Recently Completed Research Projects


The following list provides information on research projects which were recently completed by CSHP research staff. Where possible, links have been provided to reports or other materials resulting from the study. As with the list of current research, projects are divided by core area (Access and Coverage, Health and Long-Term Care Workforce, Health System Performance Improvement, Long-Term Care and Support Services, Childhood Obesity, and Cross Cutting and Other Projects). They are listed by project name, funding agent, a brief description of the project, and the name of a contact person who, upon request, will be able to provide you with more information. Completed projects will remain on the list below for approximately six months after the completion date.

 
Access and Coverage

Health Insurance Premium Review (Consumer Rate Review)
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance

The Center is hosting three consumer forums around the state, providing the opportunity for consumer and advocacy groups, as well as other invited stakeholders, to express their views on New Jersey’s premium rate review process. Information and themes will be collected from the forum discussions and summarized into a final report that will be presented to the NJ Department of Banking & Insurance.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Analytic Support for Planning a Health Insurance Exchange in NJ
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance

The Center is working with the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance on a series of analytic activities to inform the planning of a Health Insurance Exchange in New Jersey under the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (ACA). As part of this project, the Center recently completed thirteen stakeholder forums around the state with providers, consumers, insurance carriers, employers, and brokers. The purpose of the forums was to learn more about the stakeholders’ views regarding the critical issues that should be considered in the Exchange planning process. The second activity pursued within this project was a brief on-line stakeholder survey designed to obtain input on key Exchange issues. Lastly, the Center will submit a paper that estimating the number and the demographic and health characteristics of NJ residents who will be eligible and who are likely to enroll in Medicaid/FamilyCare and subsidized Exchange products (through individual and small-group Exchanges) in New Jersey, by category.

For more information, e-mail:
Margaret Koller, M.S., Executive Director

Aiding Implementation of Health Reform's Coverage Provisions in New Jersey
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Under this project, the Center will build on its in-depth knowledge of health care programs and markets in New Jersey and its close working relationship with health policy leaders in the public and private sectors to conduct a one year project to support the implementation of health reform in the state. The Center will conduct background research on key elements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) as they affect New Jersey, engage stakeholders from the public and private sectors to inform the development of state responses to the ACA, and disseminate findings about policy options and stakeholder views in the state.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Evaluation for the State Partnership Program to Improve Minority Health
New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority and Multicultural Health

This project will provide independent evaluation research services focusing on selected components of the State Partnership Program. The evaluation aim is to assess the successes and barriers to implementation and gauge community stakeholder perceptions of their participation in Health NJ 2020. CSHP will conduct analysis and prepare a draft report of findings, documenting trends and patterns of adoption of best practices in data collection and reporting and other goals of the DHSS Disparities Plan following receipt of completed questionnaires.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Evaluating the Extension of Dependent Coverage to Young Adults
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (SHARE)

In-depth evaluation of policies in NJ and about 25 other states that permit young adults to remain enrolled as dependents on their parents’ health insurance plans through early adulthood. Project goals are to: (1) investigate and describe the details of the state policy changes, (2) evaluate the impact of the eligibility expansions on coverage of young adults, and (3) assess the implementation and possible unintended consequences of this policy option. The project draws on data from the US Current Population Survey and the 2008-2009 New Jersey Family Health Survey as well as information from regulatory documents and qualitative interviews.

For more information, e-mail:
Margaret Koller, M.S., Executive Director

Evaluation of NJ Partnership to Improve Minority Health
NJ Department of Health and Senior Services

The scope of this proposal is to develop a self-assessment tool for the NJDHSS to collect programmatic data annually. The survey will be used to assess the extent that health disparities initiatives are making progress in reaching minorities statewide. The survey will be administered yearly for the length of the project (5 years) by the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health. Additionally, CSHP will evaluate survey data and prepare required reports.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

NJ Consumer Voices for Immigrants & Health Insurance Coverage in NJ
New Jersey Citizen Action

CSHP will prepare a policy paper describing the role of immigration status on health insurance coverage in New Jersey, reviewing policies in New Jersey and other states related to covering immigrants, and identifying policy options for improving coverage of immigrants in New Jersey. CSHP will analyze the NJ Family Health Survey (2008) to describe the relationship of immigration status to key health variables.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Charity Care in New Jersey
Johnson & Johnson

The goal of this project is to help improve the financing and delivery of charity care by documenting which charity care services are the most prevalent, costly, and potentially preventable through community-based interventions. The project will also describe how the demand for specific charity care services varies across different parts of NJ and at different times of the year.

For more information, e-mail:
Derek DeLia, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor

Regulatory Reform and Angiography Disparities
Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ )

Beginning in 1996, New Jersey embarked on hospital regulatory reforms that addressed, among other goals, the long-standing problem of racial and ethnic disparities in use of cardiac angiography (CA). These reforms led to a doubling in the number of hospitals performing CA as well as state-monitoring of minority outreach and access activities for CA services at each hospital. This study builds on AHRQ-funded pilot studies to examine the effectiveness of this innovative policy, specifically 1) determine whether the disparity between black and white CA utilization declined following implementation of NJ policies intended to expand access for minority patients; 2) evaluate how local heath system characteristics may influence CA disparities and pathways through which the NJ policy may have reduced these disparities; and 3) identify promising strategies for reducing CA disparities. Hispanic-white CA disparities will also be investigated.

For more information, e-mail:
Derek DeLia, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor

Healthcare Reform Options Opinion Poll
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

New Jersey policy makers and health care stakeholders are actively engaged in discussions of options for addressing the growing problem of the uninsured in the state. Under this proposal, the Center for State Health Policy (CSHP) seeks resources to conduct a public opinion poll on health care reform in New Jersey.

