Trending Health

As health systems around the globe grapple with addressing inequity in healthcare, one of the most tangible opportunities for change is the chronic underrepresentation of individuals by race, ethnicity, or sex in clinical trials. Jen & Ryan are joined by Vynamic’s Matt Howard to discuss how life science companies can integrate diversity, equity & inclusion throughout the clinical trials process to facilitate better outcomes. Better representation across patient types is critical to demonstrate safety and efficacy – it’s both good science and good business (01:18). However, truly integrating DEI is going to require more than ‘bolting on’ diverse patient recruitment practices – it will require an operational and mindset shift that necessitates an appreciation of the historic inequities within the clinical trial space (03:22). Opportunities to improve DEI abound throughout the clinical trial lifecycle – from reevaluating exclusion criteria (06:27) and protocol design (08:46), to reallocating resources across sites and focusing on tailored interactions with participant communities (15:00). Incorporating these tactics into a long-term strategy will require leaders to move away from a ‘speed first’ approach (21:30) and embrace opportunities for partnership across all stages of the clinical trial continuum (24:15)

For additional information on DEI in Clinical Trials, check out Vynamic’s insight “Integrating Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Throughout Clinical Trials” and case study “Prioritizing Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Across Research & Development.”

Podcast Tags: healthcare, health equity, diversity, DEI, clinical trials, life sciences, providers, FDA

Source Links:

· https://vynamic.com/insights/integrating-diversity-equity-inclusion-throughout-clinical-trials/

· https://www.abbott.com/diversity-in-clinical-trials.html

· https://www.fpm.org.uk/blog/fpm-conversation-blog-enabling-a-greater-diversity-of-people-in-clinical-trials/

· https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/06/why-are-health-studies-so-white/487046/

· https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMms2004740

For additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com or share a voicemail at 1-888-VYNAMIC.

Matt Howard, Director

[email protected]

Ryan Hummel, Executive and Head of Provider Sector

[email protected]

Jen Burke, Director and Healthcare Industry Strategist

[email protected]

As health systems around the globe grapple with addressing inequity in healthcare, one of the most tangible opportunities for change is the chronic underrepresentation of individuals by race, ethnicity, or sex in clinical trials. Jen & Ryan are joined by Vynamic’s Matt Howard to discuss how life science companies can integrate diversity, equity & inclusion throughout the clinical trials process to facilitate better outcomes. Better representation across patient types is critical to demonstrate safety and efficacy – it’s both good science and good business (01:18). However, truly integrating DEI is going to require more than ‘bolting on’ diverse patient recruitment practices – it will require an operational and mindset shift that necessitates an appreciation of the historic inequities within the clinical trial space (03:22). Opportunities to improve DEI abound throughout the clinical trial lifecycle – from reevaluating exclusion criteria (06:27) and protocol design (08:46), to reallocating resources across sites and focusing on tailored interactions with participant communities (15:00). Incorporating these tactics into a long-term strategy will require leaders to move away from a ‘speed first’ approach (21:30) and embrace opportunities for partnership across all stages of the clinical trial continuum (24:15)

For additional information on DEI in Clinical Trials, check out Vynamic’s insight “Integrating Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Throughout Clinical Trials” and case study “Prioritizing Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Across Research & Development.”

Podcast Tags: healthcare, health equity, diversity, DEI, clinical trials, life sciences, providers, FDA

Source Links:

· https://vynamic.com/insights/integrating-diversity-equity-inclusion-throughout-clinical-trials/

· https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/enhancing-diversity-clinical-trial-populations-eligibility-criteria-enrollment-practices-and-trial

· https://www.abbott.com/diversity-in-clinical-trials.html

· https://www.fpm.org.uk/blog/fpm-conversation-blog-enabling-a-greater-diversity-of-people-in-clinical-trials/

· https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/06/why-are-health-studies-so-white/487046/

· https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMms2004740

· https://www.mckinsey.com/NotFound.aspx?item=%2findustries%2flife-sciences%2four-insights%2fno-place-like-home-stepping-up-the-decentralization-of-clinical-trials16&user=extranet%5cAnonymous&site=website

For additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com or share a voicemail at 1-888-VYNAMIC.

