Walgreens, Johns Hopkins Medicine announce chronic disease research collaboration
CHICAGO — Johns Hopkins Medicine and Walgreens on Wednesday announced an agreement between the two companies that will promote collaboration on population-based research.
Also part of the agreement, Johns Hopkins and Walgreens will jointly review and develop protocols to improve outcomes of patients with chronic diseases and explore the development of new models for improving care for individuals.
“By collaborating with Johns Hopkins Medicine, we will access some of the best expertise in health care to develop research, protocols and training programs designed to improve patient outcomes through our nationwide network of accessible community pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physicians and other clinicians,” stated Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president of pharmacy, health and wellness.
“Combining our clinical expertise and research know-how with their nationwide resources — including pharmacies, clinics, worksite health centers, information systems and 70,000 healthcare service providers — will generate new approaches to improve population health,” added Fred Brancati, professor of medicine and director of the Division of General Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Out of this agreement, new educational and training programs will be developed for Walgreens' 70,000 healthcare service providers.
“The agreement provides JHM with the opportunity to develop innovative population-based research ideas with a nationwide industry leader who is committed to improving healthcare outcomes and [who] possesses advanced data systems and a large patient base,” the companies stated. As part of a commitment to patient privacy, all patient information used for these studies will be anonymous.
Specifically, the agreement sets up opportunities for:
Research programs: In conjunction with the current Walgreens research team, JHM experts will develop new ideas for research in disease management, screening and prevention that they will spin off into proposals for funding;
Clinical protocol development/review: Johns Hopkins faculty are international leaders in developing healthcare protocols, medical guidelines and algorithms in the areas of chronic disease management. They will work closely with Walgreens experts to review and improve care;
Professional training: By leveraging the capabilities within JHM in the area of on-site and distance education for physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, technicians, pharmacists and others, JHM hopes to develop a comprehensive program to expand and enhance the ongoing professional education of the professionals within the Walgreens network; and
Clinical program development and health plan services: JHM and Walgreens will explore the possibility of jointly developing lifestyle, chronic care and disease-specific programs.