Joan M. Griffin, Ph.D.

Location

Contact

SUMMARY

Joan M. Griffin, Ph.D., studies social and behavioral determinants of health, especially as they affect women, family caregivers and underserved populations. Her work includes both qualitative and quantitative research to promote health care practices that can improve patient and family health and quality of life. Dr. Griffin also directs a research program that aims to develop, test and share transformative strategies that can optimize patient experiences and outcomes by improving how health care is delivered.

Focus areas

• How family caregivers affect the long-term health of patients with brain injury
• Strategies to promote social support to improve patient and family outcomes
• Measuring family engagement in chronic disease management
• The impact of stress on mental and physical health
• The impact of health literacy on patient experiences and behavior in care

Significance to patient care

With an aging U.S. population, families are now expected to undertake responsibilities and health care tasks for the chronically ill or disabled that historically have been done by health care professionals in clinics and hospitals. Dr. Griffin's research examines strategies to train and support families to provide high-quality care without compromising caregiver health, and to integrate families and caregivers into patient care teams to improve the overall coordination and quality of care.

Professional highlights

• Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Scientific Director for Health Services and Outcomes Research, 2014-2020.