The purpose of the Medica Research Institute:
Recognizing that our society's vast medical knowledge and advanced technologies far outstrip our ability to employ those resources effectively, Medica has formed a research organization apart from its health plan operations.
The Medica Research Institute applies dedicated resources to study health services with a goal of improving the health of populations at a cost that is affordable and accessible to all.
David Tilford, CEO of Medica and Chair of the Medica Research Institute Board of Directors, is quick to point out that, "this is not an R & D department for Medica but rather is organized to conduct investigator-driven research that will benefit all who interact with healthcare not just those enrolled in Medica insurance plans.
More about our mission:
The mission of the Medica Research Institute is to conduct research that generates valid and meaningful evidence-based information. These results can be used to develop activities and solutions that help protect health and improve lives. Our efforts are focused on applying scientific rigor to unanswered questions within healthcare that provide value to unique populations across the healthcare spectrum.
Our current research agenda:
The Medica Research Institute agenda focuses on three main themes. The first theme includes projects that identify ways to improve the value of care delivery. These “best practices” projects will identify ways to improve the clinical quality and effectiveness of care. The second theme focuses on improving the way consumers get involved in managing their own health. This track studies how consumers are empowered with information to make decisions about their health and how they use health services. It will also examine their level of trust and satisfaction with the health care system. The third research theme focuses on the importance of creating environments that make it easier for people to make healthy choices.
We look to empower health consumers, improve value in care delivery and partner with communities to impact social influences of health.
Research results:
Medica Research Institute is committed to publishing its findings in peer-reviewed journals and sharing all results. We believe that translating our findings to all stakeholders from the patients to providers, and purchasers to regulators will benefit the entire healthcare system and all those who interact with it.
Science is Community:
Believing that the best research outcomes are typically achieved through collaboration, the Medica Research Institute has begun to build strong partnerships for its research activity. Minnesota is often referred to as the ‘Land of Collaboration,’ due to our unique organizations that bring together members of healthcare and research communities to address systems change improvement (Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, Minnesota Community Measurement and Stratis Health). Projects at the Medica Research Institute are largely in collaboration with other research organizations in our region and across the nation. Through leadership we actively select partners that share the Medica Research Institute’s mission.
Our team:
We host a collegial culture with scientific investigators, informaticists, biostatisticians and administrators that support the research process. Plans are underway to have scholars in training and research fellows join our team. We work closely with affiliate researchers from the University of Minnesota.
For more information contact us at ResearchInstitute@Medica.com or visit www.MedicaResearchInstitute.org
About Medica Research Institute and Medica:
The Medica Research Institute is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) foundation established in January 2010 and a sister organization to Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care services company.
Medica is headquartered in Minneapolis and provides health care coverage in the employer, individual, Medicaid, Medicare and Medicare Part D markets in Minnesota and a number of counties in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Coverage includes the full spectrum of medical and behavioral health services. Medica includes an open network of 27,000 providers serving approximately 1.6 million members at more than 4,000 offices, clinics, and hospitals. More than 96% of Minnesota providers participate in this network.