Current Research

Current Research Interests 

Dr. Chao's research focuses on preventing surgical diseases and minimizing the traumatic impact of surgery. Her research and interests include:

  • preventing childhood injury

  • preventing child abuse and its long-term consequences

  • studying new ways to treat and image patients with pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum

  • find ways to minimize anxiety and discomfort associated with surgery (ex. use of virtual reality to decrease periprocedural anxiety)

  • pediatric surgery

  • neonatal surgery

  • congenital diaphragmatic hernia outcomes

  • pediatric obesity

  • minimal access surgery

Non-Accidental Trauma Screening Tool

The Chao lab is studying the implementation of a universal screening tool for the detection of non-accidental trauma in a pediatric emergency department (PED). The universal application of this screening tool to every child under the age of four years old is designed with the dual goal of catching otherwise undetected cases of potential non-accidental trauma and reducing bias in the suspicion of such cases. The simple design of the tool, which is based on a four-question survey completed during patient intake, has appeared to minimally impact PED resources. The tool is hosted within the Epic electronic health record (EHR) software, which means that any medical institution that utilizes Epic can rapidly implement this screening tool without the labor and financial expenses of creating their own tool. While the lab is first studying the implementation of the tool in a pediatric emergency department with specalized resources in pediatrics and non-accidental trauma, we see the biggest potential for the tool in local emergency rooms that do not have the same resources. 

This project received the "2025 Best Abstract Award" from the Council on Child Abuse and Neglect at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics conference. Citation below:

  • Knowlton M, Hammond B, Cauley E, Lee M, Egge M, Harnish E, Chao S. Implementation of an Epic-Based Universal Screening Tool for Detecting Non-Accidental Trauma in Pediatric Patients. Abstract presented at: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2025 National Conference & Exhibition; September 28, 2025; Denver, CO.

Recently Completed Protocols

The Chao lab is studying the implementation of a universal screening tool for the detection of non-accidental trauma in a pediatric emergency department (PED). The universal application of this screening tool to every child under the age of four years old is designed with the dual goal of catching otherwise undetected cases of potential non-accidental trauma and reducing bias in the suspicion of such cases. The simple design of the tool, which is based on a four-question survey completed during patient intake, has appeared to minimally impact PED resources. The tool is hosted within the Epic electronic health record (EHR) software, which means that any medical institution that utilizes Epic can rapidly implement this screening tool without the labor and financial expenses of creating their own tool. While the lab is first studying the implementation of the tool in a pediatric emergency department with specalized resources in pediatrics and non-accidental trauma, we see the biggest potential for the tool in local emergency rooms that do not have the same resources. 

This project received the "2025 Best Abstract Award" from the Council on Child Abuse and Neglect at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics conference. Citation below:

  • Knowlton M, Hammond B, Cauley E, Lee M, Egge M, Harnish E, Chao S. Implementation of an Epic-Based Universal Screening Tool for Detecting Non-Accidental Trauma in Pediatric Patients. Abstract presented at: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2025 National Conference & Exhibition; September 28, 2025; Denver, CO.

Lap-assisted vs. US-Guided Visualization of TAP Blocks

Quality Improvement Research

Peripheral nerve blocks have been effective in decreasing post-operative pain as well as the use of narcotics for numerous years. Typically, these blocks are placed by anesthesiologist via ultrasound. In more recent years, surgeons have been placing nerve blocks laparoscopically. Since there are few studies that looks compare the two techniques we aim to perform a randomized control trial to demonstrate if a laparoscopic placed nerve block is as efficient and accurate as an ultrasound placed block.

Longitudinal Virtual Reality Use in Pediatric Surgical Procedures

Quality Improvement Research

This study aims to investigate the use of virtual reality guided mindfulness meditation to reduce the pre and post-operative anxiety and pain of pediatric surgical patients.

Use of Virtual Reality for Pediatric Minor Surgical Procedures

Quality Improvement Research

This project is looking to use virtual reality for minor general surgery procedures in addition to local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia.

Current Research Projects

  • Clinical Trial of Gastrostomy Tube Device
  • P.L.E.D.G.E. Campaign to Reduce Gun Violence in Kids through School-Based Education with High School Students, Parents and Teachers
  • Elucidating racial bias in the identification of child abuse
  • Understanding the toll of pediatric firearms injuries
  • Early screening of PTSD following injury during childhood
  • Understanding the impact of medical comorbidities on child abuse incidence
  • Pediatric Trauma Outcomes
  • Chest Wall Deformities: 3D imaging
  • Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia - Predictors of Surgical Outcomes
  • Evaluation of laparoscopic assisted TAP blocks

Active Protocols

  • Early Outcomes from Use of Crescent RA Dual Lumen Catheter for VV ECMO Cannulation in Pediatric Patients
  • Pediatric Cervical Spine Clearance        
  • Concordance of Cervical MRI, CT and Plain Film in Pediatric Trauma Patients with Suspected Blunt Cervical Injury
  • Use of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Children
  • Panscan Utilization in Pediatric Trauma Patients Prior to Transfer to a Level One Pediatric Trauma Center
  • Medical Expert Commentary on Universal Child Abuse Screening        
  • Child abuse screening practices among emergency department providers         
  • Intraoperative air leak test following lung surgery in pediatric patients