DENVER, Colo. (May 22, 2012) — The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) today released its first primary research funding announcements to support comparative clinical effectiveness research that will give patients and those who care for them the ability to make better-informed health care decisions.

PCORI will award $120 million this year for innovative projects that effectively incorporate patients and stakeholders in research teams and address the areas of focus of PCORI’s National Priorities for Research and Research Agenda. PCORI previously announced the approval of 50 Pilot Project Program awards, totaling $30 million over two years, to researchers in 24 states and the District of Columbia.

“Today marks a major milestone in our work as we build a portfolio of patient-centered research that will provide patients and those who care for them better information about health care decisions they face,” said PCORI Executive Director Joe Selby, M.D., M.P.H. “Our funding announcements reflect PCORI’s commitment to a patient-centered research agenda, emphasizing the inclusion of patients and caregivers at all stages of the research.”

The PCORI Funding Announcements (PFAs) make clear that successful applicants must have research teams with patients, caregivers, and practicing clinicians actively engaged throughout the process, from generating research questions to conducting research and using the results to understand and address patient needs. This requirement helps ensure that the research remains true to the interests of the patient populations that will be affected by it.

Applications will be evaluated for alignment with eight PCORI review criteria that arise from PCORI’s authorizing legislation. These include: impact or burden of the condition(s) being studied; innovativeness of the research proposal and its potential to impact care practices and improve outcomes; inclusiveness of different populations; patient-centeredness of the research question, choices of outcomes, and strategies for inclusion of patients and stakeholders in the research; potential for the research to improve the efficiency of health care; use of rigorous study design and analytic methods; composition and experience of the research team; and efficient use of research resources.

“Our priorities and agenda capture the broad areas where more research is needed,” said PCORI Board Chair Eugene Washington, M.D., M.Sc. “We look forward to continuing our work with patients and stakeholders to refine and define our areas of focus to make the agenda more specific over time.”

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About PCORI

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent, non-profit organization created by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed health care decisions. PCORI is committed to continuously seeking input from a broad range of stakeholders to guide its work. More information is available at www.pcori.org.

“Ensuring that all Americans have access to reliable broadband is a key part of the Obama Administration’s effort to help create jobs and expand economic opportunities in rural areas,” Vilsack said. “These grants not only are critical for businesses and residents, they also help first responders, educators and health care professionals by providing them with access to broadband service.”

Information on available funding and application requirements are published on page 26241 of the May 3, 2012 Federal Register. More information on Community Connect Grants, including the application guide, can be viewed from the USDA Rural Development website. Applications must be received by June 18, 2012.

The Washington State Coalition for Language Access (WASCLA) is a young organization that seeks to eliminate language barriers in all areas of public life in the state, through education and advocacy. WASCLA is currently an all-volunteer group with very limited resources, so members were excited to learn that the 2011 National Immigrant Integration Conference would be held in Seattle. Not many major national conferences are held here, let alone one so specific to our mission. Travel costs usually limit the possibilities for those of us in the helping professions and community services sector from being able to participate in such venues, as important as they are for our work. We soon realized however, that the registration fees for the NIIC were beyond the reach of our organization.

Fortunately, earlier in the year, WASCLA had become a member of the NNLM/PNR as part of our own capacity-building process. Language access services are vital to improving personal and community health, so it is critical that we have access to reliable health and health policy information. In addition, WASCLA helps to support the information needs of its members, many of whom are direct service providers as independent medical interpreters responsible for their own continuing education.

We applied for and were awarded a Professional Development grant, which allowed Abukar Ali, Kristi Cruz, Louise Morehead, and Joana Ramos of WASCLA to attend the October conference. For 3 days we had the opportunity not only to hear national experts opine on policy issues and challenges to immigrant integration today, but also to participate in topical workshops and discussion sessions with peers. Themes related to health and dissemination of health information included workshops on: the current status of immigrant access to health services; the need for more relevant work-oriented ESL programs like the Welcome Back Program for those who had been health workers in their homelands; the important role of community-based organizations in consumer education; the future of the safety net services; and health care reform. Especially valuable were networking sessions, including a Language Access Caucus, where health topics were a major focus and colleagues from across the country met for the first time.

Since the conference, we have utilized knowledge gained at NIIC into WASCLA’s ongoing program planning and development. A first step was the creation of the WASCLA Healthcare Committee in December, building on our Pharmacy Workgroup. In addition, facilitators of Health Track sessions continue to keep attendees informed of advocacy opportunities like the Region X HHS Listening Session on Essential Health Benefits, where several of us testified on the need for language access services. We are most appreciative that NNLM/PNR offers this kind of support for community groups like WASCLA.

NLM Information Resource Grants to Reduce Health Disparities (G08)

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) solicits resource grant applications for projects that will bring useful, usable health information to health disparity populations and the health care providers who care for those populations. Access to useful, usable, understandable health information is an important factor during health decisions. Proposed projects should exploit the capabilities of computer and information technology and health sciences libraries to bring health-related information to consumers and their health care providers. Preference will be given to applications that show strong involvement of health science libraries. Because this FOA focuses on providing health information to health disparity populations, institutions with demonstrated commitment to the needs of health disparity communities (including Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) and other institutions in rural and socially disadvantaged areas) are encouraged to apply.

