Improving Minority Health in Rheumatic Disease (IMHeaRD)

Medical University Of South Carolina, Charleston SC

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The mission of the Core Center for Clinical Research (CCCR) at the Medical University of South Carolina is to advance knowledge in clinical care and health outcomes for patients who have, or are at risk of developing, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, scleroderma, and related rheumatic diseases. The center is built on a solid framework of collaborative leadership in rheumatology, biostatistics, public health sciences, and clinical research infrastructure, with a strong history of successful patient recruitment and research productivity. We will retain and expand our leadership and core resources, which include three key components: Administrative, Methodologic, and Clinical and Community Resource Cores. The CCCR will impact the field by: a) providing well-phenotyped research samples to an expanding pool of investigators at MUSC and external institutions to define mechanisms of rheumatic disease pathogenesis and progression; b) enhancing use of the electronic health record (EHR) to identify, phenotype, and recruit patients efficiently for clinical research; c) developing novel tools for clinical and translational studies and investigations of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions; and d) disseminating research findings and promoting research participation. Our center will offer unique resources and methodologies that complement other CCCRs and serve the broader research community. Specific aims are: 1. Foster translational, clinical, and outcomes research focused on patients with lupus, vasculitis, and scleroderma; 2. Develop innovative tools for streamlined EHR-based recruitment and cohort expansion and reduce administrative burden on investigators. 3. Serve as a centralized resource for information dissemination to patients, healthcare providers, the public, research professionals, other CCCRs, and agencies; 4. Provide well-characterized longitudinal samples and clinical data to support investigation into biologic mechanisms underlying risk and disease variation; 5. Deliver statistical and methodological guidance while developing and applying novel analytic methods, including educational support for trainees and junior investigators; 6. Operate a robust pilot project program with methodological support and structured mentorship to promote the success of junior investigators. Key strengths include strong institutional support, integration with MUSC’s CTSA, and strategic collaboration with national organizations such as the Lupus Foundation of America, public- private partnerships, and relevant federal health agencies. *