Population Health Research

Exploring the intersection of public health and clinical care to improve health in the communities we serve

Population health refers to the health status and health outcomes within a group of individuals. It focuses on not just the overall health of a population but also the process of improving clinical health outcomes of a defined group through enhanced evaluation of outcomes, care coordination, and patient engagement.

Population health studies involve assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic decisions and evaluation of clinical outcomes using multiple methods, including clinical trials and observational outcome studies. In addition to clinical event outcomes, quality of life, costs, and societal impact are also evaluated.

Many social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and housing, impact health outcomes in a community. At MedStar Health Research Institute, we are bridging the fields of medicine, public health, and health policy by exploring and strengthening the connections between healthcare and factors that influence everyday health in our communities.

Our investigators and clinicians work in close partnership with communities to help improve patient health outcomes, use data to provide the best and most equitable care, and address clinical, social, and behavioral needs to connect them with high-quality healthcare. Current research topics include: Randomized clinical trial and cohort study design and management, research registries, creating cohort registries to facilitate research surrounding disease outcomes and risk prediction, and cost-effectiveness studies, examining the value of medical therapies.

Featured research