MHA Helps Members Lead Charge Toward Accountable Care

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA) announced it will lead a ground-breaking 10-week training in September to prepare Massachusetts clinicians to lead the charge into one of the most promising new initiatives in healthcare — accountable care organizations.

Accountable care organizations are groups of physicians, other care providers, and hospitals that work together to improve healthcare quality, coordination and efficiency. MHA's unique program will provide attendees with a comprehensive framework of the steps needed and key issues to be considered as their organizations move toward accountable care settings. Participants will gain specific knowledge of the emerging care delivery environment, as well as preventive and interventional strategies for managing (population) health.

"Direct care providers are the key to making accountable care truly transformative," said Lynn Nicholas, President & CEO of MHA. "They can reduce inefficiencies in treatment, provide a better healthcare experience for patients, and deliver more cost-effective healthcare for our nation. This course will give Massachusetts clinicians the expert training they need to make this work. By the end of the program, clinical staff members across the continuum of care will have the skills they need to assist their organizations to succeed in this new healthcare delivery system."

Geneia, a national healthcare innovations company specializing in the development and deployment of clinical, technical and analytic solutions for healthcare, will serve as the educational partner for MHA's program. Geneia is co-providing this curriculum with the Villanova University College of Nursing.  The Geneia staff includes 200 seasoned professionals with significant experience in all aspects of healthcare. The training is part of The Geneia Institute, which is working to create the healthcare workforce of the future. 

"We've seen the potential of accountable care throughout New England," said Heather Lavoie, chief operating officer of Geneia. "We applaud MHA for having the vision to provide its member hospitals and affiliated physician groups – among the greatest in the world — with the resources they need to move forward with accountable care in a smart and effective way."

In addition to the 10-week program in September, MHA will be teaming with The Geneia Institute to hold two day-long population management programs for health professionals. The programs will be held Tuesday, June 25 and Tuesday, July 9 at the MHA Conference Center at Executive Park in Burlington. Attendees of the program, entitled 'Making the Transition: The Move from Episodic Care to Population Health Management', will be eligible for four (4) Nursing Continuing Education Units.

About Massachusetts Hospital Association
The Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization comprised of hospitals and health systems, related organizations, and other members with a common interest in promoting the good health of the people of the Commonwealth. Through leadership in public advocacy, education, and information, MHA represents and advocates for the collective interests of its members and supports their efforts to provide high quality, cost effective and accessible care. For more information, visit www.mhalink.org.

About Geneia
Geneia, an emerging leader in delivering innovative healthcare products and services, helps hospital systems, physician groups and all types of healthcare organizations manage accountability and risk with its Clinical, Analytic and Business Solutions. Clients turn to Geneia for its clinical and product development expertise, its suite of accountable care solutions, and a team of seasoned healthcare veterans committed to client satisfaction and measurable results.  The Geneia Institute trains clinicians and other healthcare professionals in population health, care coordination and other emerging models.  Geneia's depth of industry experience and functional knowledge of the current and future healthcare landscape enable the creation of ground-breaking, customized solutions that position healthcare organizations for success, support client's unique strategic objectives, and improve the bottom line.  For more information, visit www.Geneia.com.

About Villanova University College of Nursing
Villanova University College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Accreditation. Villanova University College of Nursing has recently achieved accreditation with distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This prestigious honor deems our continuing education program to be of the highest quality and worthy of public confidence. For more information, visit http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/nursing.html.

SOURCE Geneia