| RESEARCH In 1993, the Bureau established a Research Development Office to encourage grant-development, to foster research that would benefit both the health system and its patients, and to assure strict compliance with research guidelines and ethics. As a result of the consolidation, grant funding has increased by more than 50% over the past five years. To better target appropriate funding sources and projects, ongoing workshops now take place in grant development at all Bureau institutions. In 1999 the Bureau received approval of a Multiple Project Assurance from the federal Office for Protection from Research Risk. The certification “licenses” the Bureau to carry out federally-funded research in all of the Bureau affiliates. Unlike many academic medical centers that focus solely on clinical and basic research, the Bureau places an emphasis on social medical research and research that improves the delivery of healthcare. This includes treating the environmental context of disease, learning how to interact with and motivate patients, creating changes in behavioral attitudes toward medical care, and assisting in managing and controlling diseases and reducing their occurrence. |
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| MEDICAL
EDUCATION Six years ago, Cook County Hospital entered into an academic partnership with Rush Medical College. This educational partnership has resulted in innovative training programs, providing a unique scope of experience to residents and medical students. In addition, the two institutions have been able to develop joint initiatives which have expanded access to specialized services in the most efficient way possible. Also in 1994, Provident Hospital and Loyola’s Stritch College of Medicine developed an affiliation, which resulted in a joint Family Medicine Residency Program, located at Provident. |
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| INFECTIOUS
DISEASES The emergence of virulent forms of sexually transmitted diseases. Hepatitis and tuberculosis has created enormous challenges for public health efforts. In order to offer optimal treatment to infected patients, the Bureau has emphasized research and best practice models disseminated throughout the system. The consolidation of specialized infectious disease care in the CORE Center occurred at the same time that the Bureau was expanding preventive education and and general treatment into additional community sites. Expansive drug, clinical and social medical research plays an increasingly important role in the Bureau’s infectious disease initiatives. Funded research projects include: a study to decrease the transmission rates between mothers with HIV and their newborns; a study to increase the number of women who return for HIV test results and counseling; and a study to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating mental health services, primary care and chemical dependency assistance for persons with HIV. Because of the credibility of its research and the reputation of its medical staff, the Bureau received a $3 million grant from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta to develop a long-term strategy to control infections that resist standard antibiotics. The study will develop protocols that could help physicians throughout the nation better control drug-resistant viruses. |
CANCER |
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| ASTHMA Since 1980, the incidence of asthma has more than doubled in the United States. Asthma is responsible for more than 70,000 visits to emergency departments in Chicago annually, a large number of them coming to the John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County ER. Residents of poorer neighborhoods experience higher rates of asthma and disease- related mortality. However, Cook County physicians know that, with appropriate education beginning at the primary-care level, the number of emergency room visits can be reduced and the quality of life improved for persons with asthma. |
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| Cook
County Bureau initiatives, funded in part by major grants, have taken
a multi-pronged approach to treating and managing asthma. For example
the emergency department has focused on maximizing drug efficacy, while
the pediatric allergy department has focused on the relationship between
heightened allergy sensitivities and asthma in children. Given the
prevalence of asthma in many of the communities served by the Bureau,
there has been an emphasis on provider and patient education. The Ambulatory
and Community Health Network has trained practitioners to teach patients
about self-care and self-monitoring to prevent the onset of respiratory
failure. Asthma patients are counseled on how to reduce or eliminate environmental
catalysts such as smoking, pets, insects, and adverse irritants and toxins
on the job.By creating a seamless system of asthma care, the more serious
patients are identified earlier and referred to specialists. In addition,
patients are given the most appropriate level of care at the time, including
the most effective medications while being provided the tools to become
partners in managing their disease. Click here for more on asthma |
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| MATERNAL
AND INFANT HEALTH A Bureau Ievel director for Maternal and Infant Health Services was recently appointed to coordinate a comprehensive system of care for pregnant women and their babies. The goal of the program is to assist in safe deliveries and healthy infants. Women are being offered, through the geographical expansion of maternity and specialized prenatal services, an increasing number of care and delivery options based on where they live and their individual medical, educational and social needs. In addition to pregnant moms cared for at Bureau locations and partner hospitals, clinics for mothers with high-risk |
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pregnancies are now offered at Click here for more about the Mobile Mammography Servivces, Provident, Saint Anthony and Saint Elizabeth hospitals, as well as Cermak Health Services. Creating community-based
maternity options for women, many of them economically disadvantaged
and living in previously undeserved areas, allows them new opportunities
for healthy deliveries and an increased sense of empowerment. The Bureau
in most cases, can offer a woman with a low risk pregnancy the option
of an |
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