For more information, e-mail:
Susan Brownlee, Ph.D., Survey Analyst
State Solutions: Enrolling Medicare Beneficiaries in Medicare Savings Programs
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Commonwealth Fund

CSHP serves as the National Program Office for The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/Commonwealth Fund initiative to increase the enrollment of low-income older adults in the Medicare Savings Programs. In this capacity, CSHP coordinates technical assistance to five states that will receive grant support from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for this pilot program. Additional funding for this effort is provided through The Commonwealth Fund.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Benefit Packages for the Sake of Health of Low Income Urban Residents
Milliman USA, Consultants and Actuaries

The Center will assist Milliman USA in fulfilling contract requirements for the “Preparation of Actuarial Information Regarding Public Health Benefit Packages for the Sake of Health of Low Income Urban Residents” project funded by NIH. CSHP will provide research support to Milliman’s effort to estimate the cost of various public benefit programs affecting health among low income populations. Specifically, CSHP will conduct a literature review to identify existing public benefits, findings on their effectiveness, and sources containing the cost of such benefits. CSHP will focus research efforts on public education, employment, and nutrition programs/interventions and their effects on health status.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Rethinking Doctor-Patient Relationships
Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Transformation of doctor-patient relationships will be essential to the success of efforts to achieve patient-centered care, as envisioned in the IOM report, Crossing the Quality Chasm. This research investigates new ways of structuring doctor-patient relationships by studying five innovative practices: 1) cancer self-help and advocacy because it offers new sources of support and shared authority among peers, 2) palliative care because it demands maintenance of trust while shifting the overall goal of care, 3) complementary medicine because it embraces approaches that rely upon disparate models and promises to serve a broad range of patient needs, 4) group visits for chronic illness care because they draw upon shared experience and learning among patients, and 5) new communications curricula in medical education because they can prepare physicians to assume new roles with patients. Study of these four spheres of care as well as innovations in medical education is designed to yield lessons for improving doctor-patient relationships and quality of health care.

For more information, e-mail:
Michael Yedidia , M.P.H., Ph.D., Research Professor

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ: Impact Analysis Issue Brief
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ

CSHP will produce an Issue Brief for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey that highlights Horizon’s impact on New Jersey’s health insurance markets, health care expenditures, and employment. The format of this Issue Brief would be similar to that of a previous Issue Brief prepared by the Center for Horizon titled Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey: Current and Historical Role in Providing Health Insurance Coverage in New Jersey, February 2003. The current Issue Brief would include and update much of the information that is presented in the 2003 Issue Brief, but would go beyond that work by also highlighting Horizon’s contribution to New Jersey’s economy through expenditures on health care and employment. Throughout the Issue Brief, CSHP will draw upon government and other data to put the role of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield in the context of the entire state health care system and economy.

For more information, e-mail:
Dina Belloff, M.A., Senior Research Analyst

Emergency Department Surge Capacity
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

Growing demand and reduced capacity for services in hospital emergency departments (EDs) have led to a nationwide problem of ED overcrowding. The threat of bio-terrorism and other disasters involving mass casualties magnifies the seriousness of ED overcrowding and creates a need to ensure that hospital EDs have sufficient surge capacity to deal with such emergencies. To help policymakers prepare for these emergencies, CSHP will conduct a three-year study of ED utilization and surge capacity in New Jersey. The study will achieve the following five objectives:

1. Review the extant literature on ED overcrowding and surge capacity.
2. Document recent trends in ED utilization and inpatient capacity in NJ.
3. Document patterns of inappropriate and avoidable use of ED services in NJ.
4. Describe the frequency and identify patterns in ambulance diversions from EDs in NJ.
5. Describe the range of options available to ensure adequate ED capacity.

For more information, e-mail:
Derek DeLia, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor

Louisiana Katrina Relief
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Through a State Solutions Initiative, the Louisiana Medicare Savings Program is providing outreach for enrollment of more dual-eligibles. The Rutgers Center for State Health Policy (CSHP) will contract with vendors which will 1 - design and produce promotional items, flyers and posters of educational materials available to regional staff to sustain and enhance the Louisiana MSP efforts and 2 - provide a LA statewide radio advertisement campaign.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

New Jersey State Planning Grant
 New Jersey Department of Human Services through a grant from Health Resources & Services Administration of the US Department of Health & Human Services

Under contract to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, the proposed project will develop a framework for addressing the problem of the concentration of health expenditures and the risk of adverse selection in New Jersey's non-group and small-group health insurance markets.  The Center will convene an Expert Panel to assist in the development of a reinsurance strategy that would promote the long-term stability and growth of private coverage through these markets.

For more information, e-mail:
Margaret Koller, M.S., Executive Director
White Paper on Cardiovascular Initiatives in New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

This research will result in a white paper examining the burden of cardiovascular disease in New Jersey based on past and possible future cardiovascular health initiatives.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

New Brunswick Community Health Assessment
New Brunswick Tomorrow (with funding from Johnson & Johnson)

This joint project with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is engaging the leadership in the greater New Brunswick community to identify and address health problems that affect this community, and contribute to the developing health improvement programs through the Healthier New Brunswick 2010 initiative. A series of focus group interviews with key informants, which informed the survey design, have been completed. A survey of 600 New Brunswick families has also been completed and analysis is underway.

For more information, email: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Best Practices for Enrolling Low-Income Beneficiaries into the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit
Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (Under a grant from CMS)

The purpose of this study is to design and conduct an analysis to identify the best practices of successfully enrolling low-income beneficiaries into the Medicare drug benefit program. The findings from the analysis will be used to prepare the Report to Congress.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
NJ Health Care Access Monitor
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

CSHP is serving as the independent access monitor under the NJ Community Health Assets Protection Act, documenting changes in health care utilization and access after the acquisition of Salem Memorial Hospital by a for-profit company (other hospital acquisitions to be added to the monitoring project as they occur).

