Research Overview

Dr. Toomey’s research focuses on studying the factors that affect the quality of pediatric care. She has studied how receiving care in a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) relates to healthcare quality for children with chronic conditions. In one paper, she found that receipt of care in a PCMH is associated with higher rates of medication use and improved outcomes for children with ADHD (e.g., fewer problem behaviors, better school attendance). In another, she found that family-centered care may mitigate racial/ethnic disparities in unmet need for care coordination.  In addition to this research documenting gaps in quality, she is currently expanding her expertise by developing new measures of pediatric care quality. She is the Managing Director of the AHRQ/CMS-funded Center of Excellence for Pediatric Quality Measurement at Boston Children’s Hospital.  As part of the Center’s work she is also a member of the core team tasked with developing a measure of pediatric inpatient experience of care, the Pediatric Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (Pediatric HCAHPS) Survey.  She is also the Principal Investigator on a career development award project, "Racial/Ethnic Differences in Parent Perspectives of Pediatric Inpatient Care," that extends the Pediatric HCAHPS project to examine racial/ethnic disparities in parent experience of pediatric inpatient care

 

Research Background

Dr. Toomey is an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and in the Division of General Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital.  She is a general pediatrician and health services researcher.  After completing Harvard Medical School and her pediatric training, she spent three years as a primary care pediatrician at a federally-funded community health center in West Philadelphia.  Prior to starting her faculty position, she did a fellowship in the Harvard-wide Pediatric Health Services Research Fellowship Program.  She currently practices inpatient and outpatient pediatrics.

Active Projects

2011-2014 Improving Quality of Children’s Health Care with ipc-Consults

CHB Faculty Grant Children’s Hospital Boston
Principal Investigator

Internal grant to support initial qualitative work and course work for the development of the ipc-Consult system.

2012-2014 Racial/Ethnic Differences in Parent Perspectives of Pediatric Inpatient Care

NIH 8KL2TR000168-05
Principal Investigator

Harvard University NIH funded career development grant for research to understand racial/ethnic differences in reporting of parent/caregiver experience of pediatric inpatient care and additional course work.

Education

Undergraduate School

Holy Cross College
1993 Worcester MA

Graduate School

Oxford University
1996 Oxford England

Medical School

Harvard Medical School
2000 Boston MA

Internship

Boston Children's Hospital/Boston Medical Center
2001 Boston MA

Residency

Boston Children's Hospital/Boston Medical Center
2002 Boston MA

Residency

Pediatrics Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
2003 Philadelphia PA

