variation or else have others who are less well qualified do so instead. * British Medical Journal *
There are many books on healthcare reform, health delivery, or systems research, but none that combine the science with practical experience like this one does * Northeastern University Bouve College of Health Sciences *
Table of ContentsPART I.THE PROBLEM OF UNWARRANTED VARIATION IN HEALTH CARE 1. In Health Care, Geography is Destiny 2. The Vermont Experience PART II. SURGICAL VARIATION: UNDERSTANDING PREFERENCE-SENSITIVE CARE 3. Tonsillectomy and Medical Opinion 4. Interpreting the Pattern of Surgical Variation 5. Understanding the Market for Preference-Sensitive Surgery 6. Learning What Works and What Patients Want 7. The Birth and Near Death of Comparative Effectiveness Research PART III. MEDICAL VARIATION: UNDERSTANDING SUPPLY SENSITIVE CARE AND OVERUSE 8. Understanding Supply-Sensitive Care 9. Chronic Illness and Practice Variation 10. Is More Better? 11. Are America's "Best Hospitals" Really the Best? 12. Ten Top Reasons Why We Need Reform the Way We Manage Chronic Illness PART IV. REFORMING HEALTH CARE 13. Promoting Organized Care and Reducing Overuse 14. Establishing Informed Patient Choice as a Standard of Care 15. Six Ways to Control Cost, Accelerate Reform and Save the Economy 16. The Challenge of Unwarranted Variation Afterword with Shannon Brownlee Appendix on Methods Glossary Notes & References