For more information, e-mail:
Derek DeLia, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor
Evaluation of NJ FamilyCare Express Enrollment Pilot Program
New Jersey Department of Human Services

The "NJ Express Enrollment for Children's Health Care Coverage" pilot program, established in June 2004, aims to facilitate enrollment of uninsured children in NJ FamilyCare and Medicaid health coverage by distributing Express Enrollment health coverage applications in conjunction with the school lunch form. The Center will provide assistance through producing and distributing enrollment materials to participating schools and will also design and implement an evaluation of the pilot program.

For more information, e-mail:
Dorothy Gaboda, M.S.W., Ph.D., Associate Director for Data Analysis

Analysis of FQHC Quality and Payment Options in New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

An evaluation of the level of healthcare quality and access provided by New Jersey's Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that will ultimately provide options for redesigning the allocation of the state funds that support them.

For more information, e-mail:
Derek DeLia, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor

Policy Analyses & Technical Assistance of NJ PAAD/Senior Gold Coordination with a
Medicare Drug Benefit
NJ Department of Health & Senior Services

Rutgers Center for State Health Policy is providing the NJ Department of Health & Senior Services with technical assistance and policy analysis to develop an implementation plan for the pharmacy benefit that was created through the Medicare Prescriptions Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. The project will coordinate the new Medicare benefit with the state's existing PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged & Disabled) and Senior Gold programs. Some of the key project activities include a detailed analysis of laws and regulations and the development of educational materials and a monitoring and evaluation plan for the transition.

For more information, e-mail:
Dorothy Gaboda, M.S.W., Ph.D., Associate Director for Data Analysis

AHRQ State Pharmacy Assistance (SPAP) Conference
The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality

The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) will provide funding to Rutgers Center for State Health Policy for an invitational summit which will address research and programmatic issues in state pharmacy assistance programs (SPAPs). The summit will facilitate the translation of research into practice and foster future collaborations by convening experts, policymakers, and program managers involved in pharmacy management decisions and related research.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Policy Analysis of State Pharmacy Assistance Programs: State of the Art and Implications for National Health Policy
The Commonwealth Fund

Based on surveys of state pharmacy assistance programs, CSHP will produce tracking reports describing the program features such as eligibility rules, consumer costs and reimbursement policies and tracking trends in program expenditures, utilization, and enrollment. In separate reports, CSHP will also investigate selected state drug discount initiatives programs and pooled purchasing efforts. These reports will describe the evolution of these programs, variations in approaches, legal and operational challenges, and perceived effectiveness in reducing costs to consumers and states.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
Perinatal, Neonatal and Pediatric Care Task Forces
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

CSHP will coordinate and participate in a task force to address the organization of perinatal, neonatal, and pediatric care in New Jersey hospitals, provide analytical support on current best practices and the organization and regulation of services, and examine the implications for changes in the existing approaches.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

OMMH Grantees 2004: What Can Be Learned?
New Jersey Office of Minority and Multicultural Health , New Jersey Department of Health
and Senior Services

In an effort to better identify vulnerable populations with poor access to care at the community level, the New Jersey Office of Minority and Multicultural Health (OMMH) developed a grant initiative focused on engaging community groups and coalitions working in the areas of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and asthma. CSHP is conducting an assessment of the grantees' success in meeting the OMMH grant objectives, to better inform future state-funded community health initiatives.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Supply of Physician Services in New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance

To assist the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance in the implementation of the New Jersey Medical Care Access and Responsibility and Patients First Act, CSHP is updating and conducting targeted analyses of its physician database to link the NJ Board of Medical Examiners physician license list with the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile data for 2001, 2003, and 2004. This will provide the most up-to-date information and trends over time on the specialty and practice status of New Jersey's physicians.

For more information, e-mail:
Susan Brownlee, Ph.D., Survey Analyst

Sustaining Individual Health Insurance Markets Under Community Rating and Open Enrollment
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Commonwealth Fund

A study of the reasons that enrollment New Jersey's Individual Coverage Program (IHCP) has declined rapidly and an analysis of policy options for sustaining coverage in this market. Conducted in cooperation with the Department of Banking and Insurance (Individual Health Coverage Program Board).

For more information, email:
Margaret Koller, M.S., Executive Director

Health and Long-Term Care Workforce

Enhancing Patient Safety through Nurse Manager Development
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Interdisciplinary Nursing Quality Research Initiative (INQRI)

This project (in collaboration with the Rutgers College of Nursing) will conduct a series of evidence-based workshops that provide patient safety training to frontline nurse managers with the goal of reducing in-hospital medical errors. The effectiveness of the workshops will be evaluated using information from 20 participating hospitals and a control group of 20 non-participating hospitals in New Jersey. Evaluation outcomes include the frequency of in-hospital adverse events (e.g., medication errors) and a quantitative assessment of the nursing practice environment and nurse participation in medication safety processes derived from a survey administered to staff nurses. The evaluation will also include an ethnographic analysis of the experiences of workshop participants. Project findings will be disseminated broadly to nurse managers, hospital administrators, policymakers, and the mass media.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission
New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission

This project constitutes an evaluation of the New Jersey Health Care Workforce Development Planning Project. The overall aims of the evaluation are to provide an impartial assessment of the adequacy of the planning process and to identify lessons for the implementation of workforce development initiatives that may emerge from the planning process, and will consist of the development, fielding, and analysis of data from a confidential survey of planning process participants.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Nurse Delegation in New Jersey Home and Community Settings
NJDHS, Division of Disability Services

This project will evaluate a pilot program of nurse delegation of health maintenance tasks to individuals in home and community settings by nurses in participating NJ home health agencies.

