Brittany Punches
Research Interest
Dr. Brittany Punches, an Associate Professor at the Ohio State College of Nursing, is a doctorally-prepared nurse scientist and emergency care researcher with significant experience in emergency department (ED) clinical operations, patient perceptions of emergency care, and qualitative methods. Her research is focused on 1) addressing the complex phenomenon of trauma recovery, pain, and addiction, 2) understanding patient, nurse, and provider interactions and experiences in episodic, acute care environments such as the ED and 3) translating that understanding into effective health services and behavioral interventions that are demonstrated to improve health outcomes.
Dr. Punches’ clinical and scientific training focus on applying health service research to develop and test emergency care prevention interventions to address population health. Her primary focus surround disparities in pain management, substance use, and trauma recovery. Her work is funded by a NIH/NIDA K08 mentored grant encompassing development and psychometric testing of a decision-making instrument for opioid use following an emergency department visit for acute pain. Her long-term goal is to optimize emergency care psychosocial interventions to prevent and increase access to treatment.
News
Joyce Calamese put off scheduling a routine preventive medical procedure for more than a decade until an Ohio State-trained community health worker strongly encouraged her to make the appointment. That intervention likely saved her life, the 67-year-old said.
Faculty member recognized for impact and influence in the healthcare field
The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) named faculty member Jessica Fritter, DHSc, MACPR, ACRP-CP, FACRP, as part of its 2026 class of Fellows.
