Bio: Martin Connor, Ph.D., a 2010-11 Harkness Fellow in Health Care Policy and Practice, is programme director of Trafford Care Organisation, seconded from his executive director role at Trafford PCT. His research interests include strategic health management, integrated health care, and accountable health care. Past positions include special policy advisor, PHSSPSNI; associate director (health reform) for Greater Manchester Strategic health Authority; and modernization manager, Manchester Health Authority. Connor holds a Ph.D. from Durham University.
Placement: Stanford University
Mentors: Stephen Shortell, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., Blue Cross of California Distinguished Professor of Health Policy & Management, and Dean, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley; Alan M. Garber, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Stanford University
Project: What Elements of Integrated Systems Make Them Effective and How Might They Be Spread?
Description: Connor examined efficiency and effectiveness within integrated health care systems, and the potential benefits and challenges of wider adoption of integrated care principles in the U.S. and U.K. In particular, his study focused on three dimensions of integrated systems and their interaction: the existence and operation of a physician compact, the development of primary care, and the use of health information systems. He conducted site visits at three leading integrated care systems - Kaiser Permanente, Intermountain Healthcare and the Marshfield Clinic. At each site, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with physician leaders, primary care practitioners, and health information system managers and leaders.