The purpose of the K08 Award was for Dr. Radwin to meet two career goals:
(1) to conduct a program of research guided by the Quality Health Outcomes Model (QHOM); (2) to become an independent health services researcher.

Dr. Radwin developed the theoretical knowledge and analytic skills to meet the goals through an initial period of study including formal graduate courses, mentorship from a distinguished panel, and participation in multidisciplinary activities. Dr. Radwin conducted nine studies to meet the K08 research aims.

Qualitative and quantitative studies were conducted including conceptual analyses, scale development and psychometric testing using both factor analyses (exploratory, confirmatory) and multi-trait/multi-item analyses, linear and logistic regressions, and measurement and theoretical modeling.

Specifically, conceptual analyses addressed the QHOM as a research program framework and offered QHOM refinement. Qualitative findings provided a conceptual definition of individualization, which characterizes patient-centered care, and a typology of concepts reflecting cancer patients' descriptions of nursing care. Scales to measure patient-centered nursing care and four desired health outcomes were developed and tested using exploratory and then confirmatory factor analyses. Relationships among QHOM concepts were analyzed: patient trait and state characteristics, patient-centered nursing care comprising four interpersonal interventions, desired patient outcomes, and health care system characteristics.

Principal Investigator: Laurel  E. Radwin, RN, PhD
 
Funding: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2001-2007.