Why faith-health research?
Faith-health research provide insight into: the efficacy of faith-based
patient interventions, the long-term commitment of providers in
low income settings, the impact of collaboration on a population's
health, and a multitude of other relevant topics. CCHF is committed
to providing its members with relevant practice-based research.
We cite the study of Dr. Mark DeHaven et al from the University
of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas as an example of
a faith/health study that has relevance to CCHF members. Dr. DeHaven's
presentation of the findings at the 2001 American Public Health
Association conference entitled "Health Partnerships in Congregations:
Are they a remedy for the underserved?" showed that while
health directed activities of faith/religious organizations can
affect health and health behavior, very little is known about
the effectiveness of church-based or cooperative interventions.
View the PowerPoint presentation
of his findings.
What has happened so far?
In the first year of the Best Practices project, we successfully
pilot tested a research network plan that combines structured
data collection and a summer internship for health professions
students. During the summer of 2001, two medical students spent
eight weeks in CCHF-related health centers in Chicago to pilot
test data collection efforts. They interviewed providers to find
out what factors contributed to their long-term commitment in
an underserved setting as well as to determine how patients perceived
the integration of faith and health in faith-based health centers.
In addition to completing patient and provider interviews for
Best Practices pilot research, the students gained valuable professional
experiences by observing faith-based healthcare in action. To
find out more about this research process, lessons learned, and
key ingredients to success in Christian health center research,
view Dr. Farr Curlin's PowerPoint
presentation that he gave at the 27th Annual Midwest Health
Care Conference.
We are expanding this effort during the summer of 2002 by recruiting
seven health professions students (medical, nursing, public health,
others) for summer "Service/Learning/Research Internships"
in 6 urban comprehensive CCHF-related ministries that expressed
interest in hosting a student. The students will research the
following issues:
-Given the importance of community-oriented and faith-based health
care, what are the method/means by which faith-based health centers
partner with local churches in providing care to individuals?
What experiences have these groups had with each other? What's
been evaluated and how does its work?
-Why do providers come to work in faith-based low-income settings?
How important is salary, location, work environment, and sense
of calling? What do these providers enjoy most and least about
their jobs? What sorts of changes would make a workplace more
attractive to providers?
Why should your health care
ministry participate?
· Improvement: Research and evaluation projects will generate
quality improvement ideas and will help participating practices
look critically at the process of integrating faith and health
in day-to-day practice.
· Resources: A summer student at each participating health
care ministry will be trained by Best Practices staff to coordinate
data collection, thus allowing your health center to participate
in the research and evaluation network without devoting health
ministry staff time.
· Spreading the word: As we work together to show how faith
makes a difference in obtaining improved health care outcomes,
CCHF believes many secular health centers will take note. In addition,
summer students will be exposed to opportunities to serve the
poor by observing CCHF-related ministries.
What will be expected of your
health care ministry?
· Contact the Best Practices Program: Using the address
below, contact the program staff to express your interest in having
a "Service/Learning/Research Student Intern" work in
your health center
· Facilitate data collection: Your center will be expected
to facilitate the data collection by the summer intern. This may
include helping the student arrange interviews with providers
or patients, or help with logistics for patient questionnaires
or chart reviews.
· Facilitate logistics: In some cases, you may be asked
to help arrange housing for the student intern during the summer
experience. Whenever possible, we hope to recruit students from
graduate programs in your local area to minimize travel and housing
needs.
What resources will CCHF provide
to your health care ministry?
· Training: At the beginning of the summer student interns
will receive training from CCHF's Best Practices staff that will
prepare them to be an efficient, helpful presence in your health
center.
· Feedback: The Best Practices staff will provide summary
reports to participating CCHF practices based on research and
evaluation projects completed during the summer projects. -Student
research: The summer student will have some additional time to
research any site specific questions that the student and hosting
health center agree upon.
How does your health care ministry
sign up?
· Simply contact the Best Practices Program staff to express
your interest in having your health care ministry participate
in the Research and Evaluation Network summer program.
For questions, concerns, or comments, contact:
· Best Practices Program staff: Jerry Stromberg or Josie
Bines
· CCHF, P.O. Box 23429, Chicago, IL 60623 PH:773-843-2700
Fax 773-542-0468
