Identifying and analyzing the opportunity costs associated with tuberculosis to sustain public health protections

The Foundation's National Program for Public Health Research was designed to further the growth and impact of the field of public health services and systems research (PHSSR) by coordinating current PHSSR investments, supporting real-world applications of research, strengthening the capacity of researchers and practitioners, catalyzing the translation and application of findings into practice, increasing visibility and champions for the work, and attracting other funders to the field.This award provides two years of mentored support for junior PHSSR scientists, with matching salary support and guaranteed protected research time from the sponsoring institution.Thaddeus Miller is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center in the Department of Health Policy and Management and the Department of Medicine. He holds a DrPH degree, and has participated in economic analysis of tuberculosis (TB) control for the past 10 years. His research interests include international and national health system policy and evaluations, he has served as PI for multi-site projects funded by CDC, and he has been involved in numerous evaluations, research, training and site reviews in cities in the U.S. and internationally. Miller's career development plan includes: (1) completing coursework in social science quantitative methods; (2) becoming proficient in economic analysis software; and (3) developing connections and leadership in the public health community through his research and practice mentors. Miller's project aims to expand existing economic and comparative effectiveness research by examining: (1) domestic TB control costs of public health investments as well as health and other individual losses; and (2) new tools for public protection and expected progress toward TB elimination by local, state and regional TB control authorities and public health systems. José Pagán, Professor and Chair of Health Management and Policy, will serve as the on-site mentor. A local public health practice mentor also will work with Miller to align the policy research with the needs and mission of the agency. In addition to presentations and publications, dissemination will include evidence-based decision support tools for local public health departments to compare public and medical care costs, providing an opportunity to evaluate alternative TB surveillance and screening recommendations.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $97,349.00

Awarded on: 11/28/2012

Time frame: 12/1/2012 - 11/30/2014

Grant Number: 70578