Posters with Purpose: BHCHP’s Inaugural Research Day
Do the dosing guidelines for naloxone — an opioid overdose reversal medication—need to be updated? Can financial incentives inspire patients to quit smoking? What are the most effective ways of increasing tuberculosis screening for patients who stay at shelters?
These were just a few of the many questions answered at BHCHP’s inaugural Research Day, which highlighted more than two dozen ongoing or recently completed research and quality improvement projects focused on the health of people experiencing homelessness. The standing room only crowd in the Atrium listened to several talks by BHCHP clinicians as well as by members of BHCHP’s Consumer Advisory Board.
After the talks, audience members walked around the room, reading poster-summaries of recent research studies and quality improvement projects as their authors stood by to answer questions. The goal of the event was to highlight the scholarly work being done at BHCHP and to provide an opportunity for patients, staff, academic affiliates, and community partners to showcase their work and share ideas.
“As a physician researcher, I’ve been to many research symposiums over the years and this one was truly special,” said BHCHP Director of Research Travis Baggett, MD, MPH. “Where else can you find such a wide range of stakeholders sharing knowledge on issues that matter to the people we serve?”
Based on the success of the event, organizers hope to make it a yearly occurrence. Research Day was made possible by funding from the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
While Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program is known mostly for its clinical care, it also has a robust research arm housed within the BHCHP Institute.
