Qualitative research provides an opportunity to deeply explore underlying reasons, motivations, and experiences from the perspective of the people most impacted by health services concerns. In qualitative approaches, we draw on a broad range of traditions and techniques, such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, ethnography, case studies, observational methods, and visual methods, to name a few.
Meet Our Analysts
Forrest Hosea, MPH
Forrest (they/them/their) is a qualitative research analyst at the Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy (CHOP) and Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network (OPEN). They earned their MPH at George Washington University in January 2022. Their early work was strongly influenced by community engaged research (CEnR) and community-based participatory research (CBPR) within the cancer realm. They worked primarily with and for LGBTQ+ and other underserved populations in "Cancer Action Councils (CACs)" - a group of local cancer survivors, caregivers, and advocates who are taught the basics of research to give them the tools to partner with researchers. With the LGBTQ CAC, Forrest worked to identify their cancer research priorities, ranked their top concerns, and collaborated with them on designing their own research study - tailoring a cancer caregiver support program to meet LGBTQ-specific needs. At Michigan Medicine, Forrest is looking forward to using and improving their skills in qualitative research methods, along with bringing the community's voice to the work they do.
Ann Vitous, MA, MPH, CPH
Qualitative Research Analyst
Lauren Szczygiel, PhD
Lauren is a Qualitative Analyst at the Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy (CHOP). She earned her PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Michigan State University, where she focused on issued of equity and access. Her early work was strongly influenced by Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) and her dissertation examined barriers and facilitators to sport and physical activity for young girls of color in Detroit. After her PhD, Lauren’s research at the University of Michigan focused on exploring career development, gender issues, and women’s representation in science and academic medicine. Currently at CHOP, her research focus is split between an exploration of QoL of life for patients with peripheral artery disease, and quality in hospital consolidation