RAND Health Newsletter
The RAND Health Newsletter is a monthly update that features recent research from RAND Health.
Contents of January 2006 RAND Health newsletter:
- New study finds no link between omega-3 fatty acids and lower incidence of cancer
- Most Los Angeles residents unprepared for terrorist attack
- New Public Health Preparedness Database available online
- New RAND Health study examines standards for electronic prescribing
- Results of the National Initiative for Cancer Care Quality
- Cutting drug copayments can reduce hospitalizations and save money
- Evidence of cost shifting in California hospitals
- RAND Health HIT study in Health Affairs' Top 25 Papers for 2005
- January RAND Health Congressional Newsletter
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New study finds no link between omega-3 fatty acids and lower incidence of cancer
Consuming food or dietary supplements such as fish oil that contain omega-3 fatty acids provides no protection against developing cancer.
News release Read abstract 
Related article at medpagetoday.com -
Most Los Angeles residents unprepared for terrorist attack
Although most Los Angeles County residents expect the region to be struck by a terrorist attack in the year ahead, only one-third have prepared for the aftermath of an attack, with African Americans and Latinos showing the highest levels of preparedness. -
New Public Health Preparedness Database available online
RAND Health has launched a new website featuring a searchable database designed to help local and state public health departments identify the best exercises to prepare for emergencies, including incidents of bioterrorism.
Visit the website and database More on public health research -
New RAND Health study examines standards for electronic prescribing
This project will evaluate standards for electronic prescribing proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for transmitting prescriptions and related information electronically between doctors, pharmacies and prescription drug plans.News release More about the project More on health technology research -
Results of the National Initiative for Cancer Care Quality
The quality of medical care received by cancer patients was generally found to be consistent with evidence-based practice. However, this study also found variation in the adherence to some quality measures, so there are opportunities for improvement. -
Cutting drug copayments can reduce hospitalizations and save money
Cutting drug copayments on cholesterol-lowering medication for the sickest patients would avert nearly 80,000 hospitalizations and more than 31,000 emergency room visits each year — accounting for the more than $1 billion in savings.News release Read abstract More on health economics research -
Evidence of cost shifting in California hospitals
Findings from a study of California hospitals suggest that decreases in Medicare and Medicaid prices were associated with increases in prices for privately insured patients. This shift in costs accounted for over 12% of the total increase in private payer's prices from 1997 to 2001. -
RAND Health HIT study in Health Affairs Top 25 Papers for 2005
RAND Health article "Can Electronic Medical Record Systems Transform Health Care? Potential Health Benefits, Savings, and Costs" made the "Top 25 Papers for 2005" list at Health Affairs.See Top 25 Papers for 2005 at healthaffairs.org Read abstract More on HIT research -
January RAND Health Congressional Newsletter
This month's newsletter features research on the economic savings associated with reduced drug co-payments, a study to help military personnel understand and value their health care benefits, and a study on the factors that are important to the quality of primary care received by children.
Citation: MacLean CH, Newberry SJ, Mojica WA, Khanna P, Issa AM, et al. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cancer Risk, Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 294, No. 4, January 25, 2006, pp. 403-415.
Citation: Eisenman DP, Wold C, Fielding J, Long A, Setodji C, Hickey S, Gelberg L. Differences in Individual-Level Terrorism Preparedness in Los Angeles County, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, January 2006, Vol. 30, Issue 1, pp 1-6.
Citation: Malin JL, Schneider EC, Epstein AM, Adams J, Emanuel EJ, Kahn KL. Results of the National Initiative for Cancer Care Quality: How Can We Improve the Quality of Cancer Care in the United States? Journal of Clinical Oncology, [Epub Jan 9 2006].
Citation: Goldman DP, Joyce GF, Karaca-Mandic P. Varying Pharmacy Benefits With Clinical Status: The Case of Cholesterol-lowering Therapy. American Journal of Managed Care, Vol. 12, Jan 2006, pp. 21-28.
Citation: Zwanziger J, Bamezai A. Evidence of Cost Shifting in California Hospitals. Health Affairs, Vol 25, Issue 1, 197-203.
Citation: Hillestad R, Bigelow J, Bower A, Girosi F, Meili R, Scoville R, Taylor R. Can Electronic Medical Record Systems Transform Health Care? Potential Health Benefits, Savings, and Costs. Health Affairs, Vol. 24, No. 5, Sept/Oct 2005, pp. 1103-1117.
Housekeeping
Please visit the RAND Health homepage to stay informed about current RAND Health research updates.
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Mary Vaiana, Communications Director of RAND Health, can be reached at Mary_Vaiana@rand.org.
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