PREDICT (Precision Medicine, Education, Data Informatics and Community Translation) Institute

Xavier University Of Louisiana, New Orleans LA

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary Abstract Xavier University of Louisiana seeks support from the NIH National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to complement the research infrastructure in the College of Pharmacy through a new initiative. The proposed initiative will establish the Precision Medicine, Education, Data Informatics, and Community Translation (PREDICT) Institute, a comprehensive programmatic initiative creating a holistic and replicable framework for the utilization of electronic health data and community translation to affect the decision- making process to improve health outcomes. The Institute will extend the technical research exchange (TREX) program at Xavier to include training of current and future underrepresented researchers on health informatics best practices to diversify the research workforce and leverage community-based approaches to enhance clinical research efforts in vulnerable populations. This request comes at both a challenging and opportunistic time where an awareness of health disparities was heightened and, in some instances, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of population health and bioinformatics data are potential tools useful in collective approaches required to achieve health equity. The Specific Aims of the PREDICT Institute are: Specific Aim #1: To enhance the existing Xavier health informatics infrastructure by increasing capacity for data acquisition, data warehousing, data access, data analytics, and technical assistance necessary for addressing health outcomes in minority communities. Specific Aim #2: To strengthen the research and outreach infrastructure of the university to promote community-engaged translational/clinical research and health promotion to mitigate health disparities. Specific Aim #3: To develop a diverse, highly competitive research workforce through the implementation of training/mentoring programs for students, postdoctoral residents/fellows, and early-stage/mid-career faculty (PREDICT scholars).