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SBS 298 (Wicked Problems/Healthcare) Fall 2025: Healthcare in the United States

This guide provides links to credible research related to healthcare and the "wicked problems" within.

Federal/National-Level Links

Governmental Health Datahttps://healthdata.gov/

Here you will find health and human services data, tools, and resources to conduct research, develop web and mobile applications, design data visualizations, and more.

HSRIC (Human Services Resource Institute)http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hsrinfo/datasites.html

The National Library of Medicine (NLM), on the campus of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, has been a center of information innovation since its founding in 1836. The world’s largest biomedical library, NLM maintains and makes available a vast print collection and produces electronic information resources on a wide range of topics that are searched billions of times each year by millions of people around the globe. It also supports and conducts research, development, and training in biomedical informatics and health information technology. In addition, the Library coordinates an 8,000+ member Network of the National Library of Medicine that promotes and provides access to health information in communities across the United States.

HRSA Area Resource File (Health Resources and Services Administration)http://ahrf.hrsa.gov/

Get information from over 50 data sources on Health Care Professions, Health Facilities, Population Characteristics, Economics, Health Professions Training, Hospital Utilization, Hospital Expenditures, and Environment at the county, state, and national levels.

CMS Hospital Compare: https://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/search.html 

"Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease). 

Some people get Medicare automatically, others have to actively sign up -- it depends if you start getting retirement or disability benefits from Social Security before you turn 65. "

Big Cities Health Coalitionhttp://www.bigcitieshealth.org/city-data/

"The Big Cities Health Coalition (BCHC) is a forum for the leaders of America’s largest metropolitan health departments to exchange strategies and jointly address issues to promote and protect the health and safety of the 61 million people they serve. Together, these public health officials directly affect the health and well-being of nearly one in five Americans."

AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)https://www.ahrq.gov/data/resources/index.html

"The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) offers practical, research-based tools and other resources to help a variety of health care organizations, providers and others make care safer in all health care settings."

KFF State Health Facts: http://www.statehealthfacts.org  

"The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news."

The Commonwealth Fund https://www.commonwealthfund.org/

The Commonwealth Fund’s programs center the pillars of a health system that works for all of us — good coverage, excellent care, and affordable costs, all built on a foundation of equity. The Fund also promotes international learning and exchange and develops leaders in health care. 

 The Milbank Memorial Fund https://www.milbank.org/

"The Milbank Memorial Fund is is a foundation that works to improve population health and health equity."

The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research  https://www.shepscenter.unc.edu/ "seeks to improve the health of individuals, families, and populations by understanding the problems, issues, and alternatives in the design and delivery of health care services. This is accomplished through an interdisciplinary program of research, consultation, technical assistance, and training that focuses on timely and policy-relevant questions concerning the accessibility, adequacy, organization, cost, effectiveness, and equity of health care services and the dissemination of this information to policymakers and the general public."

Rural Health Information Hub https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/

"As an information clearinghouse on rural health issues, RHIhub provides access to a wide range of resources on relevant topics. "

 

New England/Massachusetts Sites

CHIA (The Center for Health Information and Analysis): http://www.chiamass.gov/

The Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) is an independent state agency whose mission is to serve as a steward of Massachusetts health information to promote a more transparent and equitable health care system that effectively serves all residents of the Commonwealth.  Our vision is a transparent and equitable health care system where reliable information provides common ground for improvement and empowers people and organizations to make informed decisions.

Two things distinguish CHIA in our pursuit of improving the Massachusetts health care system: our public-interest perspective, and our unique data sets. Our perspective is rooted in our independence – our agenda and findings are not colored by the special interests of industry or politics – and in the talents and commitment of CHIA employees.

Our data sets are unique because as the state agency responsible for a number of health care statistics, we have the ability to collect information necessary to fulfill this responsibility.

Please explore more of our site and learn about what CHIA does. Maybe start with our recent publications or learn about our mission and history.

You can also choose one of the many ways to connect with us for questions and comments.

 

MassHealth

https://www.mass.gov/topics/masshealth

In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into one program called MassHealth. MassHealth members may be able to get doctors visits, prescription drugs, hospital stays, and many other important services.

 

Massachusetts Government: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/population-health-information-tool

The Population Health Information Tool (PHIT) provides up-to-date, easy to understand public health data and racial equity data in Massachusetts

 

Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association: https://www.mhalink.org/ 

"We are about driving change for a healthier commonwealth. Our mission is to advance the health of individuals and communities by helping our members provide high-quality, equitable, affordable care – all while pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation."

Betsy Lehman Center https://betsylehmancenterma.gov/

"Betsy Lehman, a reporter and mother of two young girls, was battling breast cancer. While in the hospital, her care team made a series of fatal mistakes, giving her four times the intended dose of a powerful chemotherapy drug. Her death at age 39 in 1994 catalyzed a national movement to improve patient safety.

While progress has been made, studies show that 20 to 25 percent of Massachusetts residents have experienced a medical error. In honor of Betsy and every patient, we are working to improve the safety of health care in the Commonwealth and beyond."

The Beryl Institute https://theberylinstitute.org/search/

"The Beryl Institute's patient experience resources offer a comprehensive gateway to tools, research, and insights designed to elevate healthcare experiences across the care continuum. This dynamic hub includes white papers, case studies, webinars, podcasts, and more—each tailored to address critical aspects of patient experience improvement..."

New England Rural Health Association: https://www.nerha.org/rural-data-analysis-dashboard

This Rural Analysis Dashboard was specifically developed to illustrate the health disparities between rural and urban areas in New England.