Research Training in Women's Health and Intersectionality Using Data Science and Health Information Technology (WISDOM)

Emory University, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

Researchers have challenged the notion of women’s health universality, an idea that essentializes women’s health care needs regardless of their race/ethnicity, cultural background, age, social class, geographical locations, and sexual identity (social determinants of health). These researchers subsequently assert the need to consider the intersectionality of these multiple forms of discrimination in women’s health research. Intersecting forms of social disadvantage and marginalization are frequently associated with adverse health outcomes. Nurses, who have long been at the forefront of women’s health initiatives, are in an ideal position to participate in and lead teams of researchers, health care providers, policymakers, and the lay public in a contemporary commitment to strengthen women’s health. However, lack of significant training in data science (DS) and emerging health information technologies (HIT) reduces the effectiveness of nursing scientists in women’s health research. The use of DS and HIT can improve research effectiveness in reducing health disparities among disadvantaged groups of women by providing various strategies that were not possible without these methodologies (e.g., increasing access to hidden populations, improving the precision of measurements). The purpose of this T32 program is to prepare nurse scientists who have knowledge and skills to employ DS and/or HIT in order to improve women’s health while considering the intersectionality of multiple social determinants of health. This is in agreement with the overarching goals of Healthy People 2030, the NINR strategic plan (especially research lenses on health disparities and social determinants of health), the Trans-NIH Strategic Plan for Women’s Health Research, the IOM Report on Women’s Health Research, and the American Academy of Nursing’s Women’s Health Research Agenda. This training will build on the strengths of the Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing’s currently funded research studies, faculty expertise, and supporting infrastructure. It will address women’s health issues with a conceptual focus on intersectionality among social determinants of health. Trainees will also develop knowledge and skills in interdisciplinary research methods related to women’s health, understand and apply DS and/or HIT, and/or develop and test interventions using DS and/or HIT in women’s health. The program comprises: 1) specific courses related to women’s health, DS, and HIT; 2) electives to individualize training, develop an area of specialization, and facilitate trainees in interdisciplinary courses; 3) biweekly T32 seminars to foster trainees’ integration of course content with other program experiences; 4) 15 hours a week of work on faculty research over several semesters; 5) at least one semester of individualized research practicum with center internships; and 6) participation in an interdisciplinary center on campus that relates to the trainee’s research area. Fifteen nurse scientists will be trained over 5 years. The program will engage 17 mentors and 6 Interdisciplinary co-mentors. Over 10 research centers/institutes/departments have agreed to collaborate, making this a fully interdisciplinary training program.