Areas of Research

The principal program areas of research encompassed by the Center for Health Solutions' work are:

  • The Program on Health, Work and Productivity
  • Center on Child and Family Outcomes
  • Program for Assessing and Implementing Medical and Mental Health Services in Pediatrics (AIMS)

The Tufts Medical Center Program on Health, Work and Productivity is a national center for research on workplace health improvement. Its studies frequently are conducted in collaboration with employers and policymakers. The Program develops tools and interventions aimed at helping employees with chronic health conditions, or those who are serving as informal caregivers to others with serious or disabling conditions, to remain engaged and productive in their work. The Program’s Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) is used worldwide to help employers assess the workplace impact of health problems. Its’ Be Well at Work Program is an effective intervention for employees with depression, which reduces lost work time and impaired work performance and improves mental health. 

Key contributors to this program include Dr. Debra Lerner (Director), Dr. David Adler, and Dr. William Rogers.

The Center on Child and Family Outcomes (CCFO), within the Institute of Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies at Tufts Medical Center, Boston is dedicated to advancing the development and application of knowledge regarding the Quality of Life (QoL) of children and their families experiencing chronic illness, with an emphasis on cancer. Susan K. Parsons, MD, MRP is the Center Director.

The Center's interdisciplinary team of physicians, psychologists, mental health professionals, nurses, and health communications researchers' primary research focus is:

  • Assessment of quality of life, functional impact, and fiscal impact of chronic illness
  • Instrument and methodological design and interpretation
  • Design and evaluation of quality of life interventions
  • Mentoring health professionals in the field of QoL assessment

Key contributors to this program include Susan Parsons, MD (Director), Ms. Stefanie Jeruss, Dr. Deborah Mayer, Ms. Jennifer Morone, and Ms. Sara Ratichek.