Teamwork, Technology, and Coordinated Care Improve Outcomes and L...(-- 70 percent versus 60 percent -- had t...),Health

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney discussed the importance of improving care delivery through coordination as a component of health care reform. "The compelling thing about coordinated care, fueled by employee team-based innovation, is that it results in higher quality care at a lower cost," said Sweeney. "We need to have both built into any new approach to universal health care. We are proud of the unique way workers and unions are leading delivery system reform at Kaiser Permanente."

Governor Martin O'Malley (D-Md.) delivered a keynote address at the event discussing health care reform from the state perspective, stressing the need for policy action at the federal level. The Governor emphasized the importance of electronic health records to reduce medical errors, coordinate care among different medical facilities, and share medical information during public health emergencies.

William E. Scheuerman, National Labor College president, said: "The Kaiser Permanente Health Care Institute at the NLC works to keep our union members informed of the fast-paced, complex issues in health care. Through programs like today's conference and health care courses on key topics, we're helping union members hold on to their most vital benefits."

Through their unique Labor Management Partnership agreement, Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions jointly established the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Institute at the National Labor College, which hosted the annual event to inform union leaders and allied organizations about new developments in health care.

For more information about the Labor Management Partnership and many additional examples of how Kaiser Permanente's care teams are reforming health care delivery every day, visit '/>"/>