Donna Shelley

Professor of Public Health Policy and Management

Co-Director of the Global Center for Implementation Science

Professional overview

Dr. Shelley is a tenured Professor in the Department of Public Health Policy and Management and the founding Co-Director of the Global Center for Implementation Science at the NYU School of Global Public Health. She conducts translational, population-based, and policy-relevant research that aims to accelerate dissemination and implementation of tobacco use treatment in safety net health care delivery systems and implementation of tobacco control policies. This research has been funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Drug Abuse, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the New York State Department of Health.

Dr. Shelley’s implementation research focuses on building the evidence for effective theory-driven strategies that target barriers to implementation and sustainability of evidence-based tobacco use treatment in primary care settings in the U.S. and Viet Nam. Her research is also addressing the growing dual burden of noncommunicable and communicable diseases in LMICs and, specifically, the health impact on people living with HIV/AIDS.  Her policy research includes a completed NCI-funded study that evaluated the impact of the US federally mandated smoke-free public housing policy on exposure to secondhand smoke and explored the implementation process to identify strategies with the potential to improve the process and maximize public health impact.

Education

BS, University of Pennsylvania, PA

MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY

MPH, Health Policy and Management, Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, NY

Areas of research and study

Health Systems Strengthening

Implementation science

Tobacco Cessation

Tobacco Policy

Current Research

Policy

Purtle J, Moucheraud C, Yang LH, Shelley D. Four very basic ways to think about policy in implementation science. Implement Sci Commun. 2023 Sep 12;4(1):11

Shelley D. Kyriakas C, McNeill A, Murray R, Nilan K, Sherman SE, Raw M. Challenges to implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control guidelines on tobacco cessation treatment: a qualitative analysis. Addiction. 2020;115:527-533

Thorpe L, Anastasiou E, Wyka K, Tovar A, Gill E, Rule A, Elbel B, Kaplan SA, Jiang N, Gordon T, Shelley D. Evaluation of Secondhand Smoke Exposure in New York City Public Housing After Implementation of the 2018 Federal Smoke-Free Housing Policy. JAMA Netw Open. 2020 Nov 2;3(11):e2024385

Tobacco cessation 

Hoang THL … Shelley D. Factors Influencing Tobacco Smoking and Cessation Among People Living  with HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta‑analysis. AIDS and Behavior. 2024 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04279-1

Shelley et al. WHO Knowledge Summary: Tobacco and HIV https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/378509/9789240096868-eng.pdf

Ostroff JS, Shelley DR, Chichester LA, King JC, Li Y, Schofield E, Ciupek A, Criswell A, Acharya R, Banerjee SC, Elkin EB, Lynch K, Weiner BJ, Orlow I, Martin CM, Chan SV, Frederico V, Camille P, Holland S, Kenney J. Study protocol of a multiphase optimization strategy trial (MOST) for delivery of smoking cessation treatment in lung cancer screening settings. Trials. 2022 Aug 17;23(1):664.

Health systems improvement and Implementation Science

Nwaozuru U, Murphy P, Richard A, …Shelley D, Airhihenbuwa C, Ogedegbe G, Ezechi O, Iwelunmor J. The sustainability of health interventions implemented in Africa: an updated systematic review on evidence and future research perspectives. Implement Sci Commun. 2025 Apr 8;6(1):39. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11980204/ 

Gaeta Gazzola M, Torsiglieri A, Velez L, Blaufarb S, Hernandez P, O'Grady MA, Blackburn J, Florick J, Cleland CM, Shelley D, Doran KM A community-academic partnership to develop an implementation support package for overdose prevention in permanent supportive housing. J Subst Use Addict Treat. 2025 Jan;168:209533. doi: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209533. Epub 2024 Oct 9.PMID: 39389548

Kilbourne AM, Geng E, Eshun-Wilson I, Sweeney S, Shelley D, Cohen DJ, Kirchner JE, Fernandez ME, Parchman ML. How does facilitation in healthcare work? Using mechanism mapping to illuminate the black box of a meta-implementation strategy. Implement Sci Commun. 2023 May 16;4(1):53. 

Parascandola M, Neta G, Salloum RG, Shelley D, Rositch AF.JCO Glob Oncol. Role of Local Evidence in Transferring Evidence-Based Interventions to Low- and Middle-Income Country Settings: Application to Global Cancer Prevention and Control.2022 Aug;8:e2200054.

Shelley D, Alvarez GG, Nguyen T, Nguyen N, Goldsamt L, Cleland C, Tozan Y, Shuter J, Armstrong-Hough M. Adapting a tobacco cessation treatment intervention and implementation strategies to enhance implementation effectiveness and clinical outcomes in the context of HIV care in Vietnam: a case study. Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Oct 17;3(1):112. 

