Prevention, Risk and Screening »Health Communications & Health Disparities »Research

Research and Evaluation

Research

The HCHD department is committed to helping define new evidence-based programs and best practice methods.  We carry out or participate in research projects that address issues such as:

• Health literacy
• Health communications
• Health disparities in specific populations
• Patient navigation
• Clinical trial participation

We are interested in developing new knowledge about useful methods to reach populations that have been underserved by current programs and approaches.  These populations include, for example, racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly and those who live in rural regions.

Some of our research projects are carried out by staff in our own HCHD department, while others are done in partnership with others at Fox Chase or with outside institutions and organizations that share our research goals.  In those projects, we might serve as the lead researchers, or we might be collaborating partners with other researchers taking the lead.  The projects we work on are funded by many sources, including the federal and state governments, foundations and other sources like the American Cancer Society.  Regardless of our role and the source of funds, each project we work on is carried out professionally and timely and adheres to all required research standards. 

We believe it is important to share the results of our work with other professionals and with the community at large.  The most helpful research is meaningless if not shared with others and integrated into practice.  We publish our results in professional journals but also, as relevant, develop other materials more appropriate to our audiences. 

Evaluation

Evaluation is an important part of a project's lifecycle.  Without evaluation, one cannot accurately assess: 

• Project impact
• Project success
• Why the project is or is not achieving its stated goals
• How the project might be designed differently to achieve goals
• Feasibility of the goals

The HCHD department is in the process of developing new processes and metrics for assessing the various projects and programs under its purview.  We will update this section as new material becomes available.