Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement and ClearWay Minnesota to partner to address tobacco use

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday the ClearWay Minnesota Board of Directors approved a new contract with the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI), after a review panel recommended engaging the organization to improve how Minnesota health systems address tobacco use.

"Addressing tobacco use should be a routine part of all patients' health care experience," said David Willoughby, Chief Executive Officer at ClearWay Minnesota, "and yet this simple way to improve health continues to be challenging for practitioners. Our partnership with the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement will help engage clinics and health systems and build their capacity to help patients quit tobacco use."

Located in Bloomington, ICSI brings together medical groups, hospitals, health plans, stakeholders and consumers to improve health, patient experience, and quality and affordability of care. Their work with ClearWay Minnesota will target systems change across the entire Minnesota health care system, as well as change within individual health systems and clinics. One area of focus will be on working with health systems in Minnesota that deliver primary care services and serve populations with higher smoking prevalence.

"Research shows that only about half of patients who smoke are referred to quitting help by their practitioners," said Willoughby. "We look forward to working with ICSI to improve the ways these patients' own health systems can help them."

About ClearWay Minnesota^SM

ClearWay Minnesota is an independent nonprofit organization that improves the health of Minnesotans by reducing the harm caused by tobacco. ClearWay Minnesota serves Minnesota through its grant-making program, QUITPLAN^® stop-smoking services and statewide outreach activities. It is funded with 3 percent of the state's 1998 tobacco settlement. For more information on ClearWay Minnesota or QUITPLAN Services, call 952-767-1400 or visit clearwaymn.org.

SOURCE ClearWay Minnesota