The Institute for Child Health Policy is nationally recognized for advancing health research on vital matters such as the quality of physical and mental health care, diabetes surveillance, rural healthcare for pregnant women, and cancer prevention.
More than 30 faculty and affiliate members work in transdisciplinary teams to explore the biological, behavioral, and social influences on maternal, child and adolescent health. Our researchers use integrated data from clinical, environmental, and community sources to better understand the complex factors that shape health trajectories from birth through adolescence. We also design, test, and implement tailored interventions that improve individual and population-level health outcomes for children and families.
HPV vaccine
UF researcher’s goal: Tackle HPV vaccine skepticism, access in rural North Central Florida
Stephanie Staras, M.S.P.H., Ph.D., a researcher and University of Florida faculty member, aims to reduce this risk by addressing multiple barriers to vaccination in rural areas
Quality of Care
Supporting Mothers, Children & Adolescents
Our impactful research studies and evaluations have resulted in the development of oral health quality of care measures that are in use nationally. Our work has also led to novel approaches in assessing children’s mental health care. ICHP faculty led the development of the first integrated curative and palliative care program for children with life-limiting conditions.
ICHP faculty members manage major evaluation initiatives focused on the quality and outcomes of care in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program in Florida and Texas. These evaluation efforts have translated into health care delivery improvements such as STAR Kids, a managed care program designed for children with special health care needs.
Expanding Through Research
ICHP was initially developed to translate evidence-based practices for children’s health care into clinical and community settings. ICHP-affiliated faculty broadened this translational focus to include advancing health research, which is carried out using real-world data and conducting pragmatic clinical trials.
ICHP is nationally recognized for advancing health research on quality of care for low-income women, children and youth; diabetes in youth; rural health care for pregnant women; and cancer prevention.
Diabetes in Youth
ICHP developed and implemented an electronic health record (EHR)-based diabetes surveillance system in Florida, New York and other states. The purpose of this system is to assess Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes prevalence, risk-factors, complications and medication use to provide actionable insights to guide public health interventions.
Rural Health Care for Pregnant Women
ICHP is part of the NIH-funded Florida Community-Engaged Research Alliance. ICHP faculty work with a Mobile Outreach Unit in a five-county rural area to test community health worker-led interventions to increase access to prenatal and postpartum care and to address food insecurity.
Cancer Prevention
ICHP faculty are leading studies on increasing uptake of the HPV vaccine and on reducing the use of tobacco products among adolescents. The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded Text and Talk Study is working with 30 pediatric primary care practices to test messaging and communication strategies with parents and adolescents to increase the HPV vaccine uptake.