Always at the forefront of research — always with better outcomes in mind.

With knowledge comes a better understanding of the aging process and advancing illness, and a greater opportunity to improve outcomes.

Chapters Health System is continually conducting research to learn how to enhance the quality of life for patients in pain management and symptom control, and to improve the end-of-life experience. Currently, Chapters Health is one of only five hospice organizations within the U.S. with an internal research department.

Led by Dr. Ronald S. Shonwetter and Dr. Sehwan Kim, the Research Department conducts as many as five to six studies at any one time. Among its many studies is “Prevention of Falls Among Hospice Patients,” now a model to predict falls, and help prevent and reduce the rate of incidence among hospice patients.

Other studies are under way to help reduce emergency room visits, ease constipation, reduce pain due to cancer, and enhance quality of life. All findings are published in peer review journals and shared with other hospices and medical professionals.

Working together with the University of South Florida Medical School, the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, pharmaceutical companies and other researchers, Chapters Health is dedicated to improving the comfort, care and outcomes of our patients — for every chapter in their lives.

To view our published research findings or for additional information, we invite you to visit our online Library.