Research Areas

What is Health Services Research?

Health services research examines both individual and population health through a multidisciplinary scientific lens to better understand the mechanisms and processes that optimize healthcare quality, safety and value. As a result, health services research must take into account determinants and outcomes from the perspectives of individuals, families, communities, organizations, and the larger contexts of healthcare access and delivery. To put it simply, health service research investigates the access, delivery, financing, and management of patient-centered, high-quality health care to improve health and well-being for all, using scientific methods from a variety of medical and non-medical fields.

Health Disparities

The health disparities research program investigates the impact of preventable variations in the opportunity to attain optimal health for socially disadvantaged racial, ethnic, and other demographic groups and communities. Investigators examine the reasons for and consequences of health disparities and inequities, as well as develop strategies to mitigate and eradicate them.

Health Outcomes

The health outcomes research program investigates the impact of health interventions on outcomes from the perspectives of patients including their families, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system. Investigators examine the utility and value of interventions to determine what works and what does not in terms of improving health-related quality of life.

Health Promotion

The health promotion research program investigates modifiable health risk factors to prevent disease and enhance disease management. Investigators examine health risk and protective variables, assess policies and programs that influence health behavior, and determine best practices that are sustainable and scalable at the population level.

Health Technology

The health technology research program investigates digital health technologies to improve access to high-quality healthcare while also adding value for patients and their families. Investigators examine technology-enabled interventions across the the six domains of quality healthcare, as well as technology-enabled methodological approaches such as artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning to improve disease diagnosis and management.