Matt Howard, Director

[email protected]

Ryan Hummel, Executive and Head of Provider Sector

[email protected]

Jen Burke, Director and Healthcare Industry Strategist

[email protected]

In this minisode, Mindy, Ryan, and Jen discuss a few recent newsworthy items including: the nationwide baby formula shortage and drug supply chain complexities (00:33), the underrepresentation of diverse groups in clinical trials (06:08), and the federal government probes initiated by the AHA into commercial payers who represent Medicare and routinely deny access to care and services (10:52).

Podcast Tags: healthcare, healthcare news, life sciences, baby formula shortage, drug supply chain, clinical trials, diversity and inclusiveness, Medicare, CMS

Source Links:

· https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/fda-lays-out-framework-manufacturers-and-developers-tackle-drug-shortages

· https://time.com/6177128/baby-formula-congress-monopoly-abbott/

· https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/we-just-dont-have-studies-new-report-details-critical-diversity-shortcomings-us-clinical

· https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/aha-presses-false-claims-act-probes-target-payers-over-medicare-advantage-denials

For additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com or share a voicemail at 1-888-VYNAMIC.

Mindy McGrath, Healthcare Industry Advisor

[email protected]

Ryan Hummel, Executive and Head of Provider Sector

[email protected]

Jen Burke, Healthcare Industry Strategist

[email protected]

In this minisode, Mindy, Ryan, and Jen discuss a few recent newsworthy items including: the Supreme Court draft majority opinion striking down Roe v. Wade (00:35), a report that up to 14 million enrollees could lose Medicaid coverage as states restart eligibility checks (07:00), and the newly proposed User Fee Agreements for medical devices and prescription drugs (11:30).

Podcast Tags: healthcare, healthcare news, public health, abortion, reproductive health, women’s health, Medicaid, FDA, life sciences, medical devices, prescription drugs

Source Links:

· https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/advocates-weigh-roe-v-wade-draft-opinion 

· https://www.nbcnews.com/news/senate-vote-nationwide-abortion-bill-ahead-roe-decision-rcna28183?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Daily%20Health%20Policy%20Report&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=212763088&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--POzUX5k8AQObTzBoaMqucOZZgfBce4DDz23nwT3wOmZ9AyoOmkweRxl3FA7oFBpEHAm_zghNL38iRp68QwPP6Xz-dzw&utm_content=212763088&utm_source=hs_email 

· https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-considers-executive-orders-new-funds-abortion-2022-05-11/?mkt_tok=ODUwLVRBQS01MTEAAAGEUidnceow1_0iW6hSnevPEHB2hezo1nwsmwKWLVLUnkw3BTmgpHyktM8FmjV--4M8kkNI56bZvZCKVOVVKCmRWuCTriDKCeLhzBTvAbxoPUCs 

· https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/kff-14m-enrollees-could-lose-medicaid-coverage-states-restart-eligibility-checks 

· https://www.medtechdive.com/news/House-MDUFA-bill-trial-diversity-cybersecurity-requir/623479/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202022-05-10%20MedTech%20Dive%20%5Bissue:41633%5D&utm_term=MedTech%20Dive 

· https://www.statnews.com/2022/05/04/congress-reform-fda-accelerated-approvals/?mkt_tok=ODUwLVRBQS01MTEAAAGEMzSQCdmfLkvDKQIGMA7zMUmNKcwGWsMs0B-4-r-a89sRqsMuN1urs_eEYpJ337lKE0taul_fyFIOlQ_SKYCffpBDDRNkF05bXG9tMNxz1Csf 

· https://www.medtechdive.com/news/MDUFA-V-congress-FDA-roundup/621423/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202022-05-04%20MedTech%20Dive%20%5Bissue:41497%5D&utm_term=MedTech%20Dive 



For additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com or share a voicemail at 1-888-VYNAMIC.

