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About IHOP

The Institute for Health Outcomes and Policy Research (IHOP) is a diverse multidisciplinary faculty of health outcomes researchers, health policy evaluators, economists, epidemiologists, pharmacist and demographers, whose goal is to advance the scientific knowledge necessary to promote population health, improve healthcare outcomes, and develop sound public policies to improve the health of children and adults.

IHOP evaluates health effects of public policies, and conducts controlled field trials of preventive interventions in community and clinical settings. An area of particular focus is examining factors that contribute to disparities in health and healthcare outcomes among disadvantaged populations. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about the department, our faculty, current research activities, and our educational programs.

The primary mission of the Institute for Health Outcomes and Policy Research (IHOP) Program at the University of Tennessee is to provide strong academic training in health services research. There are three different focus areas in health policy, pharmacoeconomics and health systems pharmacy management. To assist students as they pursue their graduate degree, we have a diverse faculty dedicated to the threefold mission of the University: teaching, research, and public service.

With the rapid creation of new technologies, changes in reimbursement policies, and emphasis on enhancing the quality of healthcare, skilled professionals are required to evaluate health and health care outcomes and their costs. Sorely needed are professions who can design cost effective health care financing options, as well as articulate new strategies for redefining the roles of professionals in an evolving health care market. As the Institute of Medicine has recommended, racial and ethnic disparities in the provision of patient health care should be resolved. Health policy researchers will play a key role in creating solutions for these disparities. The IHOP program prepares professionals to make contributions in these areas.

IHOP is an interdisciplinary faculty organization dedicated to Health Outcomes and Policy research and training. IHOP provides a rich intellectual environment conducive to productive research collaborations and extensive mentoring opportunities for students, faculty, and scientists interested in health research.

Students and the faculty members of the institute are committed to building IHOP into a world-class Institute. Our research programs include the use of rigorous scientific methods, which are transdisciplinary and innovative. IHOP prepares students to conduct methodologically sound research, create new knowledge aimed at improving health services and outcomes, and pursue funding to support their research. Our graduates advance to academic faculty positions or other positions in research organizations in the public and private sectors.

We are delighted that you are interested in our graduate program and look forward to your involvement. We will be happy to answer any questions.

Simonne S Nouer, MD, PhD
Executive Director, Institute for Health Outcomes and Policy
Chair, Health Outcomes and Policy Research PhD Program
College of Graduate Health Sciences
University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Mission

To support and coordinate outstanding health outcomes and policy research education and training on the UTHSC campus.

Goals

  • To support and coordinate an interdisciplinary health outcomes and policy research PhD program that equips students with the essential analytical tools and a breadth of knowledge necessary to serve as independent research scientists and health professionals in a variety of knowledge-oriented institutions.
  • To support and coordinate interdisciplinary postdoctoral training programs in health outcomes, health services, and health policy research.
  • To actively engage faculty from all colleges in the educational programs of the Institute
  • To develop other educational programs and activities related to the mission of the Institute.

IHOP provides training to research-oriented professionals and scientists. Training in this growing field focuses on how to conduct research that evaluates health care and community-level interventions and ultimately informs policy. Scientists trained in research methodologies are essential to bridge the gap between patient care and population-based outcomes.

In an effort to train the next generation of researchers and health care professionals, IHOP draws from the multi-disciplinary strengths of its faculty, which includes health services researchers, epidemiologists, prevention scientists, economists, clinicians, biostatisticians, pharmacists and medical sociologists to teach students how to develop and evaluate health interventions, treatments, preventions practices and policies and determine what works on a large-scale level and why.

Health Outcomes and Policy is focused primarily on pharmacy and the medication use process, health disparities, and policies related to health care systems that impact access and economics.

Specifically, we engage in health outcomes, policy, and community-based participatory research that pertains to pharmacy systems, health systems, e-health systems, legal and regulatory systems, and community social capital. Our research includes studies of the cost of illness, cost effectiveness, cost-benefit, medication errors, patient perceptions of providers, cost of care-giving, and economic impacts. Our unique areas of strength within this body of research are medication therapy management outcomes, health disparities, and translational research. We approach these three areas of study both individually and collectively by engaging the interdisciplinary skills of our faculty and students.

May 26, 2022