The Medical Library Association (MLA) is looking for up to five continuing education (CE) instructors/instructor teams to develop and teach courses on disaster information as part of a project to enhance its Disaster Information Specialization project.  Each instructor/instructor team selected will be responsible for developing one new disaster information course.  At the end of this project, 5 new courses will be added to MLA’s specialization.  Below are specifics regarding this course development project:

To develop the content and materials for a CE course focusing on disaster information.  MLA is contracting for two basic courses each 3 hours in length and three advanced courses each 4 hours in length.  The instructor will have a liaison from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) for content assistance.

Course Titles/Topics (see www.mlanet.org/education/dis/index.html for the list of individual course topics and content):

• Basic 1: U.S. Response to Disaster and Public Health Emergencies – or similar title

• Basic 2: Information Roles in Disaster Preparedness, Response, Recovery – or similar title

• Advanced 1: CBRN and Hazmat Information Resources – or similar title

• Advanced 2: See list of suggested topics on MLANET – www.mlanet.org/education/dis/index.html.  MLA will also consider developer-created course subject.

• Advanced 3: See list of suggested topice on MLANET – www.mlanet.org/education/dis/index.html.  MLA will also consider developer-created course subject.

To present the course both in-person and virtually.  The goal is to reach approximately 40 individuals per course with the various presentations.

In-person courses:

• The two basic courses will take place on Thursday, May 24th directly following MLA’s Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA.

• The three advanced course will take place with local library groups. MLA is currently negotiating local venues for hosting the courses. They plan to host one advanced course per month in June, July and August 2012.

• In-person courses should include student interaction beyond the standard Q&A session.

Virtual courses:

• The virtual courses would need to be taught during the summer of 2012. Our current virtual hosting schedule is:

June 2012: Basis 1
July 2012: Basic 2 and Advanced 1
August 2012: Advanced 2 and 3

• The virtual course should include a minimum of 3-4 hours of online instruction with student interaction.  The course should include live, virtual presentations and a variety of “homework” assignments that can include pre- and post- testing, case studies, journal article reading, and other interactive activities.  These activities may take place before, during or after the live, virtual presentation.  If needed, MLA would be able to assist with the use of their instructional software.
• The Scope of Work for Course Developers from NLM (MLA’s project partner) is located on MLANET (see www.mlanet.org/education/dis/index.html).  MLA strongly encourages developers to read this document before submitting a proposal.
• MLA will provide a $5,000 honorarium for the development of the course.  There are also additional funds set aside for honoraria and expenses to teach the course both virtually and in person.

Additional Background Information

The development and instruction of these courses will be a part of the curriculum of MLA’s Disaster Information Specialization.  This specialization is a joint project of MLA and NLM.  This program will be designed to develop the capacity of librarians and other interested professionals to provide disaster-related health information outreach.

The vision of this specialization is to create a continuing education program that will prepare participants to provide disaster-related library or information services as part of their ongoing job functions.  The specialization will offer a curriculum of courses that would allow those interested to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to support their libraries, institutions and communities with information needed for disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

This program would be designed to allow participants the opportunity to expand their roles by offering more specialized training in providing access to information in times of disaster and emergency.

To find out more about the development of MLA Disaster Information Specialization check out http://www.mlanet.org/education/dis/index.html.

The curriculum for MLA’s Disaster Information Specialization already includes one basic course entitled “Disaster Health Information Sources: The Basics.”  This course was developed by Robin Featherstone as part of MLA’s 2010-2011 contract with NLM.  To find out more about Robin’s course, go to http://mlanet.org/education/dis/basics.html.

Submission Instructions

If you are interested in being considered as an instructor(s)/course developer(s) for these courses, please send an email to mlapd1@mlahq.org.  This email should include:

• Your name and contact information;
• A copy of your resume/CV, including your teaching and course development experience;
• A brief (500-word or less) description of your interest in the project including your experience or knowledge of disaster information; and
• Your ideas for the course including how you would include student interaction and a brief outline of course content

Your email and any questions should be sent to Kathleen Combs, MLA’s Director of Professional Development, at mlapd1@mlahq.org by Wednesday, March 14, 2012.

This project is funded by the National Library of Medicine under contract HHS-N-276-2010-00782-P

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Pacific Northwest Region (NN/LM PNR) is pleased to announce a funding opportunity for sites around the region to host the upcoming Medical Library Association (MLA) continuing education webcast Leveraging Mobile Technologies for Health Sciences Libraries on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 11 am -12:30 pm Pacific time.

NN/LM PNR will pay MLA webcast registration fees for up to 4 selected sites that agree to promote and host the webcast for colleagues in their area.

