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
Jen Huynh, RN, didn’t know exactly what she wanted to do for a career when she entered college, so she took a meandering path through various healthcare and science majors instead of settling on one thing right away. For Huynh, that turned out to be an excellent move. Now she’s in the Graduate Entry Master of Science in Nursing program at The Ohio State University and excited about her future in nursing.
New national and international recognition for our faculty, alumni and students highlight impact in research and healthcare
Over the past three months, several members of The Ohio State University College of Nursing community have received honors that spotlight their achievements and impact across nursing and healthcare, including: