Personalized and muscle-specific OXPHOS measurement with integrated CrCEST MRI and proton MR spectroscopy.

Creatine chemical exchange saturation transfer (CrCEST) MRI is an emerging high resolution and noninvasive method for measuring muscle specific oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). However, CrCEST measurements are sensitive to changes in muscle pH, which might confound the measurement and interpretation of creatine recovery time (τ). Even with the same prescribed exercise stimulus, the extent of acidification and hence its impact on τ is expected to vary between individuals.

An in-house learning laboratory for patient-centered innovation.

Profound economic and social forces are challenging healthcare organizations to deliver higher quality care that is more patient-centered and evidence-based. We describe a novel way in which organizations can respond to the challenge of patient-centered, evidence-based innovation--an in-house learning laboratory for healthcare delivery services and processes. Mayo Clinic's SPARC Innovation Program, initiated in 2002 and fully operational in 2005, facilitates the generation of new ideas, tests prototypes, and disseminates the knowledge required for systemic, repeatable organizational innovation.

The application of design principles to innovate clinical care delivery.

Clinical research centers that support hypothesis-driven investigation have long been a feature of academic medical centers but facilities in which clinical care delivery can be systematically assessed and evaluated have heretofore been nonexistent. The Institute of Medicine report "Crossing the Quality Chasm" identified six core attributes of an ideal care delivery system that in turn relied heavily on system redesign. Although manufacturing and service industries have leveraged modern design principles in new product development, healthcare has lagged behind.