Success Stories

Premier Inc. Partnership Accelerates Innovation and Advances Clinical Research

Since April 2022, Henry Ford Innovations (HFI) and Premier, Inc.’s PINC AI Applied Sciences (PAS) have partnered to accelerate the research, testing, and development of new products, services, interventions, and other novel healthcare initiatives.

HFI and PAS partner in three areas:

• Jointly leveraging data, clinical input, and other research to evaluate novel therapies and interventions for commercial development.
• Conducting prospective research around specific care pathways and other interventions using real-world data and evidence (RWD/RWE).
• Improving the quality and speed of clinical trials using technology to identify the best possible patient candidates more rapidly.

The partnership blends the innovation mindsets of both organizations and removes barriers that slow innovative ideas from reaching the market and benefiting those who need them most. For example, see our White Paper: "Ulcerative Colitis – Health Inequities And Barriers To Care Across The Patient Journey."

Advancing Equity: Research to Help Prevent Vision Loss in Black Adults with Diabetes

People with diabetes are at risk for vision loss and blindness from a disease called diabetic retinopathy. A comprehensive, dilated eye exam at least once a year can help patients take steps to protect their vision. However, Black adults with diabetes are far less likely to schedule an annual exam.

Premier, Inc.’s PINC AI Applied Sciences (PAS) has contracted with us and Genentech to conduct a research study to address this issue. Objectives include:

• Connecting with patients who experience inequities in diabetic eye screening.
• Adapting and testing tools and educational materials to support Black adults with diabetes, increasing awareness and encouraging annual diabetic eye screenings.
• Developing and testing a provider guide for culturally responsive conversations to increase awareness, address barriers, and motivate individuals to get screened.

A cohort of Henry Ford patients and providers is being identified to provide feedback through focus groups, new signage, and other methods. Genentech’s current materials will be used as a baseline and adapted with further input from the Henry Ford team.

Pioneering Equity in Oncology: Highlights from the 2023 Advancing Health Equity Summit

The 2023 Advancing Health Equity Summit, hosted by HFI and PINC AI, focused on transforming cancer care through innovative solutions. This event brought together diverse stakeholders, including Henry Ford Health clinicians, life science companies, health systems, payors, and community partners to develop new approaches to health equity and inclusion.

Key activities included:

• Presentations showcasing Henry Ford’s efforts to advance health equity.
• A community tour highlighting significant local sites and their impact on healthcare equity.
• Working sessions where multidisciplinary groups designed prototype initiatives to improve cancer care for underserved populations.

This summit underscores HFI's role as a premier partner for life sciences companies looking to explore equity in healthcare. By collaborating with HFI, partners can drive innovation and improve healthcare outcomes for diverse communities.