Graduate School

MPH Harvard School of Public Health
2008 Boston MA

Fellowship

Harvard-wide Pediatric Health Services Research Fellowship
2009 Boston MA

Publications

  1. Insurance gaps at age-19 and age-26 health insurance eligibility thresholds by childhood-onset condition severity, Colorado 2014-2018. Health Serv Res. 2025 Jan 12; e14432. View Abstract
  2. A Coproduced Family Reporting Intervention to Improve Safety Surveillance and Reduce Disparities. Pediatrics. 2024 Oct 01; 154(4). View Abstract
  3. Race, Ethnicity, and Ancestry in Clinical Pathways: A Framework for Evaluation. Pediatrics. 2023 Dec 01; 152(6). View Abstract
  4. Impairment Types and Combinations Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Disabilities: Colorado 2014-2018. Acad Pediatr. 2024 May-Jun; 24(4):587-595. View Abstract
  5. Improving Use of Antibiotics for Pediatric Pneumonia in Community Hospital Emergency Departments. Pediatrics. 2023 Jul 01; 152(1). View Abstract
  6. Predictors of Subspecialty Appointment Scheduling and Completion for Patients Referred From a Pediatric Primary Care Clinic. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2024 May; 63(4):512-521. View Abstract
  7. Evaluation of a protocol for eliciting narrative accounts of pediatric inpatient experiences of care. Health Serv Res. 2023 04; 58(2):271-281. View Abstract
  8. Patient Experience with Virtual Preoperative Consultations in Pediatric Surgical Specialties. J Pediatr Surg. 2023 Sep; 58(9):1776-1782. View Abstract
  9. Understanding Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Differences in the Ambulatory Care Experience. Pediatrics. 2022 12 01; 150(6). View Abstract
  10. Randomized Controlled Trial of Health Coaching for Parents of Children With Medical Complexity. Acad Pediatr. 2022 Nov-Dec; 22(8):1482-1488. View Abstract
  11. Adjusting for Social Risk Factors in Pediatric Quality Measures: Adding to the Evidence Base. Acad Pediatr. 2022 04; 22(3S):S108-S114. View Abstract
  12. Considerations When Aggregating Data to Measure Performance Across Levels of the Health Care System. Acad Pediatr. 2022 04; 22(3S):S119-S124. View Abstract
  13. Understanding Caregiver Perspectives on an Electronic Consultation and Referral System. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2022 03; 61(3):270-279. View Abstract
  14. Pediatric Hospitalizations During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pediatrics. 2020 12; 146(6). View Abstract
  15. Pediatric Hospital Services Within a One-Hour Drive: A National Study. Pediatrics. 2020 11; 146(5). View Abstract
  16. An Innovative Model for Providing Dermatology Services Within Primary Care. Acad Pediatr. 2021 May-Jun; 21(4):723-727. View Abstract
  17. Trends in 30-Day Readmission for Medicaid and Privately Insured Pediatric Patients: 2010-2017. Pediatrics. 2020 08; 146(2). View Abstract
  18. Electronic Consultation: Latest Evidence Regarding the Impact on Referral Patterns, Patient Experience, Cost, and Quality. Acad Pediatr. 2020 Sep - Oct; 20(7):891-892. View Abstract
  19. Suitability of elderly adult hospital readmission rates for profiling readmissions in younger adult and pediatric populations. Health Serv Res. 2020 04; 55(2):277-287. View Abstract
  20. Factors Associated With Family Experience in Pediatric Inpatient Care. Pediatrics. 2020 03; 145(3). View Abstract
  21. Trends in Pediatric Hospitalizations and Readmissions: 2010-2016. Pediatrics. 2019 02; 143(2). View Abstract
  22. Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Patient Safety Events for Hospitalized Children. Hosp Pediatr. 2019 01; 9(1):1-5. View Abstract
  23. Potential Impact of Initial Clinical Data on Adjustment of Pediatric Readmission Rates. Acad Pediatr. 2019 07; 19(5):589-598. View Abstract
  24. Improving Response Rates and Representation of Hard-to-Reach Groups in Family Experience Surveys. Acad Pediatr. 2019 May - Jun; 19(4):446-453. View Abstract
  25. Associations of Eczema Severity and Parent Knowledge With Child Quality of Life in a Pediatric Primary Care Population. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2018 11; 57(13):1506-1514. View Abstract
  26. Adverse Events in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients. Pediatrics. 2018 08; 142(2). View Abstract
  27. Care Quality and Spending Among Commercially Insured Children With Disabilities. Acad Pediatr. 2019 04; 19(3):291-299. View Abstract
  28. Ensuring Timely Connection to Early Intervention for Young Children With Developmental Delays. Pediatrics. 2018 07; 142(1). View Abstract
  29. Shared Care: Using an Electronic Consult Form to Facilitate Primary Care Provider-Specialty Care Coordination. Acad Pediatr. 2018 Sep - Oct; 18(7):797-804. View Abstract
  30. A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Eczema Care Plan. Acad Pediatr. 2018 Sep - Oct; 18(7):789-796. View Abstract
  31. Children and young people's versus parents' responses in an English national inpatient survey. Arch Dis Child. 2018 05; 103(5):486-491. View Abstract
  32. Readmission After Pediatric Mental Health Admissions. Pediatrics. 2017 Dec; 140(6). View Abstract
  33. Pediatric Readmissions After Hospitalizations for Lower Respiratory Infections. Pediatrics. 2017 Aug; 140(2). View Abstract
  34. Preparation for Transition to Adult Care Among Medicaid-Insured Adolescents. Pediatrics. 2017 Jul; 140(1). View Abstract
  35. Impact of an Individual Mandate and Other Health Reforms on Dependent Coverage for Adolescents and Young Adults. Health Serv Res. 2018 06; 53(3):1581-1599. View Abstract
  36. Validation of New Quality Measures for Transitions Between Sites of Care. Pediatrics. 2017 May; 139(5). View Abstract
