In Brief: Few Participate In Medical Research; CORE Institute Joint Ventures With Porretta
Few Participate In Medical Research
A new study by the University of Michigan concludes that only a small percentage of Americans participate in medical research.
According to the data compiled by surveying 2,150 households during 2011, the researchers determined that 11% of adults and 5% of children have ever participated in medical research.
“Our study indicates that public awareness of opportunities, and the match of research needs with potential participant characteristics, potentially limit enrollment,” said Matthew Davis, M.D., associate professor of public policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. ”Researchers and institutions need to spread the word more effectively, to help people know about research opportunities that are a good fit for them. When institutions reach out to communities to hear and understand their needs, and then respond with resources, ideas and opportunities, that's what we call engagement in research.”
The study was published in a recent edition of the journal Clinical and Translational Science.
CORE Institute Joint Ventures With Porretta
The Core Institute, a Phoenix-based orthopedic surgical and specialty group, has entered into a joint venture with the Porretta Center for Orthopaedic Surgery in Detroit.
As part of the transaction, the Porretta Center will be renamed the Core Institute at Porretta.
“Partnering with The CORE Institute will directly benefit our patients and help Porretta grow,” said David Markel, M.D., of the Porretta Center for Orthopaedic Surgery. “The CORE Institute achieved their mission of bringing a new standard of excellence to surgical care in Arizona, and we are excited to expand the same in Michigan. That means, higher patient satisfaction, greater standardization using evidence-based best practices, better clinical quality, and more efficient performance.”
Michigan Blues Creates Parks Initiative
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has teamed up with the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association and the state Department of Resources to launch a collaborative known as MI Big Green.
The initiative is intended to promote outdoor physical activities to the state's residents. The Michigan Blues will use its resources to promote the state's park system.
“A sedentary lifestyle can cause serious, yet preventable, health problems, from obesity to heart disease,” said Bridget G. Hurd, director of community responsibility for the Michigan Blues.
