Health Services Research, as opposed to Outcomes Research, is the study of structure, process, and outcomes of healthcare. According to this model, the structure of healthcare (e.g. building, staffing ratios, equipment) affects the process of healthcare (e.g. provider decision-making, physician-patient relationship, etc.), and the process of healthcare in turn affects the outcomes of healthcare. Members of the Center are trained in this model of Health Services Research, and are driven to find links between structure and process that maximize patient outcomes.

Recent studies in "process of care research" include a randomized trial comparing a "model physician patient relationship" versus usual care in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an analysis evaluating the impact of physician decision-making on resource utilization in low-risk gastrointestinal hemorrhage, a study investigating the impact of a computerized medical record reminder on prescribing behavior in high-risk patients receiving pain relievers, an international comparison of hospital practice in the management of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and a study comparing a team-based intervention versus usual care in gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage.

In light of this experience, the Center is highly qualified to provide consultation in process and outcomes of care linkage, provider and patient decision-making, and the impact of the physician-patient relationship on outcomes.