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University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Current Studies & Research Areas
Our studies explore how public policy and the downstream effects of public policy influence health care quality and equity and test strategies to improve uptake of evidence-based practices as a mechanism to improve health care equity.
Organizational Impacts on Health Care Quality and Equity for Women and Children
Policy & Organizational Impacts on Health Care Quality and Equity
The Q4A Lab aims to understand how organizational characteristics and public policy influence health care quality and equity. Several of our current studies explore the effects of Medicaid accountable care organizations on quality of care and outcomes for Medicaid-insured children with asthma and behavioral health diagnoses. We are also partnering with collaborator Dr. Ashley Kranz on a study exploring factors associated with delivery of fluoride varnish in pediatric medical practices.
Translating Evidence Into Policy and Practice: Implementation Science
Translating Evidence Into Policy and Practice: Implementation Science
Implementation science is the study of methods and strategies that facilitate the uptake of evidence-based practice into health care settings. Current projects explore depression screening and treatment for dialysis patients, evaluation of a clinical trial to promote more equitable access to kidney transplantation, and implementation of a hospital-community doula program for Black birthing people. We recently completed a mixed-methods implementation study with collaborators that aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to uptake of a MA policy that required health insurers to cover and dispense prescriptions for short acting contraceptives for a full 12 months.
comm eng research
Community Engaged Research
We are currently conducting a youth participatory action research (YPAR) study that uses photo-voice methodology to identify modifiable factors that may have positive or negative effects on mental health for youth who identify as LGBTQ+. Dr. Goff is also co-lead of a multi-year project promoting community engaged research called Project ACCCES: A Collaboration to Build Capacity for Community Engaged Research in Springfield. As part of the project, Dr. Goff co-facilitates community-academic-clinical research partnerships and trainings.
Communication
Communication in Health Care
As part of our efforts to improve health care quality and equity, we examine the ways in which health care communication affects patients' experiences, well-being, and outcomes. This work includes use of shared decision-making in health care and has spanned topics such as communication about the HPV vaccine, how inter-organizational communication affects implementation of innovative programs in a new accountable care organization, and how communication about treatment options for atypical breast hyperplasia may affect women's decisions.
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