IMPaCT Research Coordinator, Penn Center for Community Health Workers

Posted by University of Pennsylvania on July 7, 2014

Penn Center for Community Health Workers: IMPaCT Research Coordinator

IMPaCT:
IMPaCT is an innovative, evidence-based health care delivery model for improving health outcomes among socioeconomically
vulnerable, high-risk patients. In the IMPaCT model, Community Health Workers (CHWs) provide structured advocacy, social support  and navigation to high‐risk patients in order to help them reach their health goals. CHWs are trained laypeople who share life circumstances (race, socioeconomic status, language, etc.) with their patients. They are “natural helpers” within the community.

IMPaCT was developed by the Penn Center for CHWs, a community-academic collaboration funded by the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS). IMPaCT was tested in a randomized controlled trial of 446 patients and found to improve a variety of post-hospital outcomes including access to care, mental health and recurrent hospital readmission. This study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

The Penn Center for CHWs has received national attention as a leader in advancing evidence-based models for CHW care, and has been featured in media such as the Washington Post, National Public Radio (NPR), and Forbes magazine. More information about the Penn Center for CHWs can be found on our website: http://chw.upenn.edu/

Position Description :

Data is crucial to the IMPaCT model. We use a variety of data sources to identify high-risk patients in real-time, to ensure that
IMPaCT is effective in improving patient outcomes, and to understand the way in which IMPaCT is working and how it can be
improved.

We are looking for a meticulous, intellectually-curious and driven individual to serve as an IMPaCT Research Coordinator. The
Research Coordinator will provide strategic support for multiple Community Health Worker (CHW) care teams embedded within
both inpatient and outpatient settings.

1) The Research Coordinator will use the UPHS electronic medical record to identify high-risk patients who meet the criteria for the IMPaCT intervention. These patients are typically individuals with psychosocial risk (e.g. residents of neighborhoods with high rates of poverty) AND medical risk (e.g. individuals who are hospitalized, or who suffer from multiple chronic conditions).

2) Rigorous measurement of outcomes is a core part of the IMPaCT model. The Research Coordinator will be responsible for
measuring the outcomes of IMPaCT patients using both qualitative (in-depth interviews or ethnographic observation) and
quantitative (administrative data or closed-ended surveys) methods. The combination of qualitative and quantitative data gives us the best picture of how the intervention is/is not working and how it may be improved. The Research Coordinator will assist Dr. Kangovi with study design, create data collection instruments, conduct interviews, and assist in ongoing analysis.

3) Additional responsibilities will include training and supervising Research Assistants (typically University of Pennsylvania students) within the Penn Center for Community Health Workers.

4) The Research Coordinator will perform other duties as reasonably assigned.

Minimum Requirements:
-A BA/BS required. Masters level training in public health or clinical research preferred.
-Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
-Experience with clinical research: data collection, analysis and study design.
-Working knowledge of Penn Medicine Systems (EPIC, Sunrise, MedView) desirable
-Computer skills include a familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and Access. Experience with STATA, SPSS or SAS a plus.

Application Process:
• Please send application form to: rkulk@mail.med.upenn.edu

The Penn Center for Community Health Workers
c/o Ms. Raina Kulkarni
1233 Blockley Hall
423 Guardian Drive
Philadelphia, PA
19104-6021
Telephone: 215-746-4437

• If your application is selected, you will be contacted for an interview.