MedStar Health First to Join Innovative Cerner Network of Health Systems to Conduct Clinical Research

COLUMBIA, MD — MedStar Health is proud to announce it is a founding member and first health system to join the Cerner Learning Health Network^SM, an innovative platform from Cerner Corporation (Nasdaq: CERN), a global health care technology company, designed to enhance clinical research and improve patient care through cross-industry collaboration.

The purpose of the Cerner Learning Health Network is to provide health systems and clinical research organizations with resources to more efficiently conduct medical studies that ultimately help advance health care for patients and clinicians. The network automates de-identified clinical data collection from participating members and pools it together in a database that health systems can access for approved clinical research. These health systems will have opportunities to participate in a variety of research studies, as well as propose their own research ideas. As part of the network, MedStar Health plans to bring trial opportunities to its clinical investigators and other members.

“We are proud to be one of the first health systems in this innovative approach to clinical research,” said Neil J. Weissman, MD, president of MedStar Health Research Institute and chief scientific officer for MedStar Health. “Using a network of academic health systems, linked with streamlined electronic data, will transform the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical trials.”

As a member of the network, MedStar Health has the opportunity to leverage the Cerner electronic health record and HealtheIntent^® data and insights platform to support research. As Cerner continues to develop new tools and innovations to further advance research, MedStar Health and other members will be supported with these cutting-edge solutions while they utilize the network to conduct studies that can help solve some of health care’s biggest challenges.

“The Cerner Learning Health Network is a logical evolution of our 40 plus-year legacy of innovation and client service. It represents a novel approach to clinical research, helping our provider clients use data to obtain real-world evidence and evaluate the effectiveness of medical therapies and devices,” said Art Glasgow, senior vice president of Strategic Growth for Cerner. “Providers that join the network have the opportunity to be included in research and discovery efforts across the industry, access potential funding for studies and use advanced health IT solutions for analysis. Cerner’s breadth and scale offer a game-changing platform for clinical research.” 

A critical component of the Cerner Learning Health Network is maintaining data privacy protections. The network only supports access to de-identified data, which will not be permitted to leave Cerner’s monitored systems nor will it be shared without direct project-based consent. Under no circumstances will individually identifiable data leave the network without appropriate authorization of participating health systems. All uses of clinical data in the network will be overseen by a governance board so that data are only used for legitimate research purposes. The governance board will include patient representation, leading researchers and an ethicist to review all use cases. As one of the first members of this research network, MedStar Health will be a part of the governance board.

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About MedStar Health Research Institute
The MedStar Health Research Institute is the research arm of MedStar Health, the largest healthcare provider in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region. MHRI provides scientific, administrative and regulatory support for research programs throughout the MedStar Health system. MHRI’s expertise includes translational research into disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. These programs complement the key clinical services and teaching programs in the 10 MedStar hospitals and other MedStar entities. For more information, visit www.MedStarResearch.org.  

About MedStar Health
At MedStar Health, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. Our 30,000 associates and 4,700 affiliated physicians are committed to living this promise through our core SPIRIT values—Service, Patient first, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—across our more than 300 locations including 10 hospitals, ambulatory, and urgent care centers. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University, MedStar Health is training future physician leaders to care for the whole person and is advancing care through the MedStar Health Research Institute. From our telemedicine and urgent care services to the region’s largest home health agency, we’re committed to providing high-quality health care that’s also easy and convenient for our patients. At MedStar Health—It’s how we treat people. Learn more at MedStarHealth.org.

About Cerner
Cerner’s health technologies connect people and information systems at thousands of contracted provider facilities worldwide dedicated to creating smarter and better care for individuals and communities. Recognized globally for innovation, Cerner assists clinicians in making care decisions and assists organizations in managing the health of their populations. The company also offers an integrated clinical and financial system to help manage day-to-day revenue functions, as well as a wide range of services to support clinical, financial and operational needs, focused on people. For more information, visit Cerner.com, The Cerner Blog, The Cerner Podcast or connect on Facebook, Instagram,  LinkedIn or  Twitter. Nasdaq: CERN. Smarter Care. Better Outcomes. Healthier You.