The Institute of Medicine (IOM) serves as adviser to the nation to improve health.
Established in 1970 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine provides independent, objective, evidence-based advice to policymakers, health professionals, the private sector, and the public. The nation turns to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies for science-based advice on matters of biomedical science, medicine, and health. The Institute provides a vital service by working outside the framework of government to ensure scientifically informed analysis and independent guidance. The mission of the Institute of Medicine embraces the health of people everywhere.
“The Institute of Medicine strongly endorses reliance on evidence-based data to guide the provision of healthcare,” said IOM President Harvey V. Fineberg. “The National Priorities Partnership is a timely initiative, and we are pleased to join in this valuable effort to improve quality, access, and safety in healthcare.”
“The National Priorities Partnership is a promising collaboration of representatives from 28 important leadership organizations in the healthcare field,” said Roger Herdman, IOM’s representative to the National Priorities Partnership. “This is an excellent opportunity to look at what is working and what isn’t, to identify priorities, and develop successful strategies to put the nation on the right track toward a greatly improved healthcare system.”
Much of the National Priorities Partnership’s work is an outgrowth of two IOM reports: The 1999 publication To Err Is Human highlighted how many Americans die each year from medical errors, elevating the debate around patient safety and quality care. The 2001 Crossing the Quality Chasm report examined broader quality issues and offered rules for care delivery redesign. IOM’s quality initiative is ongoing, with efforts focused on the ultimate goal of creating a more patient-focused healthcare system.
To learn more about the Institute of Medicine, please visit www.iom.edu.