Shelley D, Wang VH, Taylor K, Williams R, Toll B, Rojewski A, Foley KL, Rigotti N, Ostroff JS. Accelerating integration of tobacco use treatment in the context of lung cancer screening: Relevance and application of implementation science to achieving policy and practice. Transl Behav Med. 2022 Nov 21;12(11):1076-1083.

Shelley D, Cleland CM, Nguyen T, VanDevanter N, Siman N, Van Minh H, Nguyen N. Nicotine Tob Res. Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Strategy for Implementing Guidelines for Treating Tobacco Use in Vietnam Commune Health Centers 2022 Feb 1;24(2):196-203.

Hennein R, Ggita J, Ssuna B, Shelley D, Akiteng AR, Davis JL, Katamba A, Armstrong-Hough M. Implementation, interrupted: Identifying and leveraging factors that sustain after a programme interruption. Glob Public Health. 2022 Aug-Sep;17(9):1868-1882

Publications

Publications

What can community organizations do for tobacco control?

Ransom, P., & Shelley, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

Journal of Health and Human Services Administration

Volume

29

Issue

1

Page(s)

51-82

Abstract

Abstract

Community based organizations can play a vital role in widespread involvement on health promotion through a range of activities. Little research to date has focused on the process of government agencies accessing the readiness of these organizations for engaging in tobacco control activities. Because tobacco is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States and impacts on African American communities are particularly severe, opinions of leaders and key management personnel in a variety of CBO's in minority communities may be seen as an important starting point for receptivity to future tobacco control activity by the organization. The purpose of this analysis is a pilot examination of these issues among a small group of organizations in two minority neighborhoods in New York City. The paper develops a methodology utilizing a "rapid appraisal" technique of key informant interviews for assessing these organizations receptivity to partnerships with government on tobacco control. Attitudes and beliefs about smoking including views about tobacco policies, government role and interest in working with government on tobacco control are assessed.

What's in a setting? : Influence of organizational culture on provider adherence to clinical guidelines for treating tobacco use

Hung, D. Y., Leidig, R., & Shelley, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2014

Journal title

Health Care Management Review

Volume

39

Issue

2

Page(s)

154-163

10.1097/HMR.0b013e3182914d11

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Organizational culture is an important but underinvestigated feature of the work environment that can impact provider behavior, including adherence to clinical practice guidelines. There is substantial evidence that physician assistance to smokers can produce significant reductions in tobacco use. However, this evidence has not been well translated into practice, as only a small proportion of smokers receive recommended treatment during medical visits. PURPOSE:: This study examines organizational culture as a contextual feature of primary care clinics and its impact on adherence to evidence-based guidelines for treating tobacco use. METHODOLOGY:: Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 500 primary care providers in 60 community clinics located in New York City. Relationships between provider adherence to "5A" clinical guidelines, as recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service, and both provider and organizational covariates were described. We used hierarchical linear modeling to examine the associations between clinic culture and provider treatment patterns. FINDINGS:: Providers in clinics with stronger "group/clan," "hierarchical," and "rational" culture types, as compared with a "developmental" culture, reported greater adherence to 5A guidelines (p < .05). System-level structures and care processes were positively associated (p < .01), whereas number of ongoing quality initiatives was negatively associated with 5A delivery (p < .05). Provider familiarity with guidelines (p < .01), confidence with cessation counseling (p < .05), and perceived effectiveness in helping smokers quit were associated with more frequent 5A intervention (p < .01). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:: Findings suggest that organizational culture can influence provider adherence to cessation treatment guidelines, even when controlling for other factors known to affect practice patterns. Specifically, cultures that emphasize human resources and performance standards are conducive to integrating 5A guidelines into routine practice. Understanding the role of organizational culture enables healthcare managers and practitioners to be strategic when implementing, and also sustaining, use of evidence-based guidelines.

