Implementation Science
Implementation science studies how to promote the adoption and integration of evidence-based practices into clinical care to improve the health of the patients we serve. We use implementation science to help ensure we are bringing best practices and programs to communities in need, bridging the gap between research and practice to help address the disparities that impact our diverse patient population.
Our research to date spans many areas of interest, from improving hospital discharge for patients with limited English proficiency to promoting screening for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the safety net setting. In addition, our faculty contributes to advancing the theory and methods of the implementation science field.
Research areas include:
- Using implementation science to improve hospital care for populations with limited English proficiency: This area of work focuses on using implementation science to improve the quality of care, particularly around hospital discharge in the safety net setting. Particular populations of interest include recent immigrants and patients with limited English proficiency.
- Supporting improved breastfeeding outcomes: We have focused on health services and interventions that support improved breastfeeding outcomes, particularly in under-resourced populations. Not breastfeeding contributes to generational racial health disparities, including cardiovascular disease, early death, infant mortality, and breast and ovarian cancer. By supporting improved breastfeeding outcomes, we can address these disparities.
- Innovative models of care to address chronic medical conditions: This multi-year PCORI- funded study evaluated the efficacy of eight week-long integrative medicine group visits, which incorporated mindfulness, healthy eating, movement, and traditional medical information, for patients living with chronic pain and depression. The results of the study were so significant that this model of care has been adopted in programs around the country.