For more information, e-mail:
Jennifer Farnham, M.S., Senior Research Analyst

National Survey of Nurse Faculty
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Reliable data on the current status of the nation’s nursing schools with regard to factors contributing to the faculty shortage will be critical to motivating, designing, and implementing effective strategies for change. The national survey of nurse faculty will be designed to provide benchmark measures concerning faculty work-life for assessing interventions supported by Evaluating Innovations in Nursing Education (EIN), provide a yardstick for nursing programs around the country to compare their faculty to those at similar institutions in their region, and yield a baseline snapshot for guiding and assessing the progress of national efforts to improve the work-life and retention of nurse faculty. The project will study approximately 4,000 nurse faculty members employed at 300 randomly selected nursing education programs representative of the population by program type (BSN and ADN) and region of the country.

For more information, e-mail:
Michael Yedidia , M.P.H., Ph.D., Research Professor

Planning a National Initiative to Evaluate Innovations in Nursing Education
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

CSHP will plan a national program to evaluate and disseminate innovative strategies to increase nursing school teaching capacity as well as promote faculty recruitment and retention. The ultimate goal is to contribute to alleviating the faculty shortage and permit schools to educate more students. Pending approval by the Board of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this program will award grants to nursing schools or health care organizations which, in collaboration with an evaluation partner, will evaluate existing innovations that have promise for widespread replication.

For more information, e-mail:
Michael Yedidia , M.P.H., Ph.D., Research Professor
Professional Partners Supporting Family Caregiving
AARP

The goal of this project is to establish priorities among family caregiver needs that can be effectively addressed by nurses and social workers. The aim is to provide evidence for assessing gaps in existing best practices, making priorities among areas for further development, and informing future provider training and curriculum development so as to improve the interface between family and professional caregivers. Three outcomes will be produced by this research: a firsthand view of the needs of caregivers; responses of nursing and social work professionals on how those needs can be addressed; and a consensus among providers and consumers on priorities for professional support of caregivers. With collaboration of the AARP, the American Journal of Nursing, and Council on Social Work Education and funding from the John A. Hartford Foundation, the research will inform a broad initiative for supporting family caregivers.

For more information, e-mail:
Michael Yedidia , M.P.H., Ph.D., Research Professor
Nurse Delegation in Adult Foster Care
NASHP (National Academy for State Health Policy)

As a chapter in a larger volume that AARP is creating to highlight adult foster care regulations, licensing, and business practices across the country, this project will discuss the regulation of nursing practice and how it affects services provided in community settings.

For more information, e-mail:
Jennifer Farnham, M.S., Senior Research Analyst

Availability of Physician Services in New Jersey-2006 Update
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance

CSHP will develop updated estimates of the supply of physicians in New Jersey by specialty for the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. This work builds on an earlier project in which CSHP provided physician supply analysis for 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Information from lists of licensed physicians from the NJ Board of Medical Examiners will be merged with specialty, activity (i.e. active, retired, etc.) and primary practice location information from the American Medical Association’s Physician Masterfile to measure the supply of physicians. For each specialty, physician supply information will be analyzed as a ratio to the potential patient population and over time and compared to national ratios and published benchmarks to determine which specialties and counties may be experiencing physician access problems. In addition, CSHP will update its review of methods for benchmarking physician access problems.

For more information, e-mail:
Susan Brownlee, Ph.D., Survey Analyst

Economics of Nursing Invitational Conference
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

The purpose of this project is to provide funding for a conference that would bring together a multi-disciplinary team consisting of, but not limited to economists, sociologists, health policy experts, nursing experts/leaders, and representatives from funding agencies and publications. The forum would be to discuss and begin to solve issues in the economics of nursing care.

For more information, e-mail:
Nirvana Huhtala Petlick, Program Coordinator

Evaluation of NJHI Workforce Agenda
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's New Jersey Health Initiatives

This multi-year project supports the goals of the New Jersey Health Initiatives (NJHI- the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s New Jersey grantmaking program) Nursing Workforce Agenda. The nine workforce projects focus on ways to address the pipeline and retention issues for both the nursing and paraprofessional populations. The goals of this project include: an Environmental Scan/Resource Guide which identifies the state policy environment and labor market trends relevant to the NJHI program; Technical Assistance to help grantees establish outcome objectives and document their activities; a Program Assessment that includes 6 month progress surveys as well as a final project evaluation tool; and in-depth Case Studies of selected grantees. During the remaining 2 years of the project, the Center will continue to conduct surveys of the grantees, provide technical assistance and complete the three grantee case studies.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Environmental Scan of New Jersey Nursing Workforce
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

The purpose of this project is to provide funding for a research project to the RWJF senior staff. The data will address the current nursing faculty workforce environment in New Jersey. This environment scan will focus on current shortages and improving the quality of nursing care. The research findings will be presented at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Availability of Physician Services in New Jersey - 2005 Update
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance

CSHP will develop updated estimates of the supply of physicians in New Jersey by specialty for the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. This work builds on an earlier project in which CSHP provided physician supply analysis for 2001, 2003 and 2004. Information from lists of licensed physicians from the NJ Board of Medical Examiners will be merged with specialty, activity (i.e. active, retired, etc.) and primary practice location information from the American Medical Association’s Physician Masterfile to measure the supply of physicians. For each specialty, physician supply information will be analyzed as a ratio to the potential patient population and over time and compared to national ratios and published benchmarks to determine which specialties and counties may be experiencing physician access problems. In addition, CSHP will update its review of methods for benchmarking physician access problems. Under the first part of the project, CSHP will analyze physician supply for 2005 and, if DOBI decides to extend the project, CSHP will perform an updated analysis for 2006 physician supply.

For more information, e-mail:
Susan Brownlee, Ph.D., Survey Analyst

Health System Performance Improvement

Rethinking New Jersey Healthcare
Fannie E. Rippel Foundation

CSHP is working in collaboration with Fannie E. Rippel Foundation staff and other Foundation grantees to explore approaches to stimulating discussions and attention in New Jersey on developing a framework for thinking about the future of health care in the state. The activities will rely on available data and published documents, and will seek to put ongoing changes in New Jersey’s health care system (e.g., activities started as a result of national health reform, into a broader, state-wide perspective).

