The Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis (SPI) conducts human-centered research to support healthy individuals and thriving communities. Our research focuses on improving the effectiveness of healthcare delivery, influencing positive health outcomes, and decreasing healthcare costs, especially for the nation’s Medicaid population. Researchers also evaluate the healthcare impacts of COVID-19, particularly provider vaccine hesitancy and unmet needs of the Medicaid population during the height of the pandemic.
In addition, SPI believes thriving individuals need equal and plentiful access to food in order to lead healthy lives. In partnership with regional community organizations, food insecurity researchers evaluate best practices to increase food access to mothers and children.
Through research on healthcare delivery and food insecurity, the institute works to create health equity and help individuals lead flourishing and healthier lives.
Our Health Initiatives
American Well-Being Project
Health
The American Well-Being Project is a collaborative effort between the Brookings Institute and the Social Policy Institute.
Behavioral Health
Research Agenda
This study will examine rates of screening and management of depression in primary care to inform the implementation of one or more interventions to increase rates of screening and the use of evidence-based interventions, such as collaborative care models or motivational interviewing.
Centene Center for Health Transformation
Health
The Centene Center for Health Transformation is a community-industry-academic healthcare partnership that advances people centered health solutions to improve lives so that communities can thrive.
Completed Projects
Research Agendas
In the spring of 2020, the Center shared important knowledge and advice regarding COVID-19 through 12 articles and features in national media. Our healthcare provider behavior study explored the state of evidence regarding interventions to change provider behavior in health or behavioral health settings.
Evaluating Food Policy
Research Agenda
These studies explore the impacts of various food policies on the populations they target.
Food is medicine
Research Agenda
Healthy nutritious food can affect health outcomes just as much as medicine. At the Social Policy Institute, we research ways to ensure healthier food access for families at the greatest risk of food insecurity.
Health and Financial Wellness
Research Agenda
Economic status is widely understood to be a determinant of health and behavioral health outcomes, with lower income groups experiencing poorer health and higher rates of premature mortality than individuals of higher economic status. These studies explore this association.
HPV Vaccination Uptake
Research Agenda
Researchers at the Social Policy Institute received funding through the St. Jude WUSTL Implementation Science Research Collaborative to conduct a scoping review of the barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccine uptake within primary care settings.
Research Response to COVID-19
Socioeconomic Impact of COVID-19 Survey
COVID-19 has dramatically shifted the world, and applying lessons learned during the pandemic will be critical as we not only rebuild our economy, but make it more equitable, too.
Latest Publications
Municipal officials’ perspectives on policymaking for addressing obesity and health equity
Connecting the Dots between Barriers to W.I.C. Access and Adult and Child Food Insecurity: A Survey of Missouri Residents
