About CHOIR
The Mass General Brigham (MGB) Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary (CHOIR) aims to improve the lives of people across the lifespan on the continuum of health and illness in both hospital and community settings. through education, research and clinical initiatives. At CHOIR we develop, test and implement mind-body, lifestyle, and behavioral health interventions to help people optimize their health and wellness, prevent chronic and serious illness, and support others impacted by illness, such as caregivers, dyads and families. We extend this work by examining the biobehavioral mechanisms underpinning successful interventions, and by developing strong community partnerships to reach those who stand to benefit most.
Our Mission
The Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research (CHOIR) at Massachusetts General Hospital aims to advance clinical practice and research by developing and testing cutting-edge mind-body and lifestyle interventions with three main goals:
Preserve health and prevent illness
Promote recovery after acute illness, injury, or surgery
Live well with chronic illness or as a caregiver for a loved one
Our Story
In 2017, Dr. Ana-Maria Vranceanu developed the Integrated Brain Health Clinical and Research Program (IBHCRP) with a vision to bring together interdisciplinary clinician scientists who could break down medical silos to transform care for patients and families in the throes of chronic illness. IBHCRP started small -only 3 members- and gradually transformed into CHOIR, now home to more than 45 members who lead and support over 30 active research projects, community outreach, a caregiver and dyad clinic, and consultations serving MGB and beyond.
Our Work
CHOIR houses the MassGeneral Brigham BRIDGE core (Biobehavioral Research: Intervention Design, Guidance, and Execution) which offers consultations to clinician scientists from MGB and nationally on the following domains:
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Committed to the education and professional development of clinical psychologists and healthcare professionals.
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Provides critical infrastructure and resources for intervention development, clinical trials, digital health technology, and biostatistics research.
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Focuses on providing cutting edge clinical services embedded within communities, medical practices, or outpatient settings. CHOIR has a Caregiver and Dyads clinic which supports the mental health and well-being of those who care for persons with neurodegenerative illnesses (dementia, Parkinson’s ALS) as well as patient-caregiver dyads.
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Focuses on incorporating mechanistic and objective physiological outcomes into behavioral and lifestyle interventions.
Provides equipment and resources for biobehavioral mechanisms research.
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Integrates community insights into CHOIR's research to advance scientific knowledge and equity
CHOIR carries out this mission through
Clinical care (outpatient or inpatient settings)
Clinical research
Partnerships with primary and specialty care doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and stakeholders engaged in patient care
Partnerships with patients and their informal caregivers in their preferred settings (MGH, health centers, places of worship, and other community organization)
Interdisciplinary training of clinical psychology interns, postdoctoral fellows, practicum students, medical residents, and junior faculty from various disciplines at MGH, nationally, and internationally
Who we serve
CHOIR provides clinical services to both patients and their family caregivers. We also offer many opportunities for care through our ongoing clinical research programs. We serve individuals on the continuum from health to illness, including:
Healthy individuals interested in preserving physical, emotional, and cognitive health with aging
Individuals who are recovering from acute illness, injury, or surgery (general surgery, brain injury, orthopedic injury, stroke, concussions)
Individuals coping with chronic medical conditions (e.g., persistent pain, neurofibromatosis, dementia) and their family and friend caregivers
Healthy individuals interested in preserving their health (e.g., primary care patients or caregivers)
Collaborations with Other Programs
MGH collaborations: Internal Medicine | Neurology | Neonatology | Mongan Institute | Dauten Center | Orthopedic Surgery | Anesthesia and Pain | Dementia Collaborative | Geriatrics and Palliative Care | MGH Institute of Health Professions | MEEI
Local Collaborations: BWH | BMC | Beth Israel Hospital
National Collaborations: Dell | Kentucky | Duke | Vanderbilt
Community Partners: BMA | The Wellness Collaborative | MGH Revere | MGH Dimmock