Research Grants Core (E)

Brown University, Providence RI

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Integration of evidence-based practices into healthcare systems (HCS) to improve the care of people living with dementia (PLWD) and their care partners (CPs) is critically needed. Yet few potential beneficial interventions have advanced from controlled efficacy trials into widespread practice. Further, interventions studied in efficacy trials (NIH Stage II/III) typically require further evaluation of effectiveness via embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs) (NIH Stage IV) prior to dissemination. The initial phase of the IMPACT Collaboratory included 2 grants programs, Pilot Projects (n=23 funded), and full-scale Demonstration Projects (n=6 funded). An innovative, structured consultation process with IMPACT experts was established to assist investigators in preparing their proposals. Awardees were assigned advisors to support the conduct of funded studies. A new nationally competitive project grant mechanism will be introduced in the renewal period, the Project Planning Grant, which will bring investigators and HCS together from the very inception of designing an ePCT. This approach will ensure interventions address priority areas for HCS, embedding the intervention into HCS clinical operations is realistic, and robust real-world data structures are available to enable an ePCT. This program will be anchored in IMPACT’s real-world data platforms and setting-specific HCS Launchpads. All 3 project grant mechanisms will be run by the newly branded Research Grants Core (formerly Pilot Core). Research Grants Core Specific Aims include: Aim 1: Support the rigorous design and conduct of ePCTs by conducting national competitions for 3 grant mechanisms: 1. Feasibility Projects to show feasibility of critical factors for full-scale ePCTs, 2. Demonstration Projects designed as full-scale ePCTs to show an effect of an intervention on clinical outcomes, and 3. Project Planning Grants that partner investigators and HCS to plan ePCTs. Aim 2: Enhance investigator capacity to design and conduct ePCTs among PLWD and their CPs by: 1. Coordinating methodological consultation from a team of IMPACT experts to investigators preparing applications, 2. Providing mentorship to funded investigators. 3. Teaching in IMPACT training opportunities, and 4. Mentoring and engaging 2-4 Faculty Scholars assigned to the Core annually. Aim 3: Generate and disseminate research findings and knowledge to advance the field of ePCTs for PLWD and their CPs by: 1. Developing products with generalizable knowledge related to enabling ePCT design and conduct and 2. Providing guidance to investigators on presenting and disseminating project results. IMPACT: By providing support to conduct rigorous Feasibility Projects, full-scale ePCT Demonstration Projects, and Project Planning grants, mentoring, and training, the Research Grants Core will further the mission of the NIA IMPACT Collaboratory to build the nation’s capacity to conduct ePCTs embedded within HCS and help build a cadre of interdisciplinary investigators with the skills necessary to increase the quality of non-pharmacologic intervention testing. This work ultimately has the potential to improve the care provided to PLWD and their CP.