Center for Healthcare Delivery Science
- About Us
- Our Research
- Research Impact
Driving Pediatric Health Care Innovation
The Center for Healthcare Delivery Science is a team of scientists who partner with health care systems, families, schools, and communities. Through these collaborations we aim to explore, uncover, and transform how children and families thrive. Changing systems is a big job, and each scientist on our team is working on a different piece of the puzzle. Ìý
Our researchers from sites in Delaware and Florida use innovative and diverse approaches, like family and learning health systems science, behavioral science, implementation science, informatics, health policy, and behavioral economics.Ìý
We also train future academic researchers in a variety of fields, including psychology, nursing, medicine and public health through our two-year intensive fellowship program <LINK TO PAGE>. Together, we nurture healthy children today, and for generations to come.
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Advancing Research: By the Numbers
The research at the Center for Healthcare Delivery Science translates to better health and quality of life for kids everywhere. With robust funding and a wide range of projects, we’re making progress in several areas.
$50 million +
Research funding since 2013
$23 million +
Active National Institutes of Health funding in 2023
20+
Investigators conducting research
175+
Annual publications and poster presentationsÌý
Our research has had significant impact.ÌýWe lead the development of international practice guidelines, have highly cited publications and develop innovative interventions.
We useÌýinnovative and diverse methodologies across multiple fieldsÌýto optimize care delivery for children and their families.
With active affiliations with prestigious organizations,Ìýwe advance pediatric health care delivery through research,Ìýcommunity engagement and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Our Leadership
Anne E. Kazak, PhD, ABPPÌý
Enterprise Director, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science
Principal Research Scientist
Melissa A. Alderfer, PhDÌý
Center Director, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science – Delaware Valley
Principal Research Scientist
Susana R. Patton, PhD, ABPP, CDCESÌý
Center Director, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science – FloridaÌý
Principal Research Scientist
Jessica S. Pierce, PhDÌý
Director of Fellowship Training, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science
Senior Research Scientist
Clinical Psychologist
Dana Berger, MPH
Research Program Administrator
Allison Taggi-Pinto, MEdÌý
Clinical Research Manager
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Priscilla Jones, BSÌý
Program ManagerÌý
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Research Team
-
Erica Dolores Sood, PhD
Clinical Psychologist Associate Professor of Pediatric Psychology, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Abbas Haider Zaidi, MD
Cardiologist Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE
Focus Areas
Our center concentrates research efforts within five key focus areas:
Health Care Delivery
Using diverse research methodologies to enhance the delivery of care for children with medical conditions and their families.
Health Equity
Conducting research that provides data to promote equitable health care delivery, inclusive of underserved populations and addressing disparities in care.Ìý
Psychosocial & Behavioral Factors in Pediatric Health
Leveraging expertise in factors that influence outcomes in pediatric care.
Addressing Diverse Needs Across the Care Journey
Researching the integration and implementation of evidence-based care for youth, families and health providers.
Technology-Enhanced Pediatric Health Care Interventions
Developing and evaluating technology-enhanced interventions to improve health care delivery.
Adherence to Medical Treatments
Researching methods to enhance our assessment of adherence and to deliver adaptive interventions to promote adherence. Ìý
Research Themes
We pursue projects that intersect across our main focus areas within the following themes:Ìý
- Improving pediatric care deliveryÌý
- Health equity and disparities
- Digital health interventions
- Implementation science
- Family/sibling adaptationÌý
- Psychosocial risk screening
- Community and stakeholder engagement
- Transition from pediatric to adult health care
- Developing and testing interventions and care models
- Medical traumatic stress and trauma-informed care
- Risk and resilience factors in pediatric conditions
- COVID-19 impacts
Clinical Trials & Research Studies at 91´óÉñ
Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. Our researchers lead clinical research to study new drugs, treatments, devices and techniques. We also contribute to national registries and collaboratives to further research in this area. Find a clinical trial or study now.
ResearchÌýPartnerships
We expand our knowledge and leverage diverse perspectives with partnerships and collaborations within and outside our field of study. Partnerships include:
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Boston University
- Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers
- Children’s Hospital of Los Angles
- Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaÌý
- Children’s Mercy Kansas City
- Child Trends
- Christiana Hospital
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
- PedsNet
- University of Delaware
- University of Florida
- University of KansasÌý
- University of Virginia
Related Research & Care at 91´óÉñ < FPO - TAGS for page types>Ìý
Research collaboration at 91´óÉñ is critical for solving complex issues for our patients and families, advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation across the industry. Our team works closely with the following research centers, labs, areas and cores.
