Advancing Knowledge, Driving Innovation, Transforming Healthcare
At the Belmont Collaborative for Health Systems Innovation, research isn’t just about generating data—it’s about solving real-world problems and driving meaningful change in healthcare. We are committed to bold, interdisciplinary researchthat improves healthcare systems, enhances patient outcomes, and empowers both providers and patients.
Our Research Philosophy: Impact-Driven, Patient-Centered
We approach research with a systems-thinking mindset, recognizing that healthcare is complex, dynamic, and deeply personal. Our work is focused on understanding, designing, and scaling solutions that make healthcare:
- More efficient and sustainable – Streamlining processes and eliminating inefficiencies.
- More equitable and accessible – Addressing barriers to care and social determinants of health.
- More innovative and future-ready – Leveraging AI, data science, and technology to improve care.
- More patient-centered – Ensuring that healthcare is shaped by what truly matters to patients.
Our Key Research Areas
We focus on high-impact, interdisciplinary research in the following areas:
- Healthcare System Innovation
- Studying and implementing value-based care models that align financial incentives with better patient outcomes.
- Examining new strategies for care coordination, reimbursement, and health policy.
- The Business of Health
- Exploring healthcare economics, payment models, and financial sustainability from the patient’s perspective.
- Identifying ways to optimize cost, access, and quality in healthcare delivery.
- Global and Environmental Health
- Investigating the interplay between environmental factors and public health.
- Addressing climate change’s impact on health and global health security.
- AI, Data, and Emerging Technologies
- Evaluating how artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and digital health can enhance diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare efficiency.
- Understanding the longitudinal impact of AI on whole-person health outcomes.
- The Context of Health
- Examining social determinants, cultural influences, spirituality, and mental health in healthcare decision-making.
- Creating holistic models of care that reflect the full patient experience.
Collaboration & Real-World Impact
We believe that research must break down silos and directly influence policy, practice, and patient care. That’s why we work with:
- Healthcare systems and providers to implement research findings in clinical practice.
- Industry partners to explore innovative healthcare delivery and technology solutions.
- Government and policymakers to shape evidence-based health policy and system improvements.
- Academic and community organizations to ensure research translates into actionable solutions.
Advancing Health Systems Science Through Research & Simulation
Our advanced simulation-based research allows us to test, refine, and optimize new healthcare strategies before they are implemented in real-world settings. By integrating simulation, AI, and real-time data analysis, we can model high-stakes decisions, identify best practices, and develop high-reliability systems that improve patient care.
Join Us in Transforming Healthcare
Through pioneering research, collaboration, and innovation, we are shaping a healthcare system that works better for everyone. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, policymaker, industry leader, or researcher, we invite you to partner with us in building the future of healthcare—one breakthrough at a time.
Core Focus Areas
We tackle healthcare transformation through four key lenses:
Global & Environmental Health
Understanding the interconnected impact of global health challenges and environmental factors
The Business of Healthcare
Redefining value in healthcare from the patient’s perspective, driving smarter financial models that improve outcomes
The Context of Health
Addressing social determinants, cultural influences, spirituality, and other factors that shape whole-person care
AI & Technology in Healthcare
Studying how digital tools, AI, and emerging tech improve patient care and long-term health outcomes
Publications & Opportunities
- Oliver, M.D., Morrison, C., Harvey, M.L., Barnes, L.L. (submitted). Racial Differences in the Relationship Between Blood Pressure and Cognitive Decline.
- Blash, A., Campbell, T., Finch, D., Guinn, M., Harvey, M., Sternberg, A., and Zellars, T. (submitted). The Freedom Plaza Story: One Campus Community’s desire to Embrace Hope and Inclusive Excellence to help reweave the Social Fabric. Southern Spaces Journal
- Tayfur, I., Kako, M., Gündüz, A., Rahman, M., Şimşek, P., Ryan, B., Garner, S., Bayramoğlu, B., Teramoto, C., Takada, Y., Kubo, T. & Bhatia, S. (2024). Key Capacities: Insights from Assessing the Resilience of the Public Health System Before and After the Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13753-024-00588-0.
- McManamay, R., Sturtevant, J., Jatko, J., Petcoff, T., Ryan, B., Dixon, J. & Morrison, R. (2024). Multifaceted economic impacts of a 500-year flood on gateway communities of Yellowstone National Park. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2024.104827.
- Ryan, B., Kako, M., Garner, S., Fink, R., Tayfur, I., Abrahams, J., Bhatia, S.,Campelo, A., Fendt, M., Fontenot, A., Arenas, N., Hatch, T., Kayano, R., Malrey-Horne, L., MacDermot, M., Rahman, M., Noel, C., Nomura, S., Novak, J., Opazo, M., Oliver, K., Peters, L., Rahman, S., Şimşek, P., Stricklin, A., Swienton, R. & Brooks, B. (2024). Prioritizing Strategies for Building the Resilience of Public Health Systems to Disasters Across Multiple Communities and Countries. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13753-024-00537-x.
- Noel, C., Bruce, E. & B. (2024). Suit Up: A Systematic Review of Personal Protective Equipment Utilized by Various Classes of Responders to Nuclear Radiological Disasters at Nuclear Power Plants. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X23006672.
- Slakey DP. Creating More Equitable Clinical Trials with Health Systems Science. Clinical Leader. 2024 Aug 15. https://www.clinicalleader.com/doc/creating-more-equitable-clinical-trials-with-health-systems-science-0001
- Lu A, Pian-Smith MCM, Burden A, Fernandez GL, Fortner SA, Rege RV, Slakey DP, Velasco JM, Cooper JB, Steadman RH. Call to Action: Quality and Simulation Professionals Should Collaborate. Simul Healthc. 2024 Oct 1;19(5):319-325. doi: 10.1097/SIH.0000000000000826. PMID: 39362653.
Research is a vital part of transforming healthcare, and we offer numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful scholarly work. Whether you are interested in improving healthcare delivery, studying the impact of AI, understanding global and environmental health, or exploring innovative models of care, we welcome your curiosity and contributions.
Current Projects
- What do learners need to know about the business of medicine?
- What do residents need to know about the business of medicine?
- Effect of pharmacy benefit management on self-insured employers.
- The use of AI-empowered scoring systems on assessing resilience during natural disasters.
- Hypertension in at-risk populations: using large data models to improve outcomes.
If you’re looking to get involved, reach out to us—we are eager to collaborate!
Connect with Us
We’d love to hear from you! Do you have questions, ideas, or want to collaborate? Let’s work together to improve healthcare.