  37. Variation in Family Experience of Pediatric Inpatient Care As Measured by Child HCAHPS. Pediatrics. 2017 Apr; 139(4). View Abstract
  38. Quality of Primary Care for Children With Disabilities Enrolled in Medicaid. Acad Pediatr. 2017 May - Jun; 17(4):443-449. View Abstract
  39. Education on the Brain: A Partnership Between a Pediatric Primary Care Center and Neurology Residency. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2018 Jan; 57(1):46-51. View Abstract
  40. Chronic Physical Health Conditions and Emotional Problems From Early Adolescence Through Midadolescence. Acad Pediatr. 2017 08; 17(6):649-655. View Abstract
  41. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment. Pediatrics. 2016 Sep; 138(3). View Abstract
  42. Development and Pilot Testing of Caregiver-Reported Pediatric Quality Measures for Transitions Between Sites of Care. Acad Pediatr. 2016 Nov - Dec; 16(8):760-769. View Abstract
  43. Potentially Preventable 30-Day Hospital Readmissions at a Children's Hospital. Pediatrics. 2016 08; 138(2). View Abstract
  44. Firearm Ownership and Acquisition Among Parents With Risk Factors for Self-Harm or Other Violence. Acad Pediatr. 2016 Nov - Dec; 16(8):742-749. View Abstract
  45. Performance of the Global Assessment of Pediatric Patient Safety (GAPPS) Tool. Pediatrics. 2016 06; 137(6). View Abstract
  46. Relationship Between Adolescent Report of Patient-Centered Care and of Quality of Primary Care. Acad Pediatr. 2016 Nov - Dec; 16(8):770-776. View Abstract
  47. Development of the Children With Disabilities Algorithm. Pediatrics. 2015 Oct; 136(4):e871-8. View Abstract
  48. The association between youth violence exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in a sample of fifth-graders. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2015 Sep; 85(5):504-13. View Abstract
  49. Development and Validation of the Adolescent Assessment of Preparation for Transition: A Novel Patient Experience Measure. J Adolesc Health. 2015 Sep; 57(3):282-7. View Abstract
  50. The Development of a Pediatric Inpatient Experience of Care Measure: Child HCAHPS. Pediatrics. 2015 Aug; 136(2):360-9. View Abstract
  51. Recognizing Differences in Hospital Quality Performance for Pediatric Inpatient Care. Pediatrics. 2015 Aug; 136(2):251-62. View Abstract
  52. Predictors of timing of transfer from pediatric- to adult-focused primary care. JAMA Pediatr. 2015 Jun; 169(6):e150951. View Abstract
  53. Media violence exposure and physical aggression in fifth-grade children. Acad Pediatr. 2015 Jan-Feb; 15(1):82-8. View Abstract
  54. Measuring pediatric hospital readmission rates to drive quality improvement. Acad Pediatr. 2014 Sep-Oct; 14(5 Suppl):S39-46. View Abstract
  55. Prevalence and Correlates of Firearm Ownership in the Homes of Fifth Graders: Birmingham, AL, Houston, TX, and Los Angeles, CA. Health Educ Behav. 2014 Jun; 41(3):299-306. View Abstract
  56. Merging systems: integrating home visitation and the family-centered medical home. Pediatrics. 2013 Nov; 132 Suppl 2:S74-81. View Abstract
  57. Is obesity associated with reduced health-related quality of life in Latino, Black and White children in the community? Int J Obes (Lond). 2013 Jul; 37(7):920-5. View Abstract
  58. Pediatric readmission prevalence and variability across hospitals. JAMA. 2013 Jan 23; 309(4):372-80. View Abstract
  59. Disparities in unmet need for care coordination: the national survey of children's health. Pediatrics. 2013 Feb; 131(2):217-24. View Abstract
  60. Home visiting and the family-centered medical home: synergistic services to promote child health. Acad Pediatr. 2013 Jan-Feb; 13(1):3-5. View Abstract
  61. Why do children with ADHD discontinue their medication? Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2012 Aug; 51(8):763-9. View Abstract
  62. The influence of task environment and health literacy on the quality of parent-reported ADHD data. Appl Clin Inform. 2012; 3(1):24-37. View Abstract
  63. The patient-centered medical home, practice patterns, and functional outcomes for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Acad Pediatr. 2011 Nov-Dec; 11(6):500-7. View Abstract
  64. Association of externalizing behavior disorder symptoms and injury among fifth graders. Acad Pediatr. 2011 Sep-Oct; 11(5):427-31. View Abstract
  65. Self-control as a protective factor against overweight status in the transition from childhood to adolescence. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2010 Jul; 164(7):631-5. View Abstract
  66. Comparing medical homes for children with ADHD and asthma. Acad Pediatr. 2010 Jan-Feb; 10(1):56-63. View Abstract
  67. Does connection to primary care matter for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? Pediatrics. 2008 Aug; 122(2):368-74. View Abstract
  68. Does connection to primary care matter for children with ADHD?. Pediatrics. 2008; 122:368-374. View Abstract
  69. Sudden infant death syndrome. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2001 Apr; 13(2):207-10. View Abstract
  70. Child abuse and neglect: prevention and intervention. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2001 Apr; 13(2):211-5. View Abstract
  71. Working parents: what factors are involved in their ability to take time off from work when their children are sick? Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1999 Aug; 153(8):870-4. View Abstract
  72. Working parents: What can they do when their children become sick?. Archives in Pediatric Adolescent Medicine. 1999; 153:870-874. View Abstract
  73. Increased expression of the multidrug resistance-associated protein gene in relapsed acute leukemia. Blood. 1995 Jan 01; 85(1):186-93. View Abstract

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