Notes from Eric Aug. 4, 2011
Avoiding ‘optimism bias’ as U.S. budget remains uncertain
“Even when Democrats and Republicans agree on little else, they always come together to support funding for medical research.” It’s a long-held belief among health researchers. But this year is different.
After months of intense political wrangling over the nation’s debt ceiling, it’s hard to predict what might happen next. We know that Congress will soon require big cuts across many federal departments—including those that provide 80 percent of Group Health Research Institute (GHRI)’s revenue. Most of our budget comes from multi-year grants, so our immediate outlook is OK. But we must prepare now for a near future with less federal money. Although we don’t know yet where the cuts will be, I fear that medical and health care research—characterized as discretionary—is at risk.
Obviously, this message is not easy to hear or deliver. Many of us would like to believe the Institute will continue to win 3 to 4 of every 10 federal grants for which we apply. That’s been our record until 2011. Now, due to the nation’s
D. Scholes
PhD
Gradual bone reduction seen in some pill users; changes in bone density in oral contraceptive users depends on age and hormone dose
W. Barlow
PhD
BCSC study finds popular mammography tool ineffective
- Exercise trumps health promotion for keeping seniors healthy
- Depression treatment could curb eye damage in people with diabetes
- Large-scale medical home project boosts diabetes outcomes
- Does using more specialty care strain coordination in primary care?
- IOM highlights Group Health’s oral health services for kids
- Correction: Breast cancer researchers say self-detection remains important
The following item from the July 2011 Group Health Research News incorrectly substituted the word “self-exam” for “self-detection” when reporting the researchers' conclusion. Here’s a corrected version.
Feature
A learning health care system mobilizes to improve opioid prescribing safety
C. Trescott, MD
Guided by research and monitoring patients, Group Health’s new initiative for safer opioid prescribing has produced stunning results in just nine months. Claire Trescott, MD, medical director of primary care, leads this innovative effort to protect patient safety at Group Health—and nationwide.
People and Programs
Dr. Larson addresses Alzheimer's Association International Conference in France
MacColl Institute wins grant from The Commonwealth Fund for medical home
Pearson retires from GHRI’s Center for Community Health & Evaluation (CCHE)
Dr. McClure lands post as Hutchinson Center affiliate, earns UW promotion
AcademyHealth annual meeting features many GHRI presenters
EVENTS
GHRI scientific seminars: Wagner series continues
Tuesday, August 23, 4–5 p.m.: GHRI Senior Investigator & Associate Director Jennifer McClure, PhD: “Tobacco control research and practice: The Group Health story.” A review of Group Health’s tobacco-control research, including the impact of this work, highlights of key success stories, and future directions.
Tuesday, Sept. 13, 4–5 p.m.: GHRI Senior Investigator Diana Miglioretti, PhD: “Increased use of computed tomography and associated radiation exposure and cancer risk—a Cancer Research Network (CRN) pilot project.” Dr. Miglioretti is principal investigator of the Statistical Coordinating Center for the National Cancer Institute’s Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium.
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