health outcomes and implementation science HOBI research

about HOIS

Bringing research to the real world

It takes an average of 17 years for a new practice to be incorporated into patient care. Health outcomes and implementation science researchers use theory, scientific methods and community engagement to shorten this gap and bring cutting-edge care to those who need it faster.

HOBI assistant research scientist, Sarah Szurek, Ph.D., speaks at a community engagement event for the UF Health Cancer Center.

Mission and vision

Mission: The mission of the Division of Health Outcomes and Implementation Science is to bring scientific evidence into clinical practice and the community to improve population health and achieve health equity.

Vision: The vision of the Division of Health Outcomes and Implementation Science is to be a national leader in the development and utilization of innovative methods and approaches to create and translate evidence-based practices into real world clinical and population health settings to achieve health equity in Florida, the United States, and the world.

Improving care and quality through intervention

In seeking interventional solutions to improve care, health outcomes researchers have a lot to consider. They evaluate if a given intervention is being used as intended and if additional provider training or community education is needed. They explore an intended population’s diversity to understand and find tailored solutions to improve intervention practice and identify improvements to increase effectiveness in unique subpopulations. Researchers carefully weigh the cost of interventional solutions and their sustainability to improve access and steward resources well.

A few current interventions being tested by HOIS researchers include:

• A web-based, parent and provider decision-making tool to increase adolescent vaccination.
• A board game to build social connections and reduce smoking initiation.
• A group-based healthy lifestyles and weight loss intervention for teens.

Collaborating with biomedical informatics to speed discovery

In health outcomes and implementation science research, a patient’s unique characteristics, their family, doctor and community are important contributors to their health and wellness. Working closely with HOBI’s biomedical informatics team, HOIS researchers leverage big data, including medical records, insurance databases and disease registries to evaluate health interventions at a population level.

key focus areas

Implementation science

Using scientific rigor and theoretical frameworks, implementation science brings evidenced-based practices to the real world. Researchers consider several levels of influence on individual outcomes including individual, family, physician, organization (e.g., clinic or school), and cultural factors.

Interventional solutions

Interventional research involves developing and adapting solutions to improve health or reduce disparities. HOIS researchers are involved in projects to reduce tobacco use, promote a healthy lifestyle and diet, and increase HPV vaccination rates among adolescents. Health interventions often involve the use of communication tools to ensure messages are clear and appropriate.

Outcomes and effectiveness

A variety of tools and resources are used to leverage the data needed to evaluate the natural history or the impact of an intervention. Researchers use big data (e.g., electronic medical records, insurance databases, disease registries), patient and participant surveys, geospatial analysis, and longitudinal data collection to evaluate the predictors of health outcomes. HOIS researchers are studying the long term effects of prenatal opioid exposure on child development.

hois education

hobi education

Interested in pursuing an education in health outcomes or implementation science?

Whether you're looking to supplement your existing training or build a foundation for a future career, our rigorous programs provide the education and support you'll need.

HOIS Ph.D. student, Alex Lee, presents a poster at ICHP-Pediatrics Research Day.