The health care system in the US and other nations are under extreme pressure. Costs are rising, quality and outcomes are not optimal, many vulnerable groups have inadequate access and programs and technologies are often poorly implemented. There is a great need for doctorally prepared researchers to address these and other related issues within many types of private and public organizations. The health services research and policy (HSR&P) PhD training program provides a firm grounding in public health principles, research and evaluation methods, policy analysis and many content areas related to health and health services delivery.
The Johns Hopkins HSR&P training program is one of the oldest and most respected of its type in the nation. It draws on a broad array of disciplines including social sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, economics, clinical sciences, policy analysis and political sciences, management sciences and the field of health services research.
In the HSR&P PhD program, students acquire the conceptual and methodological tools needed to conduct research, program evaluation and policy analysis and synthesis to advance the state of knowledge. The curriculum emphasizes the following areas: public and private sector health insurance and financing, organizations for the delivery of health care, methodologies for measuring and monitoring quality and safety of care and health outcomes, assessing the impact of health care policy on individuals and populations, and assessing the impact of technology and treatments on patient outcomes. The program places a special emphasis on special need populations, such as children, older populations, minorities and persons with high burden diseases and disabilities. The HSR&P PhD program stresses the development of research and analysis methods, as well as content knowledge. In addition to careers in academia, this program prepares students for leadership careers as health services researchers, health care policy analysts working in public or private agencies or organizations. This HSR&P PhD training program emphasizes issues of relevance to the US and other highly developed nations. There are many thesis and other research opportunities within the several related research centers of the Department and elsewhere within the Johns Hopkins University and Health System. Also the Baltimore / Washington area is the home to the largest concentration of public and private health services research and health care policy analysis organizations in the nation. Formal and informal relationship with these agencies, including research practicums, thesis collaborations and part time employment are encouraged and facilitated. | |
