Practice-Based Research Program Seed Grants

Practice-based Research Program Seed Grant Request for Applications 2012

The Practice Based Research Program (PBRP) fosters collaborative research between community-based practitioners and Northwestern University academic faculty. The program provides assistance and coordinates activities across Northwestern's two primary care, practice based research networks: The Pediatric Practice Research Group (PPRG) and the Research and Education for Academic Achievement (REACH) Network.

Practice-based research is important because it interweaves research rigor with primary care provision.  Practice-based research studies “…involve community-based clinicians and their staffs in activities designed to understand and improve primary care. The best of PBRN efforts link relevant clinical questions with rigorous research methods in community settings to produce scientific information that is externally valid, and, in theory, assimilated more easily into everyday practice. (AHRQ web site at: http://www.ahrq.gov/research/pbrn/pbrnfact.htm#FAQs)

The PBRP Seed Grant Program aims to:

1. Build the expertise of community clinicians and NU academic faculty conducting practice-based research, and
2. Foster study that
   1. Pursues issues important to community-based primary care providers, or
   2. Gathers pilot data needed for larger, externally-funded projects. 

We especially encourage projects related to quality improvement research.

Who can apply?

Teams of (1) a community provider affiliated with a NU Practice-based Research Network and (2) NU Academic researchers may apply.  For more information about community providers in our networks, contact the individuals listed below.  Need a partner?  PBRP representatives listed below can make introductions.

What is the funding level?

Previously funded projects have had a budget ranging from $13,000 to $40,000 over 12-18 months. We anticipate having $90,000 available for PBRP Seed Grants.

How do you apply?

The seed grant application process is structured to provide guidance to applicant teams who are developing a research question.  The application is a three-step process:

In step 1, the research team contacts someone in the PBRP leadership team listed below to discuss their idea. This is mandatory.  PBRP leadership will provide guidance about your proposed project.  They can also suggest academic or community partners to individuals with a research idea.

In step 2, the team submits a two page letter of intent (LOI) that outlines the project, in terms of background, aims and methodology.  Step 2 Selection is based on relevance to primary care and ability to achieve the project goals within the time and budget of a seed grant. Teams with compelling LOIs will be to proceed to step 3, preparing a full-proposal and will be given further guidance about their project.  Teams are encouraged to consult with PBR leadership throughout the development and conduct of their seed grant.

The step 2 LOI form can be found here.

In step 3, the team submits a 5-page proposal, which will include aims, background, methods, timeline and significance.  Detailed proposal guidelines will be provided with the LOI review results.

KEY DATES: What is due and when?

What types of projects might be of interest?  Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

• Quality improvement of primary care practices in a problem area;
• The epidemiology and natural history of common disease processes;
• Assessing adherence or effects of treatment guidelines;
• Pilot methods to test strategies to improve adherence to guidelines;
• Test ways to move treatments from research settings (where treatment efficacy has been demonstrated) to busy primary care sites;
• Improve understanding of family and patient response to care delivery strategies; or
• Improve understanding of patient/clinician needs in the healthcare setting,

How do I know if my idea fits this request for proposals?

Before submission, you must discuss your idea with a member of the PBR-P leadership team.  PBR-P leaders include:

• Helen Binns MD MPH (pediatrics), phone 312-573-7782, hbinns@northwestern.edu,
• Adolfo Ariza MD (pediatrics), phone 312-573-7783, aariza@childrensmemorial.org
• Joe Feinglass, PhD (adult medicine), phone 312-503-6443 j-feinglass@northwestern.edu
• Susan LeBailly, PhD phone 312-503-2276, slebailly@northwestern.edu
  How do I submit my LOI?

Email your LOI to:

Susan LeBailly, PhD

slebailly@northwestern.edu

Practice-Based Research Program

Community Engaged Research Center
Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute
750 N. Lake Shore Drive, 11th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611

The PBRP Seed Grant Program is one of several sponsored by the Community Engaged Research Center of NUCATS.  The ARCC Seed Grant Program fosters relationships between NU Academics and community organizations.  Click here for more information.