Bonnie Spring Laboratory

Dr. Spring’s research projects and clinical trials are conducted simultaneously at Northwestern University, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and at Hines VA Medical Center. Major funding for the research program comes via grants from the National Institutes of Health, VA Merit Review program, and foundations, such as the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.

Standing (l-r): Andrew DeMott, Priya John, Gene McFadden, Malaina Smith, Katty Cavero Seated (l-r): Andrea Kozak, Brad Appelhans, Bonnie Spring, Jocelyn Vaughn

Our research addresses the development and execution of interventions to reduce unhealthy behaviors that place individuals at risk for poor health outcomes. Currently, we have several studies that are either ongoing or recently completed. The research group consists of post-doctoral fellows, research staff, and volunteer research assistants that play a role in one or more of these studies.

Make Better Choices Study

We are currently conducting a study that examines how to best combine dietary and physical activity recommendations in order to maximize the benefit of these interventions. Specifically, we are comparing the effectiveness of interventions that attempt to increase healthy behaviors to those which attempt to reduce unhealthy behaviors.

Activating Collaborative CIS Support Services (ACCISS)

This study examines the impact of a simple intervention (a targeted letter to patients) in promoting use of the Cancer Information Service (CIS) by underserved populations, improving patient-provider communication, and encouraging timely medical follow up in women at risk for cervical cancer.

VA PDA+

In the area of obesity treatment, we have an ongoing study that assesses the implementation of technological support tools in the treatment of obesity and pain management among veterans. The intervention in the current study involves provision of a personal digital assistant (PDA), a hand-held computer decision support tool to self-regulate diet and activity along with staff support (via telephone or e-mail per patient’s preference).

Evidence-Based Behavioral Practice Development

The primary aims of this project are to create an infrastructure which will equip practitioners with skills to perform evidence-based behavioral interventions, facilitate practice-based research, and provide educators with appropriate tools for teaching evidence-based skills to behavioral scientists and practitioners.

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Couch Potato Study