COPDF Director of Public Policy to Serve on PCORI's First Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Panel

Jamie Sullivan will provide key guidance on “Improving Healthcare Systems” panel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 4, 2013 – The COPD Foundation (COPDF) announces that Jamie Sullivan, director of public policy and advocacy, will serve on one of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute’s (PCORI) first multi-stakeholder advisory panels, “Improving Healthcare Systems.” She will guide PCORI on critical research questions for possible funding, and ensure its work remains patient-centered.

“This prestigious distinction reflects Ms. Sullivan’s valuable expertise and ability to help advance efforts for funding research that provides patients and families the information they need to make better-informed decisions,” says John W. Walsh, president and co-founder of the COPD Foundation. “PCORI will focus on patient needs through integrated system change efforts and gain a better understanding from patients about what issues should be studied for research priorities. Ms. Sullivan’s participation gives COPD a place at the table, and will help to raise greater awareness about this debilitating disease.”

PCORI’s Advisory Panel on “Improving Healthcare Systems” is one of four panels, which will be instrumental in helping to refine and prioritize research questions, provide needed scientific and technical expertise, offer input on other relevant issues, and help model full and meaningful patient and stakeholder engagement efforts.

Sullivan adds, “Too often, COPD patients fall through the cracks because they are not diagnosed or shown how to properly manage their conditions. The PCORI works to improve issues such as care coordination, transitions in care and many other issues that challenge those living with COPD. I look forward to ensuring that the voice of the COPD community will be heard.”