Please contact Nikki Dettmar, Education and Assessment Coordinator, at snydern@uw.edu by March 23, 2012 if you are a Pacific Northwest Region Network Member (what does that mean?) interested in hosting the webcast for your institution and your local colleagues. Include a brief description of how you will promote the event in your area, estimated attendance, and confirm that your location can meet the technical requirements of Internet access, a computer with Windows Media Player, and a room to host the webcast.

Site participants will be selected based on geographic location, accessibility, and the potential number of attendees. All applicants will be notified of their application status by March 30, 2012.

PNR will also be hosting the webcast at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library, free registration details will be announced in an upcoming Dragonfly article.

A special reminder as we ring in the New Year!   Your Regional Medical Library for the NN/LM PNR offers funding opportunities for network members!  Proposal instructions vary by type of award, but here’s a summary about deadlines for applications.

Our larger awards support personnel, travel, equipment and other costs for 9-12 months projects to implement innovative services in your organizations, or to conduct health information outreach in your communities. Current opportunities for larger awards include: Medical Library Pilot Project awards; Express Outreach awards; Technology Improvement awards; and Outreach to Under-Connected Health Organizations subcontracts. For each award, proposals will be accepted until February 1, 2012. However, if you plan to submit a proposal, we need a brief statement of intent no later than January 13, 2012 to help our planning process. Please submit your statement of intent to apply to nnlm@uw.edu. 

We also fund smaller awards to support costs for Professional Development, Assessment and Planning, Exhibiting, Training, and EFTS activities by network members.   We welcome applications at any time for these ongoing funding opportunities.

So, if you work in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington, and are a Network member of the PNR, send us your proposed ideas so we can help put your projects in motion.  Our funding page will be continuously updated with the latest information about available awards and descriptions of projects we’ve funded.

This is an award of up to $5,000 for projects that promote the value of health information services offered by an information professional within the organization or community. Projects could include:
•Working with public relations staff or a firm to develop a promotional/branding campaign;
•Using social media to highlight health information services; or
•Holding a special even that advertises new or unique services.

Also available on on ongoing basis are the Professional Development Awards, as well as Exhibit Awards, Training Awards, Assessment and Planning Award, and EFTS Awards.

For more details see the funding announcements linked above, or contact Patricia Devine, devine @uw.edu, 206-543-8275.

The Homer Public Library, in collaboation with the Friends of the Homer Public Library and local emergency responders, held a month of activities aimed at increasing the community’s emergency preparedness thanks to a $5000 NN/LM Community Preparedness Day Award.  Events, which were timed to coincide with national Disaster Preparedness Month, kicked off on September 21st with a special Story Time about safety and natural phenomena that occur locally, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

On September 24th the library hosted a Community Preparedness Day. Area emergency responders gave 15-minutes presentations throughout the day on emergency preparedness issues.  In addition, the public was invited to visit information booths operated by various agencies, including the Alaska Division of Forestry, the Homer Volunteer Fire Department, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management and the Homer Senior Citizens.

One of the biggest draws of the day was the bright orange buckets, used to distribute 75 emergency preparedness kits funded by the award.  These buckets included a first aid kit, an emergency radio, and pamphlets from FEMA and the local veterinary clinic on how to prepare for an emergency.  The bucket itself was a useful water-storage device.  Community members, including the Homer City mayor, flocked to the library to pick up their buckets and then stopped by the booths to fill those bucket with more safety information.

Additionally, on September 28th the library hosted a forum for survivors of the 1964 Good Friday earthquake to tell their stories.  More than a dozen survivors shared compelling stories to an audience of over 30 people, imparting wisdom and perspective about the very real risks faced by Alaskans living on the “ring of fire.”

The Homer Public Library is also purchasing materials on emergency preparedness, survival, self-sufficiency and related topics to better serve this end-of-the-road community.  The activities and material funded by the NN/LM award have improved community awareness about emergency preparedness and placed helpful tools into the hands of Southern Kenai Peninsula residents.

Note: If you organization is interested in holding a Community Preparedness Day event, we are currently offering funding.  Please see the funding announcement – applications are due December 16, 2011.

The purpose of the Disaster Health Information Outreach Project is to design programs for improving disaster medicine and public health information access for health professionals, first responders and others (paid or volunteer) that play a role in health-related disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Emphasis is on providing information or access to health and medical information in a way useful to the target audiences, and increasing the awareness and utilization of high-quality professional-level online medical and public health information resources on disaster, all-hazards, and emergency topics including resources from the National Library of Medicine. The purpose is also to promote new and creative collaborations on disaster health information needs among and to the mutual benefit of librarians, information specialists, or informationists and the disaster workforce.

Approved projects will be funded up to $15,000.

For more information, see the full funding announcement or contact Gail Kouame at gmarie@uw.edu or 206-221-3449.

Proposals will be accepted until February 1, 2012. However, if you plan to submit a proposal, we need a brief statement of intent no later than January 13, 2012 to help our planning process. Please submit your statement of intent to apply to nnlm@uw.edu.