Health Sciences Research
Health Services Research (HSR) at the University of 麻豆传媒高清, Section of Neonatology, includes a multidisciplinary group of investigators dedicated to identifying perinatal health disparities by race/ethnicity, primary language, rural-urban residence, and other social determinants of health. Critical to our research mission, we seek to go beyond identifying disparities by developing, implementing and investigating innovative approaches to reduce these disparities at hospital, community, and state policy levels.
Examples of HSR Study Designs and Projects:
Retrospective Cohort
- Retrospective analysis of national data from level 4 regional children’s hospital NICUs to evaluate predictors of home nasogastric tube vs. gastrostomy tube feeding in preterm infants
Prospective Cohort
- Prospective recruitment of maternal-infant dyads in four 麻豆传媒高清 NICUs to investigate factors associated with maternal visitation and engagement during prolonged NICU hospitalization
- Prospective longitudinal evaluation of health, quality of life, and developmental outcomes of infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia cared for by our Supporting Preemie Respiratory OUTcomes (SPROUT) team
Qualitative
- Grounded theory methodology to understand family experience during prolonged NICU admission by distance from home to hospital
- Qualitative study of NICU nurses and parents to understand barriers and facilitators to adherence to safe sleep practices in the NICU
Mixed Methods
- Integration of quantitative and qualitative methodology to identify barriers and facilitators to provider-parent communication in the NICU
Population-based
- Analysis of state and national PRAMS, Health eMoms, and vital statistics (birth and death certificate) data to investigate outcomes such as change in preterm birth during COVID, breastfeeding and safe sleep practices among mothers of preterm infants, impact of state policies on maternal infant care practices, factors associated with preterm infant mortality, cannabis use in the perinatal period
Critical to our research mission, we seek to go beyond identifying disparities by developing, implementing and investigating innovative approaches to reduce these disparities at hospital, community, and state policy levels.
Trainee-initiated HSR publications with support from the Section of Neonatology:
Hannan KE, Bourque SL, Palmer C, Tong S, Hwang SS. . Hosp Pediatr. 2022;12(5):463-474.
Hannan KE, Bourque SL, Palmer C, Tong S, Hwang SS. . Hosp Pediatr. 2021;11(5):525-535.
Shah PV, Tong S, Hwang SS, Bourque SL. . J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2021;34(1):40-46.
Truong C, Juhl A, Hwang SS. . J Perinatol. 2021 Aug;41(8):2028-2037.
Stein Y, Hwang S, Liu CL, Diop H, Wymore E. . J Pediatr. 2020;218:238-242.
Hannan KE, Smith RA, Barfield WD, Hwang SS. . J Pediatr. 2020 Dec;227:114-120.
Bourque SL, Levek C, Melara DL, Grover TR, Hwang SS. . Matern Child Health J. 2019;23(2):212-219.
Palau MA, Meier MR, Brinton JT, Hwang SS, Roosevelt GE, Parker TA. . J Perinatol. 2019;39(2):307-313.
Hannan KE, Juhl AL, Hwang SS. . J Perinatol. 2018 May;38(5):557-566.
Faculty Information and PubMed Bibliographies:
| Faculty Name | Link to Research Profile | Faculty NIH Bibliography |
| Sunah Hwang, MD, MPH, PhD | ||
| Stephanie Bourque, MD, MSCS | ||
| Kathleen Hannan, MD, MSCS |
Additional Resources
Fellows interested in pursuing HSR research in 麻豆传媒高清 have access to a multitude of databases and resources to be successful in their work. This includes but is not limited to the following databases:
(state databases)
(local and national database)
(local and national database)
(national database)
Importantly, we recognize that few trainees and faculty have the statistical training to complete advanced analyses and programming. Thus, our section of neonatology has dedicated biostatisticians who work exclusively with our trainees and faculty.
Masters of Science in Clinical Science (MSCS) - For fellows looking for immersive research training, enrollment in the University of 麻豆传媒高清’s MSCS program may be pursued. Trainees may also choose to take individual courses to augment their research skills during fellowship. Other degree and certificate programs, as appropriate for a trainee’s research interest, are also supported. []
Neonatal Outcomes Research Alliance (NORA) - a weekly gathering of clinical providers, researchers, students, and trainees focused on perinatal clinical and health services research and quality improvement initiatives at local and state levels. Projects at various stages are shared, ranging from new ideas to completed and published studies. Consistent attendance by junior and senior faculty allow for timely feedback and support to students and trainees.
Grant Support and Funding - Previous and current neonatal-perinatal fellows have been competitive and successful applicants for the following local and national research awards during training. Grant writing support for these and other awards is available to trainees.
Children’s Hospital Neonatal Database Mentored Fellow Research Award -
AAP Marshall Klaus Perinatal Research Award: Health Services Research Award -
Children’s Hospital 麻豆传媒高清 Institute of Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Effectiveness Mentored Award