Under the direction of Rhonda Cady, PhD, RN, the Health Services Research Program focuses on improving patient- and family-centered care delivery and health outcomes for individuals with brain, bone and movement disorders through research and continuous evaluation. We design studies to evaluate evidence-based models translated to clinical care or to test novel approaches to care delivery.
The approach is diverse and multidisciplinary. It is grounded in a Family Engagement in Research model and inclusive of patient and family lived experience partners, healthcare providers, and scientists, with internal, local, and national collaborations. Outcomes are grounded in the Quadruple Aim, capturing the value of care delivery through improved patient/family experience and outcomes, lower costs, clinician well-being and health equity.
Areas of Health Services Research
Our specific focus areas of research include:
- Designing, implementing and evaluating health care transition strategies for youth with medical complexity.
- Designing implementation and evaluation strategies to assess care delivery using Learning Health System frameworks.
- Evaluating the role of patient-reported outcomes in assessing value of care delivery and care coordination.
- Assessing impact of best practice care delivery and care coordination on child and family health.
- Investigating the relationship between social determinants of health for children with medical complexity and health outcomes.
- Capturing longitudinal health outcomes to improve care for persons with spina bifida.
- Implementing and evaluating strategies to improve clinician and non-clinician well-being.
Health Services Research Team
- Matthew Witham, PhD, Director, Child and Family Services
- Andrea Bushaw, PhD, APRN, CPNP, Director of Clinical Transformation
- Meghan Munger, PhD, MPH, Director, Outcomes
- Megan Lutz, Clinical Research Coordinator