Biomedical Research Informatics Center (BRIC)
RESEARCH CENTER
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Center for Cardiac Research & Innovation
RESEARCH CENTER
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Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders
RESEARCH CENTER
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Center for Pharmacogenomics & Translational Research
RESEARCH CENTER
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Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation Institute for Cancer & Blood Disorders
RESEARCH CENTER
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Swank Autism Center
RESEARCH CENTER
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Behavioral Health Research
RESEARCH AREA
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Cancer Research
RESEARCH AREA
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Cardiac Research
RESEARCH AREA
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Endocrinology, Growth & Metabolism Research
RESEARCH AREA
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Neurodevelopmental & Musculoskeletal Research
RESEARCH AREA
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Orthopedics Research
RESEARCH AREA
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Pulmonology Research
RESEARCH AREA
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Behavioral Health
CLINICAL CARE
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Cancer & Blood Disorders
CLINICAL CARE
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Cardiology
CLINICAL CARE
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Endocrinology, Metabolism & Growth
CLINICAL CARE
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Orthopedics
CLINICAL CARE
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Pulmonology
CLINICAL CARE
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How We Make a Difference
Our center has made significant strides in improving care for children and families. Our leadership, innovation and impacts are recognized.
International Practice Guidelines & Editorial Influence
- Psychosocial Standards of Care in Pediatric Cancer
- Standards of Care in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes
- Pediatric Trauma Society
- Editorials in leading medical and psychology journalsÌý
- More than 300 highly cited publications
Innovations & Resources
- Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT)Ìý
- Surviving Cancer Competently Intervention Program (SCCIP)Ìý
- eSCCIP (Web-based Surviving Cancer Competently Intervention Program)
- Surviving Cancer CAMPetently: Delivering Evidence Based Care at Family Camp
- REACH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence
- National Child Traumatic Stress Center for Pediatric Stress Category II Treatment Development Center
- Remedy to Diabetes Distress (R2D2): A Scalable Screen to Treat Program for School-Age Families
- Mobile Integrated Care for Childhood Obesity InterventionÌý
- HEARTPrep: A virtually-delivered psychosocial intervention for mothers expecting a baby with congenital heart disease
- Leaders in community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach
Policy & Funding Agencies
- Participants on National Institutes of Health study sections
Building Research Networks
- Sibling Partnership for Advocacy, Research and Care (SPARC)
- Studies on COVID-19 Impacts on Pediatric Populations
Awards & Recognition
Researchers at 91´óÉñ are often recognized for their exceptional contributions to pediatric research. Our team’s passion to advance children’s health and wellbeing is celebrated in these recent awards:
Leadership, Research Excellence & Career Achievement
Anne E. KazakÌýPhD, ABPP
2023 Research Excellence Award, 91´óÉñ Children’s Health -Medical Staff physician recognition award
2023 R. Bob Smith III Excellence in Psychological Assessment Award, American Psychological Association
2020 Compassionate Champion Award, State of Delaware
Melissa Alderfer, PhD
2023 DE CTR-ACCEL Seema S. Sonnad Mentor-of-the-Year Award
2022 Society of Pediatric Psychology, Division 54 of the American Psychological Association Michael Roberts Mentorship Award, Society of Pediatric Psychology
2020 Lifetime Achievement Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine SIG
Susana R. Patton, PhD, ABPP, CDCES
2024 Society of Pediatric Psychology Dennis Drotar Distinguished Research Award
Erica Sood, PhD
2024 91´óÉñ Jennifer Pendley Mentorship Award
2024 National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence (NISBRE) Scientific Merit Award
2021 Newburger-Bellinger Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Award
Benjamin Bear, MSW
2024 91´óÉñ Outstanding Research Contribution Award – Professional Excellence
Dana Berger, MPH
2023 91´óÉñ Outstanding Research Contribution Award – Professional Excellence
Early Career Development
