What We Do
Mission Statement
The Center for Evaluating Health Reform is charged with advancing our knowledge of health system reform through improving the process of academic research.
Research Areas of Interest
CEHR focuses on the evaluation of health policies. The center aims to improve the quality of healthcare in the US by both identifying the incentive systems and practices that reduce costs and improve the quality of care, and identifying new models of quality improvement. Most recently, the center has been investigating the effects of the Affordable Care Act and related policies such as the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program and the Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program. For a full list of all of the publications we've assisted with, see our Publications page.
About Us
Established in 2017, CEHR was founded with the belief that research can be conducted more efficiently, more effectively, and that it can be more fun.
CEHR is one of the University of Michigan School of Public Health's 34 research centers located at the North Campus Research Complex. As a collaborating center of the Institute for Health Policy and Innovation, we work closely with our colleagues on the most pressing health policy issues. In addition to evaluating health reform, CEHR is committed to improving research processes and team science. Our center has developed, prototyped, tested, and refined two new processes for writing grants and papers - The Sprint Process. We also utilize visual abstracts for dissemination and draw on project management principles to optimize efficiency and productivity.
Core Tools and Models
The Sprint Model
The sprint process was developed as a response to a problem that many researchers face: inefficient use of resources and constrained group hierarchies. An all-too-common problem with research is that the lead investigator is the one generating ideas, performing analysis, and drafting the manuscript. When all of this work falls on one person, projects can stall, and sometimes never get the push forward they need.
As a way to relieve this pressure, and instead implement a team model, we've developed Sprint systems for writing grants and papers. Based on the Google Ventures book "Sprint", our proven model focuses on capturing ideas and defining the scope of a given project early-on in the planning process. Through effective meeting facilitation and project management, projects can graduate to completion faster, and can be more fun.
For more information and access to our open-source guides, see our Resources page.
Visual Abstracts
Visual abstract can be a powerful way to display one's research. When done thoughtfully, visual abstracts can serve as a mechanism for others to understand the complex findings and methods of a given project quickly. They also make it easier for journals, institutions, and collaborators to disseminate findings that also support their mission.
Project Management
There is no substitute for project management. A project manager, who is at table at the first through the final meetings of a project, ensures that meetings are organized, contributors are fulfilling their assigned tasks, and that deadlines are met. Our project manages practice the "fail fast" method of design thinking. Failing fast involves reconvening and reworking "failed" project ideas, sometimes several times over. A project manager's bird's eye view provides a context for a project's timeline, budget, and resources so that contributors are able continue making progress without dwelling on past missteps.
Contact Us
Center for Evaluating Health Reform
North Campus Research Complex (NCRC)
2800 Plymouth Road, Building 16
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: 734-998-9222
Email: amryan@umich.edu
Twitter: @UM_CEHR