The CHEAR Unit is designed to be entrepreneurial and flexible. While rare in a University system, this type of structure is an essential asset. It allows CHEAR to identify current and topical issues, analyze the policy implications of health care utilization and cost data, and to engage in evaluations that keep pace with the programs, issues, changes, and decisions to be made in health care. CHEAR is able to bring research-based evaluations and findings to bear on efforts to support and reform policies so that “best practices” are actually used in the organization, financing, and delivery of child health care.

The CHEAR Unit focuses specifically on the evaluation of child health care and child heath programs or policies in relation to other areas of social concern of child welfare policy. It is this interface, often overlooked or unrecognized, the frequently has the greatest impact on the lives of children. We examine the financial, health and social impact of programs and policies, primarily in four broad areas:

1)   The structure, function and financing of the health care system for children
2)   Specific governmental programs designed to produce measurable outcomes in improving children’s health and well being
3)   The mechanisms by which federal programs are implemented at the state and community level and the differential impact of state-to-state and community-to- community variation in performance
4)   The interface and interaction between health and social welfare programs

The CHEAR Unit conducts projects which involve both primary data collection and secondary data analysis, and utilizes both quantitative and qualitative research methods where appropriate. A full time research staff includes data programmer/analysts, master-level research associates, an attorney and several research assistants and support personnel.

In addition, U-M offers an elective month in pediatric health services research for a minority resident. This program is sponsored by the Division of General Pediatrics within the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases. An online application is available for your convenience.