Did You Know that BHCHP Is a Research Leader?

BHCHP staffers share their research at the second annual research day

BHCHP is well-known for its superb clinical care. But that’s only part of the story. Our robust research and quality improvement program is making a mark locally and nationally. Research and quality improvement comes under the umbrella of the BHCHP Institute, which recently held its second annual Research Day to showcase the program’s learnings.

“We want to raise awareness within BHCHP of the work going on in the Institute and get people excited about doing scholarly work,” said Sanju Nembang, the Institute’s Director of Quality. “Externally, we want to create relationships with other organizations and partners who can work with us to uplift this work and share it state-wide and nationally.”

BHCHP is a powerhouse when it comes to homeless health care research, publishing more research studies each year than any similar organization. And its research is often referenced in other studies, underscoring its importance and usefulness to other investigators.

At the Research Day, attendees learned about BHCHP clinical innovation through one staff member’s journey in research, several oral presentations, and 18 posters highlighting recent studies. Staff stood near their posters to field questions from the attendees. One project examined patient perspectives on a relatively new methadone program embedded within BHCHP’s 24/7 respite facility, the Barbara McInnis House. Another looked at how climate change affects homelessness, and a third evaluated an initiative that seeks to improve hypertension management and reduce cardiovascular disparities for our patients experiencing housing instability or homelessness. Much of BHCHP’s quality improvement work is grounded in the day-to-day clinical work of our staff, which investigators mine for insights.

Research Day provided an opportunity to share knowledge locally. The organization also contributes to conversations about homeless medicine happening across the country. A contingent of BHCHP staff members and patients recently traveled to Orlando, Florida to present their insights at the National Health Care for the Homeless Council’s Conference and Policy Symposium. They are:

1. Christy Sheehan, RN — Addressing Behavioral Health Needs in Medical Respite Care

2. Travis Baggett, MD — What’s New in Homeless Health Care? A No-jargon Summary of the Latest Research

3. Warren Magee (BHCHP Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) member) — Consumer Participation Outreach Survey: Weather Emergencies and Homelessness

4. Carolyn Matheson, NP, Dave Munson, MD, Naomi Harris, case manager/care coordinator — Linkages to Care – Reflections on 18 months of inpatient consults for people experiencing homelessness at Massachusetts General Hospital

5. Peter Smith, MD, Amelia Landess, case manager, and Leanne Travis, MD — Geriatric Outcomes for Living with Dignity: Early Findings and Lessons Learned

6. Kacia Wilkinson (CAB member) — Community and Care: The Value of Persons with Lived Experience