Mindy McGrath, Healthcare Industry Advisor

[email protected]

Ryan Hummel, Executive and Head of Provider Sector

[email protected]

Jen Burke, Healthcare Industry Strategist

[email protected]

One of the advantages of serving clients across multiple geographies is that Vynamic can see firsthand how the differences in health systems play out in terms of spend, outcomes, and innovation. Jen & Ryan are joined by Vynamic London’s Oliver White and Vynamic Boston’s Shari Robbins to discuss key differences between the health systems in each country and what they can learn from one another as they move healthcare delivery out of the hospital and into the community setting. In one sense, the US and UK represent two extremes on the delivery system spectrum: the US has the largest private sector system globally while the UK has the largest publicly funded system. They also differ in key metrics around healthcare spend and outcomes (01:19), science and technology (04:21), and wait times for elective procedures and emergency care (06:21). Despite these differences, both systems are focused on improving cost and customer satisfaction – especially when it comes to telehealth and home care (09:05). One model the NHS has put forward in this effort is Community Crisis Response Teams (12:38) – a model that could be attractive as US health systems look to transition care to the home and alleviate emergency department (ED) volumes (15:13). While implementing such a model could present scaling challenges in the US market (16:45), it could also offer opportunities for health plans and providers to improve quality, outcomes, and patient satisfaction (18:29).

Podcast Tags: healthcare, providers, health plans, public health, NHS, CMS, telehealth, crisis care

Source Links:

· https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2019-12-11/survey-finds-fragmented-us-health-care-impedes-coordination-among-providers

· https://www.commonwealthfund.org/international-health-policy-center/countries/england

· https://www.commonwealthfund.org/international-health-policy-center/countries/united-states

· https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2018/what-can-us-and-england-learn-each-others-health-care-reforms

· https://www.healthcareadministration.com/brief-comparison-uk-healthcare-system-vs-u-s-healthcare-system/#:~:text=While%20both%20systems%20have%20world,tax%20based%20system%20versus%20the

· https://www.england.nhs.uk/community-health-services/urgent-community-response-services/

· https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/B0252-Urgent-community-response-2-hour-and-2-days-standards-guidance-30-November-2020.pdf

· https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6465904/

For additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com or share a voicemail at 1-888-VYNAMIC.

Oliver White, Director

[email protected]

Shari Robbins, Director

[email protected]

Ryan Hummel, Executive and Head of Provider Sector

[email protected]

Jen Burke, Director and Healthcare Industry Strategist

[email protected]

In this minisode, Mindy, Ryan, and Jen discuss a few recent newsworthy items including: the extension of the COVID-19 public health emergency (00:35), the GoodRx acquisition of vitaCare Prescription Services (03:37), Clarify Health receiving $150 million to focus on value-based care (07:33), and some notable numbers published this month (10:59).

Podcast Tags: healthcare, healthcare news, public health, COVID-19, prescription drugs, drug prices, value-based care, life sciences, pharma, health plans, life expectancy

Source Links:

· https://aspr.hhs.gov/legal/PHE/Pages/COVID19-12Apr2022.aspx

· https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/13/us/politics/biden-covid-public-health-emergency-extended.html

· https://investors.goodrx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/goodrx-closes-acquisition-vitacare-tech-enabled-pharmacy

· https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/goodrx-picks-vitacare-prescription-services-150m-deal-expand-pharmacy-services-platform

· https://clarifyhealth.com/blog/150m-series-d-funding/

· https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/clarify-health-clinches-150m-series-d-boosting-valuation-14b#:~:text=Clarify%20Health%20clinches%20%24150M%20series%20D%2C%20boosting%20valuation%20to%20%241.4B,-By%20Heather%20Landi&text=Enterprise%20analytics%20company%20Clarify%20Health,its%20value%2Dbased%20payments%20technology.