 For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Effects of Hospital Closure on Healthcare Quality
Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ)

This project concerns a multi-state study on an issue that is exceptionally timely in New Jersey: how quality of care changes for people living in markets in which hospitals close. Furthermore, it will help build CSHP’s database of hospital-related measures while supporting future projects concerning quality of care, safety net, and related research agendas.

For more information, e-mail:
Derek DeLia, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor

Evaluation of New Jersey Health Initiative Expecting Success: Excellence in Cardiac Care
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (NJHI)

This project is a multifaceted evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's New Jersey Health Initiatives Expecting Success: Excellence in Cardiac Care (NJHI ES). The goals of NJHI ES are to improve congestive heart failure care for African Americans and Latinos in New Jersey, to develop replicable quality improvement to strategies and models, to encourage the spread of these strategies and models outside of cardiac care, and to disseminate relevant lessons to policy and provider audiences. CSHP will 1) track New Jersey state policy related to hospital quality and provide a communication link with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, 2) provide a descriptive analysis of NJHI ES applicants and grantees compared to other NJ hospitals, 3) track congestive heart failure scores released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and analyze the progress of grantee hospitals in contrast with appropriate comparison groups, and 4) document project implementation through qualitative analysis.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
Enhanced Diabetes Education for New Brunswick’s High Risk Population: Teaching Pharmacy Students to Serve as Health Navigators
Johnson & Johnson

This project will develop an enhanced diabetes education program to improve patient self-management of the condition among high risk patients in New Brunswick. Program partners include CSHP and the Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University with the Chandler Health Center of UMDNJ-RWJ Medical School. It will also provide additional training for pharmacy students on their clinical rotation, and uses patient education videos to offer an effective service for low income patients in New Brunswick.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Policy Synthesis on Emergency Department Utilization and Capacity
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

This project will provide a thorough summary and critique of the research literature on ED utilization and capacity and draw implications for health policy.

For more information, e-mail:
Derek DeLia, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor

Statewide Survey of New Jersey Health Information Technology Infrastructure
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI)

This project, under the auspices of the State Coordinator of NJ e-HIT, will gather information from stakeholder organizations in New Jersey regarding use of electronic health records. The Center for State Health Policy will conduct key informant interviews and focus groups to identify what is already known about health information exchanges within the state and consolidate this information to identify gaps in knowledge. Project staff will also review survey instruments from other states and assist in defining objectives for future data gathering to assist in planning the development of interoperable health information technology throughout New Jersey.

For more information, e-mail:
Dorothy Gaboda, M.S.W., Ph.D., Associate Director for Data Analysis

Analytic Support for the Commonwealth Fund State Scorecard on Health Care System Performance 2
The Commonwealth Fund

With this grant, CSHP will work with The Commonwealth Fund to prepare the first update of the State Scorecard and improve measurement of health system performance using new indicators and data where available. The new scorecard will also highlight trends in state performance from the previous two years. Findings will be targeted to state and federal policy leaders and health system leaders, who will use the information to help set priorities for remedial action.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Bridging the Gap between EMS and Health Services Research: A Conference for Researchers and Practitioners
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ)

This project will organize a conference to bring together EMS providers, hospital mangers, policymakers, and researchers to integrate EMS activity into health services research, policymaking, and quality measurement.

For more information, e-mail:
Derek DeLia, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor

NJ Hospital Quality Initiative
The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey

The purpose of this project is to establish a New Jersey hospital quality improvement initiative targeted to improve the treatment of hospitalized patients with heart failure. New Jersey hospitals facing challenges in improving heart failure quality indicators were invited to join this initiative. Through intensive technical assistance, the hospitals will target specific improvements that will be identified and tracked. This project is co-sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and is conducted in conjunction with the New Jersey Hospital Association Quality Institute.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

NJ HMO Performance Report Data Analysis
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI)

The CSHP project team is analyzing and formatting data from the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey (CAHPS) and the Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) reported by commercial HMOs in NJ to the National Committee on Quality Assessment. Information will be used by NJ Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) to publish the annual NJ HMO report card.

For more information, e-mail:
Dorothy Gaboda, M.S.W., Ph.D., Associate Director for Data Analysis

Regional Quality Planning Grant
New Jersey Hospital Association

Through a consortium of NJ organizations led by the New Jersey Hospital Association and including CSHP, this grant will prepare a strategy to improve quality of health care across inpatient and ambulatory sectors in the state. As part of the planning grant, CSHP will provide data and analysis to support the application for a statewide implementation grant under the heading ‘NJ Healthcare Quality Connection’ (NJHQC).

For more information, e-mail:
Derek DeLia, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor

Traumatic Brain Injury Assessment
New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Disability Services

CSHP will assist the NJ Division of Disability Services to assess the system of services and supports available in New Jersey for individuals with brain injury by surveying state agencies, providers, and individuals with traumatic brain injury. This information will be used to inform development of new services and supports to create a more coordinated and responsive system.

For more information, e-mail:
Dorothy Gaboda, M.S.W., Ph.D., Associate Director for Data Analysis

Analytic Support for the Commonwealth Fund State Scorecard on Health System Performance
The Commonwealth Fund

The purpose of this project is to provide analytic support for the development of the Fund's State Level Scorecard on Health Care System Performance. In addition, the Center will collaborate closely with Fund staff in the development and communication of measures

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Electronic Health Record Evaluation: NJ Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (NJHISPC)
US Department of Health and Human Services through NJ Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI)

The purpose of this project is to conduct a study to assess how privacy and security laws and business practices affect the interoperable exchange of health information.

