Mobile Clinical Research

National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke

Investigators

Abstract

Developed with input from the NINDS clinical research community, this project has a comprehensive and ambitious vision to combine diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts with practical research applications to benefit the entire NINDS Intramural clinical research program through the implementation of Mobile Clinical Research. MCR was launched in 2023, and we have set up the governance structure and the framework for operations. We are currently in the process of recruiting team members for this project. The particular focus areas this year were: 1. Ultra-low-field MRI protocol development: MCR developed a protocol to evaluate the use of ultra-low-field MRI to study brain morphology and pathology, and disease progression. Specifically, the comparative pilot studies will generate the scientific framework for future field studies, as it will allow collaborators to test point of care MRI in their population. This protocol is undergoing IRB review. 2. Developing strategies for community engagement: The team worked with internal and external partners to identify best practices for conducting community-based research to foster community relationships that will enable the eventual operation of research within these communities. In summary, this year we started the program, built partnerships with NINDS collaborators to develop a research protocol, and worked with experts in community engagement to build our outreach strategy. We are completing recruitment of the team, which, together with IRB approval of our protocol, will lead to the next milestone for this project.