· https://www.fiercepharma.com/special-reports/top-20-pharma-companies-2021-revenue

· https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/finance/nationwide-drug-spending-grew-77-2021-will-increase-another-4-6-2022

· https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2022/2022-04-14-first-quarter-results.html

· https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-life-expectancy-fell-by-2-yrs-2020-sharpest-drop-among-high-income-peers-2022-04-13/

For additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com or share a voicemail at 1-888-VYNAMIC.

Mindy McGrath, Healthcare Industry Advisor

[email protected]

Ryan Hummel, Executive and Head of Provider Sector

[email protected]

Jen Burke, Healthcare Industry Strategist

[email protected]

The wave of price transparency is here, with regulations like the No Surprises Act and the Hospital Price Transparency Rules building momentum. Jen & Mindy are joined by Vynamic’s Keith Sutter and Head of Health Plans, Saurabh Raman, to discuss what these laws mean for payers, providers, and ultimately, consumers. The push towards transparency can be traced back over the last decade, but the recently implemented No Surprises Act (01:44) and Hospital Price Transparency Rules (02:13) are directly aimed at helping consumers understand true healthcare costs and make informed care decisions (03:30). Implementation is not without its challenges – with providers citing reporting burdens, administrative costs, and difficulties in accurately reflecting the costs of individual “care episodes” (07:28). With a summer deadline approaching, soon payers (10:00) will be dealing with pace pressures, the disconnect between posted prices vs. true cost, and how to capture quality vs. price (11:13). Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for provider and payer organizations associated with these changes (13:47) – especially for organizations experienced in value-based care and those prepared to leverage price transparency to improve customer satisfaction (18:08).

For additional information, check out Vynamic’s recent insight “Transparency in Coverage Is Here”.

Podcast Tags: healthcare, providers, health plans, price, surprise bills, transparency, value based care

Source Links:

· https://vynamic.com/insights/transparency-in-coverage-is-here/

· https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/no-surprises-understand-your-rights-against-surprise-medical-bills#:~:text=The%20No%20Surprises%20Act%20protects,network%20air%20ambulance%20service%20providers.

· https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/price-transparency-and-variation-in-u-s-health-services/

· https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/newsletter-article/health-care-price-transparency-can-it-promote-high-value-care

· https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2778818

· https://healthpayerintelligence.com/news/what-the-healthcare-price-transparency-order-means-for-payers

· https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/12/2020-24591/transparency-in-coverage#h-11

· https://revcycleintelligence.com/news/only-14-of-hospitals-met-price-transparency-rule-compliance

For additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com or share a voicemail at 1-888-VYNAMIC.

Saurabh Raman, Director and Head of Health Plans Sector

[email protected]

Keith Sutter, Director

[email protected]

Mindy McGrath, Executive and Healthcare Industry Advisor

[email protected]

Jen Burke, Director and Healthcare Industry Strategist

[email protected]

In this minisode, Mindy, Ryan, and Jen discuss a few recent newsworthy items including: the advancement of the Dr. Lorna Breen (00:35) and PREVENT Pandemics acts (03:59), the response of life science organizations to sanctions against Russia (07:46), the continued shift away from inpatient care (12:03), and the recent recommendation for Medicare payments in 2023 (21:02).

Podcast Tags: healthcare, healthcare news, public health, mental health, COVID-19, life sciences, hospitals, value-based care, Medicare

Source Links:

· https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/nursing/president-biden-signs-dr-lorna-breen-act-law

· https://www.aamc.org/advocacy-policy/washington-highlights/senate-help-committee-marks-advances-prevent-pandemics-act

· https://www.idse.net/Policy--Public-Health/Article/03-22/Senate-Takes-Up-PREVENT-Pandemics-Act/66448

· https://khn.org/news/article/big-pharma-reaction-russia-ukraine-war/

· https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/moodys-report-shifting-care-trends-will-continue-shrink-hospital-margins

· https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/doctor-groups-press-lawmakers-ignore-medpac-recommendation-stand-pat-pay-2023

For additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com or share a voicemail at 1-888-VYNAMIC.