For more information, e-mail:
Dorothy Gaboda, M.S.W., Ph.D., Associate Director for Data Analysis

Preventable and Primary-Care Treatable Emergency Department and In-Patient Utilization
Johnson & Johnson through New Brunswick Tomorrow

This project will describe patterns of emergency department and hospital in-patient utilization of New Brunswick area residents. Hospital utilization data maintained by the Department of Health and Senior Services will be used to calculate population-based utilization rates for 2004 (the most recent year available) for conditions that could, in many cases, be more effectively treated in other outpatient settings. Data for children and adults will be analyzed separately, and all statistics will be age-sex adjusted. Emergency department and in-patient utilization patterns for specific conditions, such as asthma, as well as broader categories of preventable and primary-care treatable conditions, will be analyzed. Utilization rates of New Brunswick area residents will be compared to New Jersey overall and to other urban communities.

For more information, e-mail: :
Derek DeLia, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor

Evaluation ACT III (Achieving Competence Today)
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

This project will evaluate a training initiative designed to provide competence in quality improvement to residents and graduate nursing students, facilitate inter-professional collaboration, and promote systems improvement at academic medical centers.

For more information, e-mail:
Michael Yedidia , M.P.H., Ph.D., Research Professor

Evaluation of HRSA Healthy Communities Access Program
National Opinion Research Center under a contract from the Health Resources & Services Administration of the US Department of Health & Human Services

CSHP is working in collaboration with NORC ( National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago) in conducting an evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the HRSA-funded Community Access Program (CAP). CAP strives to improve access to care to low income and vulnerable populations in the forms of insurance expansion, systems integration leading to more provider efficiency, increased patient education and enrollment in programs, improved and integrated information systems, and expansion of outreach. The evaluation will include a provider survey, key informant interviews of the grantee coalitions, focus groups, and an analysis of the grantee reported six month program monitoring updates.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Evaluation of the Transition Process for Children with Special Health Needs
NJ Department of Health and Senior Services

The medical transition process of children with special health care needs was identified by the Division of Family Health Services’ (FHS) taskforce as an important area to examine as part of their required needs assessment activities. To provide FHS with information about these transitions in New Jersey, CSHP will conduct an in-depth analysis of the 2000-2002 SLAIT data, interviews with parents or guardians of these children, and interviews with physicians who treat children and adults with the following medical conditions: Down Syndrome, Cleft Lip and Palate, Spina Bifida, and Diabetes. Together these components will explore the transition process of children with special health care needs, their potential barriers, concerns, and unique issues.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Analysis of a Universal Vaccine Purchasing System
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

CSHP proposes to inform the State on the benefits and deficits of the Universal Vaccine Purchasing System. An in-depth case analysis of several states that utilize the universal vaccine purchasing system will be done, including a comparison of these states' immunization rates prior to and after implementing the system. Finally, an analysis of the potential cost impact for New Jersey based on the cost and experiences of the states will be offered.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

NJ FamilyCare Waiver Evaluation
Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, NJ Department of Human Services

The purpose of this project is to use administrative records and survey data to evaluate the effects of parental enrollment and health care utilization on retention and recertification of children in the NJ FamilyCare plan, and to describe prenatal care and newborn outcomes for women enrolled in the expanded coverage program.

For more information, e-mail:
Dorothy Gaboda, M.S.W., Ph.D., Associate Director for Data Analysis

State-Level Health Insurance Resource Web Site
The Actors Fund under a grant from The Commonwealth Fund

Researchers at CSHP are collaborating with five state health policy centers nationwide to provide technical assistance to The Actors Fund of New York identifying state-specific information for a health insurance resource web site for freelance workers looking for health insurance options. The centers will also provide guidance for incorporating health policy research findings that are relevant to health care consumers and in evaluating its use.

For more information, email: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Data Collection and Analysis
NJ Department of Health and Senior Services

The rate of central nervous system (CNS) injuries, particularly traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI), in New Jersey is much higher than the national rate. CSHP research staff are examining the reasons surrounding the state's high rates of TBI and SCI injuries using the NJ TBI and SCI surveillance system and will discuss issues that are salient to the prevention of these types of injuries.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
Long-Term Care and Support Services

New Jersey Systems Transformation Grant
New Jersey Department of Human Services

The Center is providing technical assistance for strategic planning and implementation of the New Jersey Systems Transformation project, which seeks to make the state’s long-term care system more accessible to consumers of long-term care services and their caregivers. Project activities include facilitation of stakeholder decision making, focus groups, research on best practices and ongoing participation in state committees and evaluation efforts.

For more information, e-mail:
Jennifer Farnham, M.S., Senior Research Analyst

Strategic Planning on Long-Term Care Reform
Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services

The Center is providing technical assistance for strategic planning and implementation of the Arkansas Systems Transformation project. CSHP will continue providing technical assistance as the state implements the goals of their grant.

For more information, e-mail:
Jennifer Farnham, M.S., Senior Research Analyst

Promoting Long-Term Living in Pennsylvania
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The Center is providing customized technical assistance and consultation to the Governor's Office of Health Care Reform and Long-Term Living Council in the state of Pennsylvania. This technical assistance is directed to the state's current efforts to determine whether access and quality to health care can be improved and cost savings achieved by promoting long-term living in Pennsylvania.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Community Living Exchange Collaborative
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

In partnership with a broad array of organizations and stakeholders, CSHP is providing training, direct technical assistance, information collection and dissemination, resource development, and other assistance to state agencies and other recipients of Systems Change Grants for Community Living from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This technical assistance is designed to assist these states in implementing programs and policies to develop and enhance independent living opportunities in the community for people with disabilities.

In 2001, 2002, and 2003, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services awarded CSHP multi-million dollar grants to support states in reforming their long-term services and supports systems.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Michigan Systems Transformation Grant
Michigan Department of Community Health

The Center is providing technical assistance for strategic planning and implementation of the Michigan Systems Transformation project.

