FACULTY
Gary M. Franklin, MD, MPH
Research Professor, Env. and Occ. Health Sciences
Dr. Gary M. Franklin obtained the MD degree from George Washington University, and the MPH degree from the University of California at Berkeley. He is a board-certified neurologist whose current positions are Research Professor, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Medicine (Neurology), University of Washington, and Medical Director, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. His major research interests include use of administrative databases (workers' compensation) to conduct epidemiologic research, outcome of medical treatment modalities for occupational musculoskeletal disease, predictors of disability in workers' compensation, and impact of managed care delivery systems on cost, outcome and satisfaction in workers' compensation. Dr. Franklin also has interests in occupational and environmental neurology, including cumulative trauma disorders, and assessing impairment and disability of occupational and environmental diseases.
Contact Information
Box 358772University of Washington
School of Public Health & Community Medicine
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
Seattle, WA 98195
Tel: 360-902-5020
Tel: 206-685-7193
meddir@u.washington.edu
Links
Occupational Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Program
Research Interests
Occupational injury, neurological epidemiology, outcomes research
Education
MD, Internal Medicine, George Washington University 1969
MPH, Pub Health & Comm Med, University of California (Berkeley) 1982
Projects
1. Outcomes Tracking Project
Investigators: Gary Franklin, Tom Wickizer, Judy Turner, Deborah Fulton-Kehoe, Terri Smith-Weller The goals of this project are to develop systems to track outcomes, satisfaction, and quality of care in the medical treatment of injured workers to be used as an information base for quality improvement activities. General methods will be developed to identify opportunities to improve treatment or care delivery. Specific methods will be developed to evaluate the pilot Centers of Occupational Health and Education. This project will identify appropriate measures of satisfaction, quality of care, and treatment outcome; assess the feasibility of systematically collecting outcome data in a workers' compensation environment; and develop and implement a pilot test of these methods.
2. Evaluation of Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Investigators: Jeffrey Jarvik, Gary Franklin, Terri Smith-Weller, Cynthia Bradley, Deborah Fulton-Kehoe This project was partially funded by the Royalty Research Fund. We are evaluating the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of MR for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome compared with electrodiagnostic and clinical information. Subjects were recruited from Harborview, the VA, and University Hospital. The first phase of this study was completed in June 1998. One year follow-up of the initial patients has been completed.
3. Occupational Carpal Tunnel in Washington State, 1984 to 1995
Investigators: Bill Daniell, Gary Franklin, Deborah Fulton-Kehoe This is a population-based incidence study of occupational carpal tunnel syndrome. This study will examine the incidence of CTS by gender, age, industrial background, and time. The cost associated with CTS, including medical, time loss, and permanent disability will be calculated. The preliminary results will be used to plan a prospective study of the clinical management of CTS.
4. Pain Center Outcome Study
Investigators: Jim Robinson, Deborah Fulton-Kehoe, Gary Franklin We have identified all patients treated at pain centers over two years and compared them to a similar group of patients that was evaluated but not treated at pain centers. Analysis of predictors of acceptance for treatment and of predictors of time loss status has been completed. The survey of patients has been completed. A manuscript has been submitted to the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.
5. Literature Review of Pain Center Efficacy and Prognostic Factors
Investigators: Jim Robinson, Deborah Fulton-Kehoe, Gary Franklin, Cynthia Bradley We are conducting a thorough review of the pain center literature, focusing on prognostic factors. We have completed a Medline search, selected relevant titles, and screened articles for inclusion criteria. We are currently reviewing articles and summarizing results.
6. Prospective Study of Predictors of Long-Term Disability
Investigators: Gary Franklin, Deborah Fulton-Kehoe, Terri Smith-Weller, Judy Turner, Tom Wickizer, and additional consultants We are submitting a grant application for a large prospective study to determine predictors of disability.
Selected Publications
Last reviewed on: July 2, 2009
