AHRQ Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Clinical Decision Support Learning Network (U18)

Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are derived from individual questions submitted to PCORClinicalDecisionSupport@ahrq.hhs.govabout the Request for Applications (RFA) HS-15-003: AHRQ Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Clinical Decision Support Learning Network (U18) and are shared here for all potential applicants. We encourage applicants to review all replies and to monitor this site for newly added questions and answers.

A. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
B. Determining Suitability of the Theme, Projects, or Research Ideas for Submission
C. AHRQ PCOR Clinical Decision Support Grant Initiatives

A. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research

Question A1: What is patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR), and where can I find examples of PCOR findings?

Answer A1: PCOR is comparative clinical effectiveness research of the impact on health outcomes of two or more preventive, diagnostic, treatment, or health care delivery approaches. This definition comes from section 6301(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. PCOR produces not only clinical findings (e.g., diuretics are superior to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers in treating high blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular events), but also evidence about the effectiveness of health care delivery. Examples of PCOR findings can be found in, but are not limited to, the following places:

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (http://www.pcori.org ).
AHRQ Effective Health Care Program (http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov).
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org ).
AHRQ National Guideline Clearinghouse™ (http://www.guideline.gov).

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B. Determining Suitability of the Theme, Projects, or Research Ideas for Submission

Question B1: How can applicants determine if their planned approach is a good fit for this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)?

Answer B1: Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the FOA closely, including its explicitly stated objectives and review criteria; this is the best available guidance to potential applicants about the responsiveness of their planned research. Applicants should be aware that the determination of suitability and responsiveness of applications is within the purview and authority of the peer review panel, not AHRQ.

Question B2: Can applicants discuss the scientific and research aspects of their proposals with AHRQ staff?

Answer B2: AHRQ appreciates all expressions of interest from prospective applicants. Applicants should read the FOA closely, including its review criteria; this is the best available guidance to potential applicants about the responsiveness of their planned research.

Applicants who have specific questions after reviewing the FOA can email them toPCORClinicalDecisionSupport@ahrq.hhs.gov. For reasons of equity and consistency, AHRQ scientific staff responds in writing to all inquiries. Wherever it is possible and appropriate, AHRQ will clarify common areas of uncertainty in a written and generalized format that is applicable for dissemination to other potential applicants, such as frequently asked questions. Telephone counseling on potential study ideas is discouraged in order to be equitable and to avoid potential misdirection of applicants.

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C. AHRQ PCOR Clinical Decision Support Grant Initiatives

Question C1: When will the FOAs for the PCOR Clinical Decision Support Learning Network be released?

Answer C1: This question is in reference to the related Notice of Intent, NOT-HS-15-010, to disseminate and implement PCOR research findings through clinical decision support (U18 and R18). AHRQ intends to release the FOAs soliciting demonstration and dissemination (R18) projects in spring 2016. This will allow time for applicants to plan for collaboration with a cooperative agreement U18 project awardee.

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Page last reviewed July 2015

Internet Citation: AHRQ Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Clinical Decision Support Learning Network (U18). July 2015. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/funding/fund-opps/rfahs15003faq.html