Research Assistant I, LEAPS

The Center for Surgery and Public Health (CSPH) has been at the forefront of public health research of surgical care delivery within and throughout our nation's healthcare system. Utilizing innovative research methodologies grounded in clinical reality, we have developed surgical safety checklists, created a national agenda for surgical disparities research, and launched the pioneering work of rising stars in surgical health services research. We are advancing the science of surgical care delivery by studying effectiveness, quality, equity, and value at the population level and training the most gifted of a new generation of physician-scientists. Together, our efforts are making surgery safer, more patient-centered, and more accessible in the U.S. and around the world.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Over 1 million older adults with serious illness have major surgery or severe trauma each year, after which they are at high risk for healthcare use, functional and cognitive decline, and mortality. While palliative care for such patients is associated with reduced symptoms and less healthcare utilization after discharge, surgical patients are less likely to than other patients to receive it. Funded by the NIH, the Layered Examination of Adult Palliative care in Surgery (LEAPS) study will provide an examination of palliative care for older surgical patients.

The RA will primarily be involved with the LEAPS study, which uses ethnographic methods to assess palliative care in perioperative settings, both through observations in clinics and interviews with clinicians and patients/caregivers. This study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods, including an analysis of claims data, and natural language processing of medical record data, in addition to ethnographic work.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides assistance on research studies as per study guidelines and protocols.

2. Recruits and evaluates potential study participants. Per study protocol, conducts interviews or schedules patients for interviews.

3. Communicates study information to patient participants via phone and mail, including patient education, informational packets, procedural instruction, follow-up. May serve as a liaison between patient and physician.

4. Collects data and maintains confidential patient records and participant database. May be required to input data, conduct basic analyses and run various reports.

5. Answers any phone calls and inquiries regarding study protocol. Refers participants when appropriate to supervisor or clinical staff.

6. Monitors and sets up any needed equipment in the office.

7. Maintains regulatory documents and IRB as needed.

8. All other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or B.A.
• New graduate with relevant course or project work.