Summaries of Independent Scientist (K) Awards

Dalton, Vanessa K.

Institution: University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Grant Title: Evaluating Treatment Options and Patterns of Care in Early Pregnancy Failure
Grant Number: K08 HS15491
Duration: 5 years (2007-2012)
Total Award: $661,500

Project Description: The purpose of this research is to better understand how early pregnancy failure (EPF) is currently managed and to examine the effect of using patient preferences to determine treatment on cost.  It has three aims:

1. Quantitatively describe treatment patterns for EPF management.
2. Identify provider and patient factors associated with treatment preferences and patterns.
3. Simulate clinical and economic consequences of an expanded care model compared to usual care.

Career Goals: Dr. Dalton earned her M.D. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and served her residency in obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.  She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Dalton intends to establish herself as a health services researcher with a focus on cost, evidence-based practice and health care quality and become an expert in the area of health services for EPF.

Progress to Date: Data have been collected on 22,804 individual events and the analysis completed.  Dr. Dalton has obtained the sampling lists from participating organizations for Aim #2 and is doing initial mailings.  The patient survey is under development.

Future Plans: Pre-testing of the patient survey will take place and staff recruitment will begin.  Data collection for Aim #2 will be the major focus for the up-coming year.

Highlights and Specific Accomplishments:

• Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health (BIRCWH) Scholars program, University of Michigan.
• Director, Program on Health Improvement and Leadership Development, University of Michigan.
• Governor's Blueprint for Preventing Unintended Pregnancies. Provider Task Force.
• Committee on Quality Assurance and Patient Safety, ACOG.

K-Generated Publications: None thus far.

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