Mindy McGrath, Healthcare Industry Advisor

[email protected]

Ryan Hummel, Executive and Head of Provider Sector

[email protected]

Jen Burke, Healthcare Industry Strategist

[email protected]

Now more than ever before, healthcare organizations are reflecting on how to improve health equity and address bias within their organizations. Jen & Ryan are joined by Vynamic’s Diversity Equity & Inclusion Service Leads, Stefanie Christmas & Shannon Connolly, to discuss what leaders should be thinking about as they address this industry imperative. 2020 ushered in a “cultural reset” for the business world, especially the healthcare industry, to think about DEI in a new way (01:05) – beyond being the right thing to do, we know embedding a culture that is committed to DEI has demonstrated benefits to healthcare organizations in terms of employee engagement, innovation, financial performance, and patient outcomes (02:00). However, impacting meaningful change requires a thoughtful approach – it is important for organizations to assess where they are on their DEI journey (11:00), develop a roadmap of outcome-driven short- and long-term goals (12:23), and communicate their strategy and successes along the way (16:04). This type of effort requires a true shift in mindset and embracing new conversations (19:10) – it may not always be comfortable, but that is where the true change begins (21:13).

For additional information on where to start your organization’s DEI Journey, check out Vynamic’s recent insight, service information, and case study.

Podcast Tags: healthcare, diversity, equity, inclusion, DEI, health equity, psychological safety

Source Links:

· https://vynamic.com/insights/diversity-equity-inclusion-journey-where-to-start/

· https://catalyst.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/CAT.21.0166

· https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/strategy/create-strong-workforce-through-diversity-equity-and-inclusion

· https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30765101/

· https://kirbybates.com/blog/diversity-healthcare-leadership-breaking-the-glass-ceiling/

For additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com or share a voicemail at 1-888-VYNAMIC.

Stefanie Christmas, Director and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Service Lead

[email protected]

Shannon Connolly, Director and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Service Lead

[email protected]

Ryan Hummel, Executive and Head of Provider Sector

[email protected]

Jen Burke, Director and Healthcare Industry Strategist

[email protected]

In this minisode, Mindy, Ryan, and Jen discuss a few recent newsworthy items including: the Senate confirmation of FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf (00:34), the first female to be cured of HIV (04:47), a recent report on hospital price transparency (07:28), and an acquisition announcement from ChristianaCare (13:18).

Podcast Tags: healthcare, healthcare news, FDA, public health, stem cells, price transparency, healthcare costs, hospitals, acquisitions

Source Links:

· https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senate-confirms-bidens-fda-nominee-califf-2022-02-15/

· https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/15/health/hiv-cure-cord-blood.html?

· https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-09/trump-era-rule-to-report-hospital-pricing-gets-off-to-slow-start?mkt_tok=ODUwLVRBQS01MTEAAAGCgsedUi88cCl4sxBtLK4zJvQHyVx22C4bikTEBm0463vfILf5EcMA-H7r45HnBEmv3ohUnoZU5AEBnCWqhaU_gIHL14Tv-e8f5By7eezCyHB5 

· https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/hospitals/report-143-hospitals-compliant-price-transparency-rules-one-year?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LS-NL-FierceBiotech+Tracker&oly_enc_id=3569J2000334E1H 

· https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/hospitals/christianacare-looking-acquire-crozer-health-prospect-medical-holdings?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HC-NL-FierceHealthcare&oly_enc_id=3569J2000334E1H

For additional discussion, please contact us at TrendingHealth.com or share a voicemail at 1-888-VYNAMIC.

Mindy McGrath, Healthcare Industry Advisor

[email protected]

Ryan Hummel, Executive and Head of Provider Sector

[email protected]

Jen Burke, Healthcare Industry Strategist

[email protected]