Research
Research at Commonwealth Medicine spans a broad array of fields. The thread that links all of our projects, however dissimilar they may appear at first, is the focus on improving public health. Our researchers are dedicated to generating knowledge that will advance health care for members of the public, especially those who rely on public agencies for their health care.
In addition to their years of academic research experience, Commonwealth Medicine researchers sometimes draw on the expertise and resources of their colleagues in other UMass Medical School divisions.
These collaborations enrich our research, spark unique approaches to study design, and produce fresh perspectives when it comes to evaluating results.
Our current projects span the following areas:
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Taking an interdisciplinary approach, our team conducts research into the behavioral, biobehavioral, and social science aspects of intellectual and developmental disabilities. - End-of-Life Care and Palliative Care
Our end-of-life care and palliative care initiatives serve as models that can be expanded or developed in other locations. - Evaluation
Our evaluation and measurement team develops and implements a wide range of tools for performance and regulatory evaluations, including pay for performance, quality assurance, and performance monitoring. - Long-Term Care
We study ways to improve the health and well-being of people in long-term care. - Quality Management
We evaluate and improve programs to maintain quality processes and outcomes. Our team works closely with our public agency and nonprofit clients to put quality improvement measures in place. - Substance Abuse
Our research on substance abuse is designed to help individuals, but our work also examines the burden that the cost of addiction places on the public health care system. - Survey Research
We offer services in all phases of survey research: planning and design, sample selection, data collection, data processing, data analysis, and reporting.
Commonwealth Medicine the health care consulting division of UMass Medical School 