Mission
To conduct multi-disciplinary, aging research, both clinically-relevant and policy-significant, on the ways to organize and deliver health services that are accessible, high quality, and efficient for achieving desirable health outcomes. Our objectives are to:
- Conduct scientifically rigorous and timely research to improve our knowledge in health services for the aging population that will improve the standards of practice and inform policy initiatives.
- Develop innovative research methodologies, both theoretical and applied, to advance the field of aging-related health services research.
- Collaborate with researchers and practitioners who have expertise in the medical, biological, and/or psychosocial sciences, at Northwestern University, other academic institutions, as well as community-based organizations, government agencies, and private companies.
- Disseminate research findings and educate various local, state and national communities on health policy initiatives concerning the aging population.
Research Themes
- End-of-Life and Palliative Care for Elders
- Caregiving Research
- Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Health Services
(see Patient-Centered Safety in Long-Term Care Facilities) - Safety in the Homes and Community
(see Health Safety: Causes of Adverse Health Events Among Community-Dwelling Elders) - Quality and Safety of Medication Use
(see Polypharmacy and Medication Non-Adherence among Elderly Veterans Administration (VA) Patients) - Long-Term Care and Residential Services
(see Patient-Centered Safety in Long-Term Care Facilities)
Mayor Daley's Well-Being Task Force
The Well-Being Task Force, led by the Chicago Department on Aging Commissioner Joyce Gallagher, has been established to provide services for and advocate on behalf of seniors living alone in the Chicago area by partnering with agencies and community organizations to assist in coordinating and providing services of isolated seniors. Denys Lau, PhD is a member of the Task Force and meets monthly with leaders and representatives from local community organizations, agencies, and the Chicago Police and Fire Department to discuss a range of issues affecting Chicago's elders.
Medicare Part D Community Lectures
The Buehler Center on Aging, Health & Society is conducting community lectures on the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Denys Lau, PhD, and Janice L. Feinberg, PharmD, JD present information on enrollment, scope, and expected benefits of the new program. See Community Outreach for more information.
The Health Services Research and Policy Seminar Series, Thursdays, 12-1pm, Wieboldt Hall 421
Video simulcast: Hines VA Hospital and the ENH Center for Outcomes, Research and Education (CORE). Speakers address a variety of topics and methodologies in health services research, aging, quality of care and health policy. Contact Sharon Bledsoe to join the mailing list.