For more information, e-mail:
Jennifer Farnham, M.S., Senior Research Analyst

North Carolina Systems Transformation Grant
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

The Center is providing technical assistance for strategic planning and implementation of the North Carolina Systems Transformation project.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Consultation for the Francis E. Parker Memorial Home
Parker Memorial Home

The purpose of this project is to provide funding for consultation from CSHP to the Francis E. Parker Memorial Home. This project will address Parker's search for an analysis of both the processes and clinical standards of care currently provided by the Parker staff.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Systems Transformation through Empowerment and Partnership (STTEP)
State of South Carolina

The Center is providing technical assistance for strategic planning and implementation of the South Carolina Systems Transformation project.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Nursing and Nursing Delegation in the Areas of Long-Term Care
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy & Evaluation, US Department of Health and Human Services

The research team is developing a conceptual map of the nursing field as it pertains to long-term care. The team explicates state policy development in five states, and develops case studies that describe varying approaches to providing "nursing" care through unlicensed personnel across long-term care settings, with a focus on assisted living.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Community Placement of Individuals with Mental Illness
New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health Services

CSHP is conducting a detailed profile of residents awaiting community placement. We will be examining the factors associated with potential barriers and constraints for successful community placement. The study will examine clinical and behavioral characteristics related to placement needs, challenges and barriers to stable placement, available placement resources, and other relevant aspects of this population.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Nursing and Nursing Delegation in the Areas of Long-Term Care
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy & Evaluation, USDHHS

The research team will develop a conceptual map of the nursing field as it pertains to long-term care. The team will explicate state policy development in five states, and develop case studies that describe varying approaches to providing "nursing" care through unlicensed personnel across long-term care settings, with a focus on assisted living.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Adult Day Services:
Case Study of Several States
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

The Center for State Health Policy will examine the similarities and differences of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) who access adult day health services (ADHS) and elderly individuals who access these services in New Jersey. Additionally, case studies of six states will be performed to assess how other states address the needs of individuals with DD in ADHS.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Delaware Passport to Independence Program Evaluation
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division on Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities

CSHP is conducting an evaluation of the Delaware Passport to Independence program that assists nursing home residents in their transition back to the community. Through surveying clients, clients' families, assessment workers, and case managers the research team will identify the elements that facilitate a completed transition as well as impediments, and will assess the quality of life of those who have returned to the community, and whether or not their needs are being met.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

NJ EASE for Caregivers Evaluation
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

The project will evaluate the NJ EASE for Caregivers demonstration program administered by the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services. The program was funded by the Administration on Aging and aims to improve and streamline support services for caregivers of the elderly in New Jersey. The program is being piloted in three NJ counties and CSHP analysts will survey county program administrators and staff, as well as caregivers who obtain services from counties. CSHP researchers will also evaluate the quality of a caregiver web site being developed by DHSS for this program.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Evaluation of the Success of Saving: A Growing Personal Assets Project
Allies Inc.

CSHP will be conducting an evaluation of the Success of Saving-Growing Personal Assets Project (SOS-GPAP) that Allies Inc., an agency that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, is implementing. The program allows participants to not only save money but also learn about saving, budgeting, and credit through a series of classes. The evaluation will involve the perspective of the participant as well as program collaborators.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
New Jersey Quality Improvement and Assurance Initiative
New Jersey Department of Human Services

CSHP is assisting the NJ Division of Disability Services in researching "best practices" to measure quality across care settings and for all populations who receive community-based services through a variety of state-funded programs.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Quality Assurance and Evaluation Studies for Home and Community-Based Medicaid Long-Term Care Services (Senior Initiatives)
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

A series of analytic activities to help the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services assess the implementation of Medicaid-based programs designed to provide seniors and their caregivers a broad range of high quality long-term care options. Includes Community Choice Counseling, Assisted Living, Medical Day Care and Caregiver Assistance Programs.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

The Disability and Health Project
The New Jersey Department of Human Services, through a contract with the Centers for Disease Control

CSHP staff, in collaboration with DHS are conducting focus groups with men and women who live with disabilities to explore health promotion, health prevention activities, identify access barriers, and learn how the health care system could better serve the needs of these New Jersey citizens. Additionally, CSHP will conduct a targeted mail survey of both men and women living with disabilities in conjunction with participating disability service agencies and organizations. Together, these approaches will provide a better understanding of the way persons living with a disability promote their health and access the health care system.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

The Impact of Choice Project
Johnson & Johnson

Rutgers Center for State Health Policy is conducting a study, funded by a grant from Johnson &Johnson, for the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services in order to assist them to better serve the needs of people who have returned to the community from nursing homes through the Community Choice Program. CSHP staff are conducting interviews exploring how easy or difficult it was to leave the nursing facility and come back to a home in the community. Clients are asked about their quality of life both now and during the transition, what services they needed, and whether they received needed services. The purpose of this study is to improve the Community Choice program and assist the Department of Health and Senior Services in identifying and helping to meet participants’ needs for the community services that help support the program.

For more information, email: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

Nurses Collaborating with People of All Ages with Disabilities
Division of Disability Services in the NJ Department of Human Services

The Division of Disability Services in the NJ Department of Human Services asked the Center for State Health Policy to organize a Summit in order to convene their Office, the NJ Board of Nursing, Consumers, members from the Oregon Board of Nursing, Oregon's Office of Licensing and Quality of Care, and several experts in the area of nurse delegation and consumer-directed care. The purpose of this Summit was for the Division of Disability Services to present their proposal to the Board of Nursing of a pilot program for Nurses Collaborating with Consumers who Live in the Community. In addition to organizing the Summit, the PI was responsible for drafting the concept of the Pilot Program.

For more information, email: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
Childhood Obesity and Prevention
New Jersey Childhood Obesity Study
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

CSHP will provide an in-depth analysis of childhood obesity in five NJ communities. This major initiative aims to support the development of obesity prevention strategies in each of these communities as well as to serve as the baseline for the evaluation of those strategies. The work will involve family surveys and analysis of other available data in addition to using the NJ Family Health Survey developed and implemented by the Center.

