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Kansas Health Services Research

Research and Evaluation

Now more than ever, leaders need evidence-based information and objective analysis to make informed decisions.

At the Kansas Health Institute, we collaborate with stakeholders to identify their needs, formulate research questions and define evaluation goals. We develop and apply rigorous methodology to synthesize information, collect and analyze data, and measure program processes and outcomes.

Our Expertise

  • Designing studies to answer important questions

  • Determining appropriate research and evaluation methods

  • Designing, building and managing large databases containing survey data, public health information, health insurance claims and outcomes assessment

  • Conducting literature reviews, including peer-reviewed articles, state and federal agency regulations, published reports and grey literature

  • Conducting focus groups and key informant interviews

  • Conducting complex statistical analysis

  • Developing surveys, including sample design, instrument development, data collection and analysis, and report writing

Sample projects

Annual Insurance Update

Annual Insurance Update

This annual publication, first developed in 2015, provides a comprehensive review of health insurance coverage in Kansas by analyzing the American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample files from the U.S. Census Bureau. It includes an Infographic that shows sources of coverage for insured Kansans and possible coverage eligibility for uninsured Kansans in a concise and informative manner, and also county-specific uninsured rates.

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Applied Behavior Analysis Services

Applied Behavioral Analysis Services in Kansas

In this project supported by the Capper Foundation, a statewide organization that serves children and adults with disabilities, KHI examined potential access to care issues for children with autism spectrum disorder in Kansas in order to inform future policy discussion about applied behavior analysis services (ABA). KHI reviewed literature on the effectiveness of ABA, reviewed federal and state policies on ABA coverage, analyzed claims data on the use of ABA services and surveyed providers to identify barriers to accessing and providing ABA services. We published our findings in a technical report and an issue brief, which we distributed to the Legislature.

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Farmers Market

Pathways to a Healthy Kansas

This Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas grant initiative was launched in 2015. It provides communities with financial support, tools and resources needed to address areas that impact community health across multiple factors: Neighborhood and Physical Environment, Community and Social Context, Food, Health and Healthcare, Education, and Economic Stability. In addition to assisting BCBSKS with the program design and providing technical assistance to community awardees, KHI is responsible for designing and conducting an evaluation of the overall initiative. The evaluation employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, including logic model development, key informant interviews, online surveys and data analysis. The results are presented through multiple channels of communication, including a Tableau dashboard and an annual report.

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Why KHI?

Expertise

For more than 25 years, we have developed a deep understanding of Kansas policy issues, systems, opportunities and challenges. With this in mind, we’ve crafted our services to meet the needs of our local, county, state and national partners.

KHI Employees

Why KHI?

Objectivity

KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to be champions for a healthier Kansas.

KHI Employees

Why KHI?

Results

We provide actionable information for decision-makers working to improve the health of Kansans. We collaborate across sectors and jurisdictions to deliver services and products that support effective policymaking.

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Get Started Today

Experts at KHI can help you identify opportunities for achieving your policy and program goals.

To learn more about our Research and Evaluation services, contact Wen-Chieh Lin, Ph.D., Director of Research.

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The Kansas Health Institute crafted a thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis that was used to guide maternal health efforts in Northwest Kansas. Furthermore, they made the effort to ensure that participation in the key informant interview process was inclusive and representative of the region. KHI is paving the way for more community-based participatory research efforts in Kansas.

- Travis Rickford, MPA, Executive Director, LiveWell Northwest Kansas

As a policy maker and local government elected official, the KHI website is an invaluable resource. I can find both the current information and the background data that are critical for creating sound health policy and making good, informed decisions for the benefit of my community.

- Brian McKiernan, Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS

Over the last 15+ years, I’ve had the pleasure to work with the Kansas Health Institute (KHI) on a variety of projects and initiatives. I have found their services and, more importantly, their people, to be invaluable to advancing our shared goal of realizing a healthier Kansas. The technical assistance and policy analysis they have provided to the E-Cigarette/Vaping Task Force has been critical to the work of the task force, including the development of model comprehensive tobacco-free policies for Kansas schools. Their research & evaluation services are an integral part of the process of assessing the effectiveness of the first-ever ECHO project that is focusing on Vaping cessation. Whether it has been related to these two projects, the Kansas County Health Rankings development and dissemination, the School Health-Related Services project, their technical assistance is outstanding. Finally, I want to extend my appreciation for the use of their facilities for meetings of the Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness, the Kansas Public Health Association board, and the BCBSKS Pathways planning committee. They are a true partner with both the exceptional services they offer, but also their high-quality staff.

- Dr. Mark Thompson, Education Program Consultant for Health & Physical Education, Kansas State Department of Education

KHI’s knowledge of Kansas health policy and more importantly, their commitment to the well-being of all Kansans, is second to none. They are highly collaborative partners who excel at applying established research and evaluation methods to help drive well-developed, comprehensive solutions. When I work with KHI, I know that I’m working with a true partner who is invested in our mutual success.

- Hanford Lin, Partner, Guidehouse Inc.

One of the reasons we’re able to maintain strong relationships with lawmakers is because we can provide them with accurate and timely data. Collaborating with KHI allowed us to efficiently collect and disaggregate massive amounts of data about the wellbeing of children from dozens of sources. Their understanding of local, state, and federal datasets combined with their trusted connections to state agencies make them an ideal partner for anyone looking to craft data-informed policy recommendations.

- John Wilson, President & CEO, Kansas Action for Children

KHI has provided in-depth evaluation support and critical technical assistance for our Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative. The expertise that the KHI team brings to our team in survey and evaluation design has helped our grantees to develop measurable goals and see the progress they are making toward them. KHI has also created an exceptional data dashboard to bring the story of our initiative to life and help us show the breadth of the impact our initiative is having on health in Kansas communities.

- Virginia Barnes, Director, Blue Health Initiatives, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

Work with KHI

If you would like to explore the possibility of working with KHI, please contact us! We would be happy to discuss possible approaches, timeline and cost.

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