“In the Village That She Comes from, Most of the People Don’t Know Anything about Cervical Cancer” : A Health Systems Appraisal of Cervical Cancer Prevention Services in Tanzania

Chelva, M., Kaushal, S., West, N., Erwin, E., Yuma, S., Sleeth, J., Yahya-Malima, K. I., Shelley, D., Risso-Gill, I., & Yeates, K. E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

International journal of environmental research and public health

Volume

21

Issue

8

10.3390/ijerph21081059

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. It is the most common cancer in Tanzania, resulting in about 9772 new cases and 6695 deaths each year. Research has shown an association between low levels of risk perception and knowledge of the prevention, risks, signs, etiology, and treatment of cervical cancer and low screening uptake, as contributing to high rates of cervical cancer-related mortality. However, there is scant literature on the perspectives of a wider group of stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, healthcare providers (HCPs), and women at risk), especially those living in rural and semi-rural settings. The main objective of this study is to understand knowledge and perspectives on cervical cancer risk and screening among these populations. Methods: We adapted Risso-Gill and colleagues’ framework for a Health Systems Appraisal (HSA), to identify HCPs’ perspective of the extent to which health system requirements for effective cervical cancer screening, prevention, and control are in place in Tanzania. We adapted interview topic guides for cervical cancer screening using the HSA framework approach. Study participants (69 in total) were interviewed between 2014 and 2018—participants included key stakeholders, HCPs, and women at risk for cervical cancer. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis methodology. Results: Seven themes emerged from our analysis of semi-structured interviews and focus groups: (1) knowledge of the role of screening and preventive care/services (e.g., prevention, risks, signs, etiology, and treatment), (2) training and knowledge of HCPs, (3) knowledge of cervical cancer screening among women at risk, (4) beliefs about cervical cancer screening, (5) role of traditional medicine, (6) risk factors, and (7) symptoms and signs. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that there is a low level of knowledge of the role of screening and preventive services among stakeholders, HCPs, and women living in rural and semi-rural locations in Tanzania. There is a critical need to implement more initiatives and programs to increase the uptake of screening and related services and allow women to make more informed decisions on their health.

“It Wasn't Just One Thing” : A Qualitative Study of Newly Homeless Emergency Department Patients

Doran, K. M., Ran, Z., Castelblanco, D., Shelley, D., & Padgett, D. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2019

Journal title

Academic Emergency Medicine

Volume

26

Issue

9

Page(s)

982-993

10.1111/acem.13677

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: Emergency departments (EDs) frequently care for patients who are homeless or unstably housed. One promising approach taken by the homeless services system is to provide interventions that attempt to prevent homelessness before it occurs. Experts have suggested that health care settings may be ideal locations to identify and intervene with patients at risk for homelessness, yet little is known even about the basic characteristics of patients who might benefit from such interventions. Methods: We conducted in-depth, one-on-one qualitative interviews with ED patients who had become homeless within the past 6 months. Using a semistructured interview guide, we asked patients about their pathways into homelessness and what might have prevented them from becoming homeless. Interviews were digitally recorded and professionally transcribed. Transcripts were coded line by line by multiple investigators who then met as a group to discuss and refine codes in an iterative fashion. Results: Interviews were completed with 31 patients. Mean interview length was 42 minutes. Four main themes emerged: 1) unique stories yet common social and health contributors to homelessness, 2) personal agency versus larger structural forces, 3) limitations in help from family or friends, and 4) homelessness was not expected. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate gaps in current homeless prevention services and can help inform future interventions for unstably housed and homeless ED patients. More immediately, the findings provide rich, unique context to the lives of a vulnerable patient population commonly seen in EDs.

“We’re almost guests in their clinical care” : Inpatient provider attitudes toward chronic disease management

Blecker, S., Meisel, T., Dickson, V. V., Shelley, D., & Horwitz, L. I. (n.d.).

Publication year

2017

Journal title

Journal of hospital medicine

Volume

12

Issue

3

Page(s)

162-167

10.12788/jhm.2699

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many hospitalized patients have at least 1 chronic disease that is not optimally controlled. The purpose of this study was to explore inpatient provider attitudes about chronic disease management and, in particular, barriers and facilitators of chronic disease management in the hospital. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study of semi-structured interviews of 31 inpatient providers from an academic medical center. We interviewed attending physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners from various specialties about attitudes, experiences with, and barriers and facilitators towards chronic disease management in the hospital. Qualitative data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: Providers perceived that hospitalizations offer an opportunity to improve chronic disease management, as patients are evaluated by a new care team and observed in a controlled environment. Providers perceived clinical benefits to in-hospital chronic care, including improvements in readmission and length of stay, but expressed concerns for risks related to adverse events and distraction from the acute problem. Barriers included provider lack of comfort with managing chronic diseases, poor communication between inpatient and outpatient providers, and hospital-system focus on patient discharge. A strong relationship with the outpatient provider and involvement of specialists were facilitators of inpatient chronic disease management. CONCLUSIONS: Providers perceived benefits to in-hospital chronic disease management for both processes of care and clinical outcomes. Efforts to increase inpatient chronic disease management will need to overcome barriers in multiple domains.