Research
Standards and Guidelines for Observational Studies: Is Quality in the Eye of the Beholder?
Sally C. Morton, PhD
Research standards and reporting guidelines for observational studies have evolved. This project compared and contrasted the identified standards and reporting guidelines regarding observational studies to determine if they were actionable and consistent. Results were published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. Read more
PaTH: Towards a Learning Health System in the Mid-Atlantic Region Phase II
The second phase of a clinical data research network for the Mid-Atlantic region, which partners with three other Universities and associated health systems. Read more
Targeted interventions to Prevent Chronic Low Back Pain in High Risk Patients: A Multi-Site Pragmatic RCT
A pragmatic trial that studies the transition from acute to chronic low back pain and compares two treatments that can be delivered in an outpatient setting. Read more
PaTH: Towards a Learning Health System in the Mid-Atlantic Region Phase I
Rachel Hess, MD, MS
A clinical data research network for the Mid-Atlantic region, which partners with three other Universities and associated health systems. Read more
Optimizing Behavioral Health Homes by Focusing On Outcomes That Matter Most for Adults with Serious Mental Illness
James M. Schuster, MD, MBA
Building on the work of a group of stakeholders in rural Pennsylvania, this project will test two promising ways for promoting the health, wellness, and recovery of adults with serious mental illness One way will help patients manage their health and health care through a Web-based portal and peer support and the other through interactions with nurses during clinic visits. Read more
Evaluating PROMIS Instruments and Methods for PCOR: Substance Use Treatment
A common methodological challenge for comparative effectiveness research is identifying assessments of health status relevant to key stakeholders (patients and healthcare providers). Such instruments should have excellent psychometric properties; be brief; be easy to read, administer, score, and interpret; and be meaningful in the clinical encounter. The project goal is to identify, test, and evaluate patient-centered outcomes instruments that meet these standards. Read more
Using the Electronic Medical Record to Improve Outcomes and Decrease Disparities in Screening for Child Physical Abuse
This project will compare compliance rates with evidence-based screening protocols for child physical abuse before and after implementation of a trigger system within the Cerner emergency medical record using a parallel group randomized controlled trial. It will also compare the accuracy of screening by patient race, insurance status and hospital-type. Read more
Modeling Strategies for Observational Comparative Effectiveness Research - What Works Best When?
Using observational data as a tool for comparative effectiveness research by identifying the best fit of statistical methods, accounting for non-randomized treatment assignment and associated bias and confounding. Read more
On the Move: Optimizing Participation in Group Exercise to Prevent Walking Difficulty in At-Risk Older Adults
This research study will examine if the On the Move program is better than a standard program at improving walking and promoting independence and if the same benefits can be obtained if the On the Move program is delivered by staff of the senior living facilities instead of an exercise leader. Read more
Amplifying the Patient's Voice: Person-Centered Versus Measurement-Based Approaches in Mental Health
Kim MacDonald-Wilson, ScD
Building on prior work, this project will compare two ways for patients and prescribers to engage in shared decision making around medication treatment appointments in community mental health clinics: person-centered care and measurement-based care. Read more
Early Rehabilitation Protocol in the Pediatric ICU for Children with Acute Brain Injury
The aims of this study are (1) to better understand current practices and barriers to use of therapies in early rehabilitation programs, and (2) to subsequently evaluate early rehabilitation programs vs. usual care in children with acute brain injury in the intensive care unit by randomizing children to these groups and measuring outcomes. Read more
A Comparison of Treatment Methods for Patients Following Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement (TKR) decreases pain in numerous patients, but it does not resolve many of the substantial functional limitations and physical inactivity that existed for a long time prior to the surgery, as the knee worsened. There is not enough information to indicate which type of exercise works best for which patients at a later post-TKR www. This study will compare the effectiveness of three treatment approaches after TKR. Read more
Measuring the Context of Healing: Using PROMIS in Chronic Pain Treatment
Questions such as who improves with treatment, which treatments are most appropriate for whom, and do patients’ perceptions influence outcomes, are highly relevant to patients and clinicians in making healthcare decisions. However, in most research studies, such questions are not addressed. This project focuses on these questions and will contribute to the understanding of treatment outcome differences based upon patients’ views of themselves and their treatment. Read more