Joslin Diabetes Center, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, has launched a pilot program in conjunction with Truman Medical Centers, the primary teaching hospital for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Schools of Medicine to test the capabilities of a novel and innovative care analytics tool called the Joslin Clinical Analytical Tool (JCAT™).

Developed by Joslin physicians, JCAT enables healthcare providers to systematically gauge the effectiveness of diabetes care, identify gaps in care earlier, and, when appropriate, implement changes to the treatment plan, thus reducing the risks for complications and improving health outcomes for those with diabetes.

"We are delighted to be working with Truman Medical Centers on this project. TMC has a well-documented track record of delivering innovative programs to help people live healthier lives," said Director of Medical Affairs, Healthcare Services, Joslin Diabetes Center and Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School, Rich Jackson, MD. "We are also very impressed by TMC's commitment to its community and the great work that it continues in this realm as well. TMC is an ideal partner for implementing an innovative program such as JCAT."

The tool identifies specific areas for intervention that are likely to be the most effective in improving health outcomes and reducing the cost of care. Unlike other quality measures, JCAT provides a roadmap to improvement specific enough to be actionable and pragmatic.

"TMC is a leader in providing top quality care to those with chronic illness. Each year, nearly 70 percent of TMC's patient base has at least one major chronic disease, with diabetes being the second largest group behind hypertension," said TMC Executive Vice President of Clinical Coordination, Mark McPhee, MD. "Partnering with Joslin Diabetes Center allows TMC to make innovative advancements in the methods of care for people with diabetes at the primary care level while at the same time exposing the JCAT to a unique patient base."