Initiative Archive

Clinical and Translational Genomics Research Institute

Research Focus:

Precision Genomic Medicine

Our Impact:

  • Spreading awareness and better understanding of precision genomic medicine to the next generation of healthcare professionals
  • Aim to integrate life-saving technology into community health programs so that everyone, regardless of social or economic status, can access new medical breakthroughs

Primary Spine Care

Research Focus:

The purpose of this project is to assess the value of an emerging model of spine care, in which a Primary Spine Care (PSC) Clinician serves as the initial point of patient contact and evaluation for patients with spine related disorders, renders the majority of treatments, and coordinates referrals.

What We Do:

Our evaluation of implementation of the PSC model of care within an academic primary care medical center was recently published.*  Additionally, we assessed the experiences, beliefs, and behaviors of patients who are treated for low back pain using a brief survey/questionnaire.

Our Impact:

In the next phase of this ongoing project we will measure patient clinical outcomes over a 3 and one half year period, as compared to usual medical care. We will first analyze data on all patients and subsequently conduct a sub-analysis of outcomes for medical center employees and dependents only.

Atlas of Integrative Health

Research Focus:

Helping healthcare consumers, providers, and policy makers monitor progress toward access to integrative health care services, particularly for the underserved

What We Do:

Use data from health insurance claims and both public and private agencies to document and map access to integrative healthcare services, state by state

Our Impact:

Developing an online resource that will help reach the policy goals of the integrative healthcare community in the United States

Research Study Spotlight: Bone Mineral Density / Osteoporosis

Research Focus:

  • To study the effects of a Chinese herbal supplement on bone mineral density in individuals diagnosed with Osteoporosis

Participant Criteria:

  • Between the ages of 40 and 80
  • Diagnosed with Osteoporosis
  • Can read English

Compensation:

  • Small monetary compensation for participating
  • Complementary herbal supplements and DEXA scans

If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please contact 562.475.5151 or jamiekuljis@scus.edu

Cost Comparison of Chiropractic Approaches for Patients With Acute Low Back Pain

Research Focus:

Comparing the value of two cohorts of chiropractors within a health care system: 1) a general network of chiropractic providers, and 2) a network providing conservative evidence-based care for rapid resolution of pain.

What We Do:

Estimated the comparative influence of demographic and clinical factors on expenditures.

Our Impact:

Utilization of a clinical model characterized by a patient-centered clinic approach and standardized, best-practice clinical protocols may offer lower cost when compared to non-standardized clinical approaches to chiropractic care.

ADHERENCE TO CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT

Research Focus:

Explore rates of adherence to treatment recommendations for patients treated for spine pain at the SCU health center.

What We Do:

We survey patients treated for spine pain at the SCU health center to gain a better understanding of adherence to clinic appointments and treatment recommendations (e.g., diet/nutrition, in home exercises).

Our Impact:

Provide effective recommendations for the self-care and management of symptoms associated with spine pain.

PRIMARY SPINE CARE – PATIENT SURVEY

Research Focus:

Assess patient experiences, attitudes, and beliefs toward chiropractic care and prescription drug therapy for the treatment of spine pain

What We Do:

We survey patients who are being treated for spine pain at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Patient comparison samples include: (1) those receiving usual care from a PCP and (2) those receiving evidence-based chiropractic care from a DC Clinician.

Our Impact:

Providing evidenced-based spine care in the long-term will lead to better patient outcomes.

USE OF PRESCRIPTION OPIOID ANALGESICS

Research Focus:

Investigating the association between utilization of chiropractic services and the use of prescription opioids

What We Do:

We are analyzing Medicare claims data to compare outcomes and patterns of use in recipients as compared to non-recipients of chiropractic care

Our Impact:

The findings of this study are expected to demonstrate the potential of increased use of non-pharmacological chiropractic care as a means of reducing the use of hazardous opioid drugs.

CERVICAL ARTERY DISSECTION

Research Focus:

Assessing the association between spinal manipulation and cervical artery dissection (CAD)

What We Do:

In collaboration with The Dartmouth Institute for Health policy and Clinical Practice, we are analyzing Medicare claims data to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for CAD, and quantify the association between spinal manipulation and CAD

Our Impact:

This study will generate significant new evidence regarding the safety of spinal manipulation

LONG-TERM CARE OF OLDER ADULTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

Research Focus:

Comparing the value of Spinal Manipulation Services vs. Prescription Drug Therapy

What We Do:

We analyze claims data and conduct surveys to evaluate outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries with chronic low back pain.

Our Impact:

Findings of this study are expected to support expansion of the coverage of chiropractic services under Medicare.

PRIMARY SPINE CARE

Research Focus:

Assessing the impact of implementation of the Primary Spine Care model

What We Do:

At an academic primary care clinic, we analyze health claims and electronic health records to compare outcomes of patients treated via the Primary Spine Care model as compared to usual medical care.

Our Impact:

The findings of this study are expected to lead to wider implementation of evidence-based non-pharmacological spine care in conventional medical primary care settings.