Evaluation of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund—Training Program

AHRQ Authorization to Provide Researcher Training in Comparative Effectiveness Research/Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (CER/PCOR) Methods Section 6301(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148 (the “Affordable Care Act”), enacted Section 937(e) of the Public Health Service Act, authorizes AHRQ to build capacity for comparative effectiveness research (CER) by establishing grant programs that provide training for researchers in methods used to conduct research. It also notes that, “[at] a minimum, such training shall be in methods that meet the methodological standards adopted [by PCORI] under 1181(d)(9) of the Social Security Act.” In addition, AHRQ is charged with dissemination of patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) and CER into practice, Section 937(a). To this end, AHRQ’s PCOR Trust Fund training program (PCORTF-TP) responds to Congress’ direction to AHRQ to invest in training grants that build researchers’ skills and enhance research capacity in these areas. PCOR is research that assesses the benefits and harms of preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, palliative, or health delivery system interventions. This research helps clinicians, patients, and caregivers make decisions about health care choices by highlighting comparisons and outcomes that matter to people, such as survival, function, symptoms, and health related quality of life. The AHRQ PCORTF-TP supports individuals and academic institutions to train researchers and clinicians in CER methods applied within the context of PCOR (CER/PCOR) via mentored career development award mechanisms for emerging independent investigators as well as targeted skill development and applied experiences via research grant mechanisms for independent researchers. PCORTF-TP grants support training for recent graduates, mid-career professionals, and established professionals in research and clinical settings. The program prioritizes expanding capacity in underserved and predominantly minority communities. AHRQ recognizes the importance of ensuring that its training activities are useful, well implemented, and effective in achieving their intended goals. Therefore, the PCORTF-TP evaluation reflects AHRQ’s commitment to ensuring responsible stewardship. The PCORTF-TP evaluation comprises analysis of grantee progress reports, a bibliometric analysis of grantee publications, key informant interviews with AHRQ program staff responsible for managing PCORTF-TP grants, focused discussions with a PCORTF-TP evaluation Stakeholder Working Group, and surveys of grantees and mentors. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the outputs, outcomes, and impact of AHRQ’s PCOR Career Development (K) Award training and infrastructure capacity-building programs. The evaluation will address the following questions: • What is the nature of PCORTF–TP activities for scholar/investigator development? • Which activities for PCORTF–TP scholars/investigators have the greatest influence on intended outcomes (e.g., PCOR careers)? • How have PCORTF–TP and partner institutions developed the capacity for PCOR training and mentoring, and in what ways is this sustainable? • What do mentors and mentees perceive to be the most important ways that the program has contributed to the field of CER//PCOR? To achieve the goals of this project, the evaluator will survey PCORTF–TP awardees, scholars, and mentors. Online surveys (Attachment A: K Awardee Survey/K12 Scholar Survey and Attachment B: K Awardee /K12 Scholar Primary Mentor Survey) will be used to: 1) collect non-identifying demographic information; and 2) ask respondents about their training activities and outcomes. Key informant interviews (Attachment C: Key Informant Interview Guide) will be used to collect qualitative data about program processes, outcomes, and lessons learned from K12 scholar program directors.

The latest form for Evaluation of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund—Training Program expires 2023-03-31 and can be found here.

Attachment A: K Awardee Survey/K12 Scholar Survey

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