Kimberly Canter, PhD
National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs Recipient
Aimee Hildenbrand, PhD
National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs Recipient
Alexandra Monzon, PhD
2024 NIH Summer Institute on Randomized Clinical Trials
National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs Recipient
Shreela Palit, PhD
2022 North American Pain School
National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs Recipient
Thoa-Ly Phan, MD
National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs Recipient
Research Publications
Courtney Thomas, MS
2024 Society of Pediatric Psychology Diversity Poster Award
Kim Canter, PhD, Alejandra Perez Ramirez, PhD, Gaby Vega, MS, Aimee Hildenbrand, PhD, Anne E. Kazak, PhD, ABPP
2022 Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology Manuscript of the Year, Honorable Mention
Alexandra Monzon, PhD
2022 Student Poster Award, Society of Pediatric Psychology
Jessica S. Pierce, PhD
2021 Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Most Cited Paper Award
Major Grants
Our research is recognized and validated through generous grants. This support moves us forward and allows us to meaningfully contribute to scientific discovery. Our team has recently been awarded:Ìý
National Institute of General Medical Sciences Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (NIGMS COBRE)
Research Expanding Access to Child Health (2022-2027)
Kazak, A.E. & Alderfer, M. (MPIs)
$10,929,735
REACH Administrative Supplement: Take the Lead: Mentoring to Foster DEIA in Health Equity Research (2023-2024)
Alderfer, M (PI)
$108,097
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Ìý
R01 Grants
Remedy to Diabetes Distress (R2D2): A Scalable Screen to Treat Program for School-Age Families (2020-2025)
Patton, S. (PI)
$3,200,000
Home-based video telemedicine to reduce parental fear of hypoglycemia in young kids with T1D (2019-2025)
Patton, S. (PI)
$2,246,623
Coin2Dose: Behavioral economics to promote insulin bolus activity and improve HbA1c in teens (2021-2025)
Patton, S. (PI)
$900,000
K23 Grants
Uptake of Evidence-Based Behavioral Intervention for Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes (2020-2025)
Price, J. (PI)
$724,869
Adapting Single Sessions Interventions for Type 1 Diabetes (ASSIsTeD): Integrated Pediatric Care to Reduce Depression and HbA1c.Ìý(2024-2029)
Monzon, A. (PI)
$754,176
National Cancer Institute (NCI)Ìý
R01 Grant
A randomized controlled trial of eSCCIP: An eHealth psychosocial intervention for English and Spanish speaking parents of children with cancer (2022-2027)
Canter, K. (PI)
$3,745,635
National Heart Blood & Lung Institute (NHLBI)
R01 Grant
AIM2ACT: A Mobile Health Tool to Facilitate Asthma Self-Management during Early AdolescenceÌý(2020–2025)
Fedele, D. (Site PI)
$3,379,666
R34 Grant
Optimizing a Sensor-Enabled mHealth Intervention for Adolescents with Suboptimal Asthma ControlÌý(2023-2025)
Fedele, D. (Site PI)
$727,641
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)Ìý
K23 Grant
Study of Healthy Adaptation and Resilience to Pain in Emerging Adulthood (SHARPE) (2022-2027)
Palit, S. (PI)
$835,000
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)Ìý
R01 Grant
A socio-ecological approach for improving self-management in adolescents with SCD (2023-2028)Ìý
Hildenbrand, A. (Site PI)
$190,000
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)Ìý
PedsNet K12
Identifying and Addressing Social Risk in Congenital Heart Disease Using a Stakeholder Engaged Approach (2024-2026)
Wawrzynski, S. (PI)
$305,169
U.S. Department of Education
Institute of Education Services
Developing a Coordinated System to Identify and Support Students Experiencing Homelessness (2024-2028)Ìý
Cutuli, J.J. (PI)
$1,998,599
Private Research Foundations
American Cancer SocietyÌý
Cross Cultural Psychosocial Risk Screening in Pediatric Cancer (2020-2025)
Kazak, A.E. (PI)
$1,834,913
Breakthrough T1DÌý
Transdisciplinary Care for Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Transitioning to Adult Healthcare (2023-2026)
Pierce, J. (PI)
$628,819
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
TIDES 2.0: Prevalence and Longitudinal Course of Depression, Anxiety, and Behavior Problems in Children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) under 12 Years of Age. (2024-2028)
Fedele, D. (Site PI)
$258,822
Donaghue Foundation
Leveraging Virtual Reality to Improve Shared Decision Making for Sickle Cell Disease Treatments (2022 -2025)
Hildenbrand, A. (PI)
$311,738
William Penn Foundation
Pilot Evidence-Based Trainings in Childhood Grief and Bereavement for Child- and Family-Serving Organizations in Philadelphia (2023-2025)
Cutuli, J.J. (PI)
$109,909
Publications
91´óÉñ researchers constantly contribute to advancing scientific understanding. We share our knowledge, insights and discoveries to encourage collaboration and inspire further research.