MPHAT Evaluation for Health-Related Research Requests

MPHAT Evaluation for Health-Related Research Requests 

The Medical and Public Health Advisory Team (MPHAT) liaises with researchers to assess wildland firefighter health, safety, and well-being research to ensure that proposed studies are (1) aligned with research priorities, (2) conducted with minimal disruption to fire operations, and (3) not duplicative but contribute to the existing body of knowledge. 

Current Wildland Firefighter Health Research Priorities 

• Effects of smoke exposure on acute, sub-acute, and long-term health
• Effects of cumulative fatigue and sleep deprivation and optimal rest and recovery periods and impact of existing rest and recovery periods on health
• Mental and behavioral health stressors and/or evidence-based preventative/treatment strategies
• Chronic disease and cancer risk
• Musculoskeletal impacts from arduous and repetitive work
• Assessment of health effects or exposure in historically underrepresented groups in fire (i.e. Tribal firefighters and women)   

Note: These are interim priority areas. Colorado State University and USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station are currently working on a needs assessment that will clarify firefighters’ and researchers' priorities for health-focused future research. We expect our priority areas in the future to incorporate the results of this study.

Process for MPHAT Research Evaluation

This evaluation process is not intended to facilitate a rigorous review of a research project’s scientific merit, human subject protections, or address legal or labor management issues. However, the review panel will take the factors above into consideration when evaluating projects and principal investigators must address these issues prior to initiating an approved project.

Proposals will be reviewed two times per year in the spring (April) and late fall (November) for consideration. Just-in-time proposals may be reviewed on an ad hoc basis; however, MPHAT cannot guarantee the timeline for any review process, so it is recommended that principal investigators submit their request at least six months in advance of an anticipated data collection start date.

Any firefighter or supervisor can turn down participation in a research study or withdraw their participation at any time. Approval by FMB and MPHAT does not require or set up expectations of participation of fire personnel.

• More information and evaluation form
• Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program
• Frequently Asked Questions

• For further questions and to submit a proposal please contact kathleen_dubose@ios.doi.gov