written by Andy Currie

Chloe Taub, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Population Science, received a 2024-25 Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Science Pilot Award for her project, "Remotely-Delivered Stress Management for Breast Cancer Survivors Living in High Disadvantaged Neighborhoods."

D&I science focuses on improving the application of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies in real-world settings. It is the focus of the UAB Implementation Science Program, led by Dr. Lisa Zubkoff. 

Other awardees included Annabelle Fonseca, M.D., M.H.S., F.A.C.S., and Kristy Broman, M.D., M.P.H., both in the Department of Surgery.

"Women living in disadvantaged neighborhoods face multiple stressors, have shorter BCa survival, and often lack access to stress management and supportive care resources that have been shown to improve breast cancer quality of life and survival," Taub said.

"A dilemma exists when patients in under-resourced communities, due in part to factors such as geographic, logistical, and financial considerations, have less access to helpful treatments. It is also crucial to understand how we can use technology to facilitate widespread access rather than further a digital divide," Taub continued.

A clinical health psychology researcher specializing in oncology and digital health, Taub joined the Division of General Internal Medicine and Population Science in August 2024. Previously, she had conducted research and provided psycho-oncology care at four NCI-designated cancer centers. Her NIH-NCI T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship trained Taub in behavioral science, technology, and clinical oncology. Taub also has experience in industry-sponsored research in digital behavioral health and collaborating with medical centers and organizations. This pilot is in support of an ultimate goal of Taub's research program - to successfully broadly disseminate cancer coping interventions to democratize the opportunity to receive their benefits and optimize health outcomes.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Medicine Implementation Science Research Program, collaborated with the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education, Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone and Autoimmunity Center, and the Forge AHEAD Center to review these pilot projects.

For more information about the program and award recipients, visit the Implementation Science Research Program website.