Walmart gets Healthcare Research Institute off the ground
The company said the institute is already demonstrating strong results, with a referral rate three times the industry benchmark.
Photo: seksanMonKhonkhamsao/Getty Images
Walmart has made public its plans to launch its new Healthcare Research Institute (WHRI), saying the goal is to increase community access to healthcare while making strides toward better equity and quality.
The massive retailer, which is increasingly expanding into the healthcare space, is working with a wide range of study partners, including clinical research organizations, pharmaceutical companies and academic medical centers, including CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services and Laina Enterprises.
WHRI is already demonstrating strong results, with a referral rate three times the industry benchmark, the company said upon the announcement.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT
According to Walmart, clinical trials have for decades been misrepresentative of the at-large population, recruiting participants who live near research centers, have the time and have the financial ability to participate. According to Food and Drug Administration data, in 2020 75% of trial participants were white, 11% were Hispanic, 8% were Black and 6% were Asian.
In an effort to help make it easier for research patients to simplify their care, Walmart launched MyHealthJourney, a digital tool that lets patients control their data through easy access to their eligible medical records and insurance information online in one place. Patients will receive reminders for care services and research opportunities.
Walmart framed its Healthcare Research Institute as an extension of its commitment to expanding access to underserved populations. The retailer cited its $4 generic medication program and private label Relion insulin as an example. The company also touted multiple partnerships and programs to address social determinants of health.
THE LARGER TREND
The development comes amidst a flurry of activity for the retail company, which last month announced a partnership with UnitedHealth Group and its subsidiary Optum – a 10-year collaboration the companies describe as "wide-ranging."
The collaboration will start in 2023 with 15 Walmart Health locations in Florida and Georgia, and will expand into new geographies over time. Ultimately, the companies expect to serve hundreds of thousands of seniors and Medicare beneficiaries in value-based arrangements through multiple Medicare Advantage plans.
Also in September, Walmart and Amazon joined a chorus of hospitals, provider groups and telehealth organizations in pressing the U.S. Senate to extend telehealth flexibilities, such as removing in-person requirements for virtual behavioral health and increasing access to virtual health in the commercial market.
In the joint letter to Senate leadership, more than 370 organizations said the short-term nature of the temporary policies adds uncertainty into the healthcare system.
Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com
