HSR Center for Health Information and Communication (CHIC)
CHIC Research Areas of Focus
The Health Systems Research (HSR) Center for Health Information and Communication (CHIC) group is a diverse cadre of researchers joining together to transform the healthcare system, both within and outside the VA so every patient receives consistent, high-quality care. Our goal is to advance the science of health information and communication, to improve the coordination, quality, safety, and value of healthcare for Veterans. Our work is centered around the following:

Focus Area 1
Leverage health information to optimize access to and receipt of preventive care for Veterans at high risk for unfavorable health outcomes.
Focus Area 2
Leverage health communication and innovative care delivery models to improve Veteran engagement, access to care, outcomes, and health equity.
Research Outside Focus Areas
Bring about improvements in clinical practice through the translation and implementation of health services research.
Mentoring and Career Development
Cultivate a vibrant community of scientists in health services research and development, with the skills and passion to improve VA healthcare through a focus on health information, communication, and implmentation. With this goal in mind, our mentoring and career development objectives are as follows:
- Engage fellows/trainees in mentored research projects in CHIC goal areas
- Develop junior investigators with expertise and methodological skills aligned with CHIC goal areas
- Successfully transition fellows to VA Career Development Awards (CDA)
- Develop CDA awardees into HSR Merit Review Principal Investigators
- Enhance the mentoring skills and abilities of CHIC investigators and mentors
- Provide mentoring to junior investigators from other institutions (i.e. distance mentoring)