VA ORD Women’s Health Summer Research Program (SRP)

Northampton Va Medical Center, Leeds MA

Investigators

Abstract

Background: The VA Central Western Massachusetts Women Veteran’s Health Summer Research Program (VAWH-SRP) will develop a new generation of clinical and health services researchers focused on understanding women Veterans’ health, with a specific emphasis on reproductive health. Our innovative program is designed to expand student understanding of research methodologies and skills embedded in women Veterans’ health. Significance: The team of mentors at VA Central Western Massachusetts is equipped with the expertise and skills to successfully deploy our SRP. As leaders in VA research focusing on women’s health outcomes, particularly among underrepresented minorities, we are deeply invested in training new researchers in the field of women Veteran’s health research. Innovation & Impact: One of the key features of the VAWH-SRP are the innovative, policy-driving studies in women’s health that our students have the opportunity to participate in. These studies include our recently awarded HSR&D pilot grant to launch the first VA doula program for pregnant Veterans; an ongoing evaluation of the expansion of postpartum Maternity Care Coordination for Veterans; a large national evaluation of infertility care for Veterans; and continued work on our foundational COMFORT study, which has served as a national model for examining pregnancy and maternity care for Veterans. Specific Aims: Specific Aim 1: To train a diverse cadre of students on health services research conducted in the VA, with an innovative focus on women Veteran’s health care and reproductive health. Methodological training will include qualitative and quantitative methods, psychological assessment and intervention development, and didactic sessions on care for Veterans (i.e., the structure of VA and community-based care for Veterans, VA policies/handbooks governing reproductive care for women Veterans, perinatal physical and mental healthcare, and maternity care coordination). Specific Aim 2: To expand student perspectives on careers within the VA and healthcare by offering a weekly seminar series to introduce students to critical areas of VA healthcare delivery and policy and to incorporate Veteran experiences to emphasize the importance of Veterans as stakeholders in research initiatives. Specific Aim 3: To provide one-on-one mentorship and career development to students, to a) design a summer research program related to the student’s interests and education goals; and b) further develop soft skills in public speaking and writing. Methodology: By employing a novel combination of rigorous quantitative and qualitative health services research methods, our program will offer students the opportunity to work closely with leading experts in women Veteran’s health research, contribute to ongoing studies, and gain hands-on experience in health services research. Our innovative program integrates methodology with interdisciplinary collaboration to cultivate a distinctive and tailored learning environment for students to explore and contribute to advancements in women Veteran’s health research. Next Steps/Implementation: As a recipient of the SRP pilot grant, our research team has developed significant experience working with students. We have successfully trained ten students over the past two summers and in future years, we aim to further refine and strengthen our program.