The Prevention Research Centers Program: The Case for Networks

1. The Prevention Research Centers Program: The Case for Networks Eduardo Simoes, MD, MSc, MPH Program Director Prevention Research Centers National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

2. Prevention Research CentersProgram History • 1984: Congress authorizes Prevention Research Centers Program • 1986: First 3 centers funded • 1993: Program expands to 9 centers; Special Interest Projects are introduced • 1997: Institute of Medicine publishes review of the program • 1998: Program comprises 23 centers • 2001: PRCs co-sponsor annual chronic disease conference • 2004: Program grows to 33 centers in a new 5-year cycle

3. Prevention Research CentersEvolution of the PRC Program 1990-1993Promote excellence in research Build partnerships with health & education agencies 1993-1998 Focus on distinct research themes 1998-2003 Build or strengthen partnerships with communities Design methods for program evaluation 2003-Beyond Emphasize participatory research Translate research to public health practice Measure impact

4. University of Kentucky Prevention Research Centers University of Washington at Seattle University of State University of New York at Albany Minnesota University of Illinois at Chicago Universityof Michigan West Virginia Harvard University University Boston University Yale University University of Iowa Columbia University University of Pittsburgh University of The Johns Hopkins California University University of at Berkeley Colorado St. Louis University University of University Universityof North Carolina at of University of Chapel Hill California University of Oklahoma New Mexico at Los Angeles Arizona University of South Carolina Morehouse University of Texas School of Health Science Center Medicine at Houston University of Tulane Alabama at University Birmingham University of South Florida

5. Prevention Research CentersCenter Requirements • Competitive process of selection • Partnership and collaboration • Participatory prevention research • Translation and dissemination • Assessment

6. Prevention Research CentersCompetitive Peer Reviews • Two-phase competition: • 1st phase - External panel peer review • 2nd phase - Internal panel policy review • Monitored by SRAs • Trained and independent reviewers • Representative mix of disciplines, methodological expertise, and content area • In 2004, 62 letters of intent received 52 competitive institutions - $27 Million

7. Prevention Research Centers Partnership and Collaboration

8. CDC ASPH ATPM CDD NCC National Partnership DHPE SPHA LPHA NAACHO ASTHO

9. Prevention Research Centers Community-Based Participatory Research

10. Prevention Research CentersMeeting with a Community Advisory Board

11. Prevention Research CentersCommunity Committees’ Responsibilities • Contribute to research priorities • Articulate community values • Help recruit partner organizations • Participate in delivering interventions • Reflect local attitudes and beliefs

12. Prevention Research CentersNational Community Committee • Developed by PRC community committee members • Facilitates training and development of committee members • Enhances capabilities of communities not traditionally involved in planning and implementing research • Shares information among community committees throughout the country • Operates independent from any PRC or CDC structure

13. Prevention Research Centers Research Translation and Dissemination

14. Identify community priorities? Phase 1 – Health Assessment; define issue; identify interventions (data-driven) Data on: Needs Resources Potential interventions Data on: Unmet needs Service gaps Data gaps Disease burden Target populations Data from: process, outcome, impact evaluations What is achieved? Phase 4 – Implementing & evaluating effective Strategies; (outcome-driven) Proposing research? Phase 2 –testing intervention and research tools (science-driven) Knowledge for Policy-Making Data on: Basic and applied research Data on: Disease burden Target populations Utilization barriers Data on: Societal influences Partner resources Fundraising Possibilities Efficacy measures Evaluating efficacy? Phase 3 - Planned intervention and controlled environment (science & capacity-driven) Framework for Prevention Research: A Community Driven Approach

15. Prevention Research Framework Prevention Research Center Research Phases: Health needs Identifying interventions Formative evaluation Testing tools Efficacy trials Effectiveness studies Dissemination research

16. Prevention Research Centers: Networks Past and Current: BRFSS (old) Oral Health (old) Aging (current) Cancer (current) Physical Activity (new)

17. Prevention Research Centers: Networks Lessons learned: • Unclear expectations on outcome • Lack of guidance on how to organize network • Lack of leadership • Lack of patience – it takes time

18. Prevention Research Centers Networks: Why? • Standardized designs/tools • Concerted effort on research gaps • Addressing disparities • Serving diverse communities and population groups • Better translational research • External validity (replication) and sustainability • Cost saving strategy

19. Prevention Research Centers Support of Networks • Accepted guidelines in place • Network document • Cancer network paper • Strategic planning – opportunity for network • PRC Office support • Evaluation – DEFINE: technical support from contractor • Monitoring and feedback system: • Review of reviewers and PRCs replies • Standardized site visit and report • Working plan and progress report • Information system