Assault on health services research adds insult to injury

Americans are in awe of health research.  Regardless of our background, ethnicity, education, or profession, we eagerly await news of discoveries that will cure diseases, chronic illnesses, and other health conditions.  We ache for our family members and friends who suffer from these conditions.  And we rejoice with each new research breakthrough that brings us closer to a cure. 

So it is no wonder that our government spends billions of dollars to fund medical research.  This is a cause so popular that it transcends party: the 21st Century Cures Act, which would increase the National Institutes of Health’s yearly $30 billion budget by $8.75 billion over the next five years, recently passed the House of Representatives by a staggering 344-77 vote, with large numbers of Republicans and Democrats coming together to support this worthy cause. 

{mosads}Unfortunately, my Republican counterparts have shown no similar interest in supporting health services research.  The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is the primary federal agency tasked with identifying how to get patients the right care at the right time in a safe and affordable way, how much they pay for their health care, and the consequences of that care on their health.  In June, my Republican colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee voted to terminate AHRQ and all of its funding for health services research. 

AHRQ is the only federal agency with a mandate to fund health services research.  That is why I introduced an amendment in the Appropriations Committee to restore AHRQ’s funding.  I believe that as we wait for the cures promised by medical research, we should be as passionate about funding health services research as we are about funding the National Institutes of Health.  Health services research is a critical part of improving our current health care system.  It can reduce medical costs, cut down on unnecessary procedures, deliver care more efficiently, and prevent illnesses before they have a chance to develop.

Sadly, partisan politics prevailed, and my amendment to restore AHRQ funding did not pass.  This was an unnecessary and costly outcome.  AHRQ saves lives, and at $500 million per year, it is relatively inexpensive to fund.  In fact, it pays for itself many times over in better care, better health, and smarter spending.

Sarah Kliff, a reporter for Vox, recently wrote an article titled “Do No Harm,” which put a face on the importance of health services research.  Her story hit close to home because its subject was a young girl, Nora Boström, who was born in my home state of California.  Nora was born prematurely with undeveloped lungs. During her treatments in the hospital, she suffered four central line catheter infections that weakened her heart.  Nora died in November 2013, shortly before her fourth birthday.  She was one of approximately 10,000 patients in the U.S. to die that year from a central line catheter infection.  Tragically, almost every one of those deaths, including Nora’s, could have been prevented by following AHRQ guidelines.

A few years ago, AHRQ research showed that instituting a simple five-item checklist could prevent catheter infections.  As word of this research spread, central line infections plummeted, falling by 46 percent between 2008 and 2013.  Today, hospitals using this checklist have virtually eliminated central line catheter infections in their patients.

This is not an isolated AHRQ success story.  Between 2010 and 2013, AHRQ research reduced hospital-acquired infections by 17 percent, saving 50,000 lives and $12 billion in health care spending.  AHRQ’s research also led to big reductions in the numbers of falls and pressure ulcers in nursing homes, which are two of the most life-threatening and costly complications for nursing home residents.

As an elected official, I’m all too aware that politics can get in the way of progress.  But putting health services research in the crosshairs is misguided and unconscionable.  Tens of thousands of lives have been saved by this research; how many more lives could be saved by continuing to fund AHRQ?   Americans deserve the best health care possible.  In order to eliminate avoidable infections and deaths, utilize the discoveries and advances we’ve made thus far, and ensure Americans enjoy high-quality and high-value care, the federal government must continue to invest in health services research and in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Roybal-Allard represents California’s 40th Congressional District and has served in the House since 1993.  She sits on the Appropriations Committee.