For more information, e-mail:
Michael Yedidia , M.P.H., Ph.D., Research Professor
Assessment of Community- Level Policy and Environmental Changes for Obesity Prevention
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Nutrition and Fitness

The Office of Nutrition and Fitness (ONF) at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior (DHSS) received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and implement strategies to prevent and control obesity and other related chronic diseases through healthful eating and physical activity. To meet these goals, ONF is partnering with the New Jersey Health Officers Association to enable local health departments to implement policy and environmental change using evidence-based strategies to improve nutrition and increase physical activity at the community level. A minimum of three (3) mini-grants will be awarded to local health departments. CSHP will collect data on policy, systems, and environmental change strategies currently in place for these pilot sites and assess the intervention process through case study interviews to identify facilitators and barriers and document lessons learned.

For more information, e-mail:
Manisha Agrawal, M.P.H., R.D., Reasearch Analyst

Assessing ShapingNJ: The State Partnership for Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity
Office of Nutrition and Fitness, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

The Office of Nutrition and Fitness (ONF) at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior (DHSS) received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and implement a state specific plan to prevent and control obesity and other related chronic diseases through healthful eating and physical activity. To meet these goals, ONF is building a statewide partnership, ShapingNJ, that is focusing on environmental and policy changes around obesity and chronic disease prevention. CSHP will conduct a survey to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the coalition and report the results to ONF and the partnership members with the aim to support continuous improvement and strengthening of partnership efforts. The project staff will develop a web-based assessment instrument which will be administered to the membership of ShapingNJ. Furthermore, CSHP will develop and pilot a plan to assess the current status of environmental and policy change strategies proposed by ShapingNJ workgroups using measures proposed in CDC’s "Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States” guide. Three strategies will be identified for this pilot. CSHP staff will also identify and use additional measures to supplement CDC recommendations.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu

New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids Coalition Assessment
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

The New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids (NJPHK) is an initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and aims to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity in five high need cities in New Jersey. The NJPHK State Program Office (SPO) is leading an effort to establish community coalitions in these five cities that will design and implement interventions for creating environments and policies that support access to affordable healthy foods and provide opportunities for safe physical activity in places where children live, learn and play. To ensure these community coalitions are effective and continue to improve their functioning in the face of various challenges, CSHP will conduct an online survey of the members of community coalitions in the five NJ cities to assess their strengths and weaknesses in order to help them and the SPO take deliberate steps for continuous improvement.

For more information, e-mail:
Manisha Agrawal, M.P.H., R.D., Reasearch Analyst
website: http://www.cshp.rutgers.edu/childhoodobesity.htm
Cross Cutting and Other Projects
Environmental Scan and Strategic Planning Consultation with NJHI
New Jersey Health Initiatives

CSHP is providing consultation services and strategic planning assistance to the New Jersey Health Initiatives (NJHI) by completing three annual environmental scans identifying key health policy issues in the state and potential priorities for interventions. The scan will consist of qualitative interviews with policymakers, stakeholders, and grant makers in an effort to learn more about areas of opportunity for NJHI’s grant making program. The project team will also review literature and other documents necessary to provide NJHI with expert analysis to inform the discussion around the selected content areas. Furthermore, the Center will develop an confidential web-based survey that will be sent to past NJHI grantees to learn more about the factors that cause their clients to require specific services.

For more information, e-mail:
Margaret Koller, M.S., Executive Director

Policy Analysis Support for RWJF Impact Framework
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Jointly sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and CSHP, this project provides fellowship experiences in conducting policy analysis and research as well as making findings accessible to policy-makers and general audiences.

For morFor more information, e-mail:
Michael Yedidia , M.P.H., Ph.D., Research Professor

Staff Support for Rutgers Community Health Foundation (RCHF) Program Development
Rutgers Community Health Foundation

This project will provide staff support to the President, Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Rutgers Community Health Foundation, including communication with grantees and preparation of reports and meeting minutes as necessary. It will also serve as a liaison between RCHF Board and grantees and as a point of contact for inquiries regarding the RCHF.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
NJHI Environmental Scan & Program Assessment
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (NJHI)

CSHP will complete an environmental scan in an effort to review key program documents and interview NJHI staff to gain a better understanding of program goals. In addition, the Center will conduct semi-structured interviews with senior stakeholders in New Jersey on a variety of topics including their knowledge and perceptions of NJHI, their strategies for improving the impact of the program, opportunities for future collaboration and the most important problems future grant initiatives should address.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
President’s Award for Research in Service to New Jersey
Rutgers University

This award, established by Rutgers University President Richard L. McCormick, showcases the commitment of Rutgers faculty to New Jersey and its citizens through their research and service activities. The President’s Award for Research in Service to New Jersey recognizes the exemplary work of a distinguished faculty member whose research has had a direct and demonstrable positive impact on the citizens of our state.

For more information, e-mail:
Margaret Koller, M.S., Executive Director

Organizational Collaborations and the Quality of Health Care Delivery
Rutgers University Academic Excellence Fund & Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Qualitative case study of communication, coordination and collaboration as determinants in cardiac care units of selected New Jersey hospitals. This study is being conducted under the leadership of Professors Saul Rubenstein and Charles Heckscher of the Rutgers school of Management and Labor Relations with collaborating partners at the Rutgers College of Nursing and the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
Obesity Prevention Task Force
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

In January 2004, the New Jersey State Legislature passed legislation allowing the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to establish a New Jersey Obesity Prevention Task Force to develop recommendations to enhance and support obesity prevention among New Jersey residents. CSHP will assist with the facilitation of all task force meetings as an administrative and subject matter resource, providing informational, analytical and research support.

For more information, e-mail: cshp_info@ifh.rutgers.edu
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Last updated May 15, 2012