Research Design and Methodology Core

University Of Colorado Denver, Aurora CO

Investigators

Abstract

ASCENT: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY CORE (DESIGN) PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Gaps in scientific evidence hamper the ability to optimize quality of life and other person-centered serious illness outcomes. Although there is a growing body of research addressing the palliative care needs of persons with serious illness (PWSI) over the past two decades, there remains a critical need to improve the breadth, depth, and rigor of palliative care research to advance the science and evidence base for palliative care interventions, practices, and programs that can be successfully implemented to improve serious illness care across the lifespan. The Research Design and Methodology Core (Design Core) of the Advancing the Science of Palliative Care Research Across the Lifespan (ASCENT) Consortium will collaborate with all ASCENT Cores to facilitate rigorous palliative care research by providing guidance and training on research design and methods, developing a sustainable digital library of research methods resources, and conducting knowledge generation projects to advance the field. The Design Core will be organized into four methodologic Hubs:1) Intervention Development, Testing, and Implementation Science in Clinical Trials; 2) Qualitative and Mixed Methods; 3) Biostatistics; and 4) Communication Science. The multi-disciplinary investigative team, and supporting consultants, have been recruited based on complementary areas of expertise in research methods and experience with a range of populations of PWSI including pediatrics, Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD), and cancer. The Design Core work will be achieved through three Aims: 1) Support the design and conduct of high-quality palliative care research by providing consultation and training for investigators to promote the use of innovative and rigorous research designs and methods, in collaboration with the other Cores; 2) Develop and expand sustainable resource infrastructure techniques and services to advance palliative care research methods, including a digital library of guidance documents, peer-reviewed publications, presentations at scientific meetings, study protocols, and standard operating procedures; and 3) Conduct palliative care research knowledge generation projects to address key methodologic questions in the field including intervention adaptation for populations with high PC needs, data integration, a range of biostatistical challenges, and dyadic-triadic communication. The Design Core will change the paradigm of palliative care research by advancing the science of palliative care evidence generation and supporting investigators employing the wide range of design and methodologic approaches required for high-quality, rigorous and effective research to improve the lived experience of millions of persons living with serious illness, including AD/ADRD and cancer, across the lifespan.