Robert Graham

Dr. Graham’s health-services research efforts focus on the interface between critical care services and children with technology dependence and chronic disabilities as well as family-centered outcomes. He published the first descriptive study of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in the PICU.  A subsequent qualitative needs assessment study for the parents of children with disabilities in the ICU was published in Critical Care Medicine, one of the premier journal in our field. Results of the latter study were integrated the findings into a comprehensive communications curriculum as part of our PERCS program.  Current health services research efforts include collaborative efforts with Dr. Susan Parsons at the HSRI/NEMC, investigating quality of life, impact on family, outcomes, and resource utilization for our CAPE Program participants.  Ultimately, Dr. Graham is dedicated to the advancement of care for the children and families served by our home ventilator program, division, Children’s Hospital, and the greater community of children and young adults with acute and chronic disabilities.

Publications

• Graham RJ, Dumas HM, O'Brien JE, Burns JP. Congenital neurodevelopmental diagnoses and an intensive care unit: defining a population. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2004;5(4):321-8. (featured article)
• Graham RJ. An opportunity: Critical care beyond the intensive care unit. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2005;6(3):327-328.
• Graham RJ, Robinson WM. Integrating Palliative Care into Chronic Care for Children with Severe Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2005;26(5):361-365.
• Graham RJ, Fleegler EW, Robinson WM. Chronic Ventilator Need in the Community: A 2005 Pediatric Census of Massachusetts. Pediatrics. 2007;119(6):e1280-1287.
• Graham RJ, Pemstein DM, Palfrey JS. Included but isolated: early intervention programmes provision for children and families with chronic respiratory support needs. Child Care Health Dev. 2008;34(3):373-9.
• Graham RJ, Pemstein DM, Curley MAQ. Experiencing the pediatric intensive care unit: Perspective of parents of children with severe antecedent disabilites. Crit Care Med. 2009: April 20 Epub ahead of print (featured article)
• Graham RJ, Athiraman U, Laubach AE, Sehtna NF. Anesthesia and perioperative medical management of children with spinal muscular atrophy. Paediatr Anaesth. 2009 (featured article)
• Graham RJ, Levetown M, Comeau M.  Decision Making. In: Palliative Care for Infants, Children and Adolescents: A Practical Handbook, Carter, BS, Levetown M, and Friebert SE (eds). Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 2011. P. 139-168.
• Edwards JD, Davidson EJ, Houtrow AJ, Graham RJ.  Pediatric resident attitudes toward caring for children with severe disabilities. Am J Phys Med Rehabil.  2010; 89(9):765-771.
• Edwards JD, Kun SS, Graham RJ, Keens TG. End-of-Life Discussions and Advance Care Planning for Ventilator-Dependent Children with Life-Limiting Conditions. J Palliative Care.  2012; 28(1):21-27.