Research and Quality Improvement | Department of Psychiatry

Since its inception in the 1970s, the Department of Psychiatry has been conducting and publishing important scholarship and research on mental health. Over 500 journal articles, special-issue journals, books, and book chapters have been published by faculty and staff since the Department of Psychiatry’s founding.

The Research Division was established in 2000, and has successfully been awarded over $28 million in extramural funding—the majority of which from federal government sources (e.g., National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities [NIMHD], National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA], National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], National Institute of Aging [NIA], National Cancer Institute [NCI], Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]) as well as partnering with the Hawai‘i State Department of Health.

Our research and evaluation help inform ways to improve program content and delivery to underserved populations, reduce health disparities and increase wellness.

Current Projects

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE LINE, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, RESEARCH, AND SCHOLARLSHIP. The strategic aims of our clinical-academic partnership are to (1) accelerate relevant research and scholarship that advance scientific inquiry and improve mental health for Hawaii's diverse populations; (2) conduct clinical quality improvement and research to evaluate patient care services and processes of core psychiatric services; (3) expand meaningful clinical study groups, and (4) expand dissemination that improves the understanding and practice of behavioral/mental health care. Center Director: Phoebe Hwang, Dr.P.H. HwangP@dop.hawaii.edu

NATIONAL CENTER ON INDIGENOUS HAWAIIAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH. The strategic aim is to develop and conduct a comprehensive program of: (a) epidemiological, translational, community-based, clinical and preventive intervention and neuroscience research; (b) /training; and (c) culturally effective diagnostic and treatment protocols. For the last few years, the Center has been collaborating with Papa Ola Lokahi on the E Ola Mau a Mau The Next Generation of Hawaiian Health report. "There is no beginning or end to healing. The seeking of health and healing is a process spanning from 'opio (youth) to kupuna (elders) and is spiritually understood as the essence of healing and health." Kupuna Malia Craver. Center Co-Director: Deborah Goebert goebertd@dop.hawaii.edu PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE LINE, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, RESEARCH, AND SCHOLARLSHIP. The strategic aims of our clinical-academic partnership are to (1) accelerate relevant research and scholarship that advance scientific inquiry and improve mental health for Hawaii's diverse populations; (2) conduct clinical quality improvement and research to evaluate patient care services and processes of core psychiatric services; (3) expand meaningful clinical study groups, and (4) expand dissemination that improves the understanding and practice of behavioral/mental health care. Center Director: Phoebe Hwang, Dr.P.H. HwangP@dop.hawaii.edu STATEWIDE SYSTEM OF CARE FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE. We are partnering with the State of Hawai'i, Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) on a set of projects designed to improve the state's system of care by emphasizing a data-driven system of care. The plan states that the division's "efforts are designed to promote a statewide culturally appropriate, comprehensive system of substance abuse services to meet the treatment and recovery needs of individuals and families and to address the prevention needs of communities." Co-Principal Investigator: Susana Helm, PhD. helms@dop.hawaii.edu Picture credits: anonymous haumana 2019-2020 Hawaii Student Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use (ATOD) Survey. The statewide school-based youth needs assessment conducted by UH JABSOM Department of Psychiatry for DOH Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division, in collaboration with Hawai'i DOE examines substance use treatment and prevention need and related risk or protective factors for Hawai'i middle and high school students. Reports are available on the findings for state and county level. Principal Investigator: Jane Onoye, PhD. Co-Principal Investigator; Tai-An Miao, PhD HAWAII'S CARING COMMUNITIES AND SYSTEMS INITIATIVES FOR YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adolescents are now among the highest risk for suicide-related behaviors, especially those who reside in rural communities. Through HCCI and HCSI, youth and community members are trained as trainers to provide education, and develop awareness projects that incorporated evidence-based practices. Our program adapts to meet cultural needs that were identified by community leaders, which emphasized the importance of honoring community knowledge and prioritizing relationships. Co-Director: Deb Goebert, DrPH goebertd@dop.hawaii.edu

Quality improvement and patient safety have been embedded into the clinical and educational arms of the UH JABSOM Department of Psychiatry in collaboration with our clinical partners. It is enhanced and supported by rigorous evaluation and scholarship with expertise from the Research Division.

The Research Division is headed by Deborah Goebert, Dr.P.H., Professor & Associate Chair of Research. The Research Council is composed of Dr. Deborah Goebert (Chair), Dr. Phoebe Hwang, Dr. Tai-An Miao, Dr. Jane Onoye and Ms. Kelly Quitevis.

The Research Division is housed in primarily two locations:

The Queen’s Medical Center
University of Hawai‘i Tower
1356 Lusitana St., 4th Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813

Gold Bond Building
677 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite 1016
Honolulu, HI 96813