Medschool, ANE, Research, Equity: Interactive graphic

This Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program - Chronic Pain Management Program-funded project, led by Dr. Krista highland (PI), includes collaborators across DoD and civilian institutions including Dr. Keri Kirk (Georgetown University), Dr. Janiece Taylor (Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing), Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Tripler AMC, Brooke AMC, WNMMC, NMCSD, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Defense Health Agency, and Defense Healthcare Management Systems. This study uses a machine learning and simulation modeling approach to develop clinical decision and enterprise-wide evaluation tools. The study will identify factors associated with and patterns of stepped care model for pain pathway accessibility and outcomes within the MHS across active duty service members, retirees, and their family members, through an intersectional and health equity lens; as well as identify referral network patterns and locations that mitigate health disparities in pain management within the MHS for all types of pain conditions. The research team aims to characterize and quantify pain management pathways within the MHS using the stepped care model for pain treatment algorithms, characterize and quantify factors associated with pain management pathway utilization, characterize and quantify outcomes associated with pain management pathway engagement, relative to incomplete or lack of pain management pathway engagement, while modeling patient-level and contextual factors, and to examine the effects of pain management referral practices among healthcare providers across different clinics and MTFs, within the context of MTF infrastructure (e.g., treatment availability in the MTF vs. the community).

• Lead Researchers: Krista Highland, PhD (krista.highland.ctr@usuhs.edu)

• Outside Funding: Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program - Chronic Pain Management Program

This study will describe the healthcare pathways of patients after receiving a gender dysphoria diagnosis in the MHS. The research team aims to describe the variation in gender-affirming healthcare receipt and outcomes, to include surgical procedures and receipt of multimodal anesthesia (e.g., regional anesthesia). Moreover, the research aims to provide health services research that critical for policy and program support.

Lead Researchers: LTC Noelle Larson, MD (WRNMMC), Krista Highland, PhD (krista.highland.ctr@usuhs.edu)

This study conducts an operational evaluation regarding variation in military separation reasons. The research team aims to examine the frequencies of various reasons for separation, identify differences in separation reasons related to systemic racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination (e.g., pregnancy), and to examine longitudinal patterns in both frequencies and variation in reasons for military separation. 

Lead Researchers: Arlene Hudson, MD, MA, FASA (arlene.hudson@usuhs.edu), Krista Highland, PhD (krista.highland.ctr@usuhs.edu)

This study will identify factors associated with disposition upon separation from active duty service for US Army, Air force, and Navy anesthesiologists. The research team will determine factors associated with length of active duty service time and investigate possible disparate outcomes for racial and gender minorities. 

Lead Researcher: Michael Patzkowski, MD, MHA (michael.s.patzkowski.mil@mail.mil ), Krista Highland, PhD (krista.highland.ctr@usuhs.edu)

This study will examine anonymous survey responses regarding attitudes, beliefs, and experiences related to sexism, pregnancy, parental leave, and lactation. Findings will be used to identify barriers to equity, advancement, and retention in critical wartime specialties, to include Anesthesiology, Orthopedic Surgery, and Emergency Medicine.

• Lead Researchers: Erin Tracy, MD (erin.tracy@usuhs.edu); Krista Highland, PhD (krista.highland.ctr@usuhs.edu); Laura Tilley, MD (laura.tilley@usuhs.edu); Jeanne Patzkowski, MD (jeanne.c.patzkowski.mil@mail.mil)

• Other USU Departments: Military & Emergency Medicine