DISEASE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY - INITIATIVE LINKS PHARMACEUTICAL AND MENTAL-HEALTH DATA

The emphasis in healthcare is shifting to practical applications of me dical knowledge for the provision of more cost-effective care. This re quires greater linkages among clinical information systems across mult iple organizations. This article describes new initiatives in disease state management to link the traditionally separate data systems of ph armaceutical, behavioral and general medical care. The potential for i mproved patient care is highlighted. The author is an expert consultan t for a large pharmaceutical manufacturer's disease state management i nitiative, and has an extensive leadership background in many segments of the behavioral healthcare industry.