ADVOCACY
“Evidence-based policymaking has two goals: to use what we already know from program evaluation to make policy decisions and to build more knowledge to better inform future decisions”
(Urban Institute, 2016)
The research question that has been at the forefront of my program is “How can we achieve optimal pain management outcomes in our society and appropriately prevent and treat substance use disorders?” The co-occurring drug overdose epidemic and high rates of uncontrolled pain in the United States have generated much debate over the best approach to tackle both issues without incurring in unintended harm to patients. Guided by this research objective and personal curiosity and passion, I have dedicated my time to interdisciplinary projects to generate evidence to promote patient safety and advocate for best practices in policy evaluation and implementation.
I serve as President for Board of Directors for the National Pain Advocacy Center.
“ As health care providers, we take an oath to do no harm. However, achieving an optimal balance between risk and benefit in making clinical decisions is oftentimes challenging.
The same applies to implementation of policy in general and the opioid crisis in particular. It is essential that we evaluate intended and unintended consequences of such policy to ensure effective ways to combat the opioid crisis, while allowing patients with pain sufficient relief.”
Important Resources
“Not Allowed to Be Compassionate: Chronic Pain, the Overdose Crisis, and Unintended Harms in the US”
(Human Rights Watch, 2018)
“Racism, Inequality, and Health Care for African Americans”
(The Century Foundation, 2019)