in

VISN 12 Hines

HSR&D and QUERI Centers, projects, Career Development Awards, and highlighted publications in Hines

include:

COIN (Center of Innovation): 

Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare (CINCCH)

Director: Frances Weaver, PhD

CINCCH's mission is to improve healthcare and outcomes for Veterans with complex chronic 

illnesses across the spectrum of care.

Resource Center: 

VA Information Resource Center (VIREC)

Director: Denise Hynes, PhD

VIReC develops resources for and provides guidance to VA researchers using VA data. 

Their mission is to improve the quality of VA research that utilizes databases and information 

systems. 

QUERI (Quality Enhancement Research Initiative): 

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Center

Director: Frances Weaver, PhD

The central mission of SCI-QUERI is to promote health, independence, functioning, quality of life, 

and productivity of Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), through the 

implementation of evidence-based findings.

Currently Funded Projects at Hines

• Evaluating the Implementation of the Pressure Ulcer Monitoring Tool – Marylou Guihan, PhD

• Use of Declination Forms to Improve Influenza Vaccination in Health Care Workers – Sherri LaVela, 

PhD, MPH

• Enhancing Implementation of Telehealth for Veterans with SCI/D – Bridget Smith, PhD

• Developing a Patient Inventory to Facilitate Patient-Centered Care Delivery – Frances Weaver, PhD

• A Randomized Trial of an Educational Intervention in Type 2 Diabetes Patients – Howard Gordon, 

MD

• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Women at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease – Karen Saban, 

PhD, RN

Current Career Development Awardees

• David Bentrem, MD – Quality Measures in Cancer Surgery

Research Career Scientists

• Denise Hynes, PhD

• Frances Weaver, PhD

VA Office of Research & Development • Health Services Research & Development Service

www.hsrd.research.va.gov
Highlighted Publications

• Study Shows Wait Times for Treatment at VAMCs Have Increased for Veterans with Colorectal 

Cancer

Merkow R, Bilimoria K, Sherman K, McCarter M, Gordon H, and Bentrem D. Efficiency of Colorectal Cancer Care among 

Veterans: Analysis of Treatment Wait Times for 124 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Journal of Oncology Practice July 

2013;9(4):e154-163.

• Study Examines Possible Overuse of Proton Pump Inhibitors to Treat Veterans with 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gawron A, Pandolfino J, Miskevics S, and LaVela S. Proton Pump Inhibitor Prescriptions and Subsequent Use in U.S. 

Veterans Diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Journal of General Internal Medicine July 2013;28(7):930-37.

• Many Older Veterans Do Not Discuss Non-VA Medications with VA Providers, Complicating 

Medication Reconciliation

Stroupe K, Smith B, Hogan T, St. Andre J, Gellad W, Weiner S, Lee T, Burk M, Cunningham F, Piette J, Rogers T, Huo Z, 

and Weaver F. Medication Acquisition across Systems of Care and Patient-Provider Communication among Older 

Veterans. American Journal of Health System Pharmacy May 2013;70(9):804-813.

• Study Finds High TBI Screening Rates among OEF/OIF Veterans

Evans C, St. Andre J, Pape T, Steiner M, Stroupe K, Hogan T, Weaver F, and Smith B. An Evaluation of the VA TBI 

Screening Process among OEF/OIF Veterans. PM&R March 2013;5(3):210-20.

• Study Suggests Some VA Polytrauma Team Members Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain 

Injury at Risk for Job Burnout

Saban KL, Hogan TP, DeFrino D, Evans CT, Bauer E, Pape TL, Steiner M, Proescher E, Vlasses FR, and Smith BM. Burnout 

and Coping Strategies of Polytrauma Team Members Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury. Brain Injury March 

2013;27(3):301-309.

Search the full list of citations from the Hines Center at

www.hsrd.research.va.gov/publications/citations/coe_generator.cfm

VA Office of Research & Development • Health Services Research & Development Service

www.hsrd.research.va.gov