Vol II, Dec `01 | Research Network Director's Report |
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 Vol II, Dec `02 Larry Lawhorne, MD AMDA Foundation Research Network Director November Research Network Conference More than 70 Research Network members participated in this two-day event and 30 of those participants attended the outstanding pre-conference clinical trials workshop. In addition to extremely compelling presentations from a wide range of health service researchers, we were fortunate to have a lively presentation and interactive discussion with Greg Koski, MD, PhD, the first Director of the newly created Office of Human Research Protection, US Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Koski provided excellent information on human subject protection and some suggestions for creating a central network Internal Review Board (IRB). The AMDA Foundation leadership will be working with a consultant to develop a proposed model to conduct Research Network studies using a central Research Network IRB. Note: The Research Network will meet on Thursday, March 6th, 2003 from 8:00 am-4:30 pm at the AMDA Symposium in Orlando. All Research Network members are invited and encouraged to attend. Study Updates Do Not Hospitalize: The study group is awaiting IRB approval from the second principal investigator's (PI) institution. The study should be posted on the Research Network list serv in January. Nursing Home Transfer: Researchers have addressed HIPAA issues and are awaiting IRB approval. We anticipate launching the study by mail in early 2003. Lipid Lowering Study: The goal of this project is to produce a model, or decision tree, depicting the process physicians go through when deciding to prescribe or not prescribe statins. The group intends to survey AMDA members onsite at the Annual Symposium, as well as a random group of non-attendees. Tube Feeding Study: The group is working with CMS to analyze regional variations in use of feeding tubes. Study members have decided to focus initially on survey results from patients and families. The survey instrument is being revised and has been presented to the work group for comment; it will be submitted to the IRB in early 2003. Models of Care: Study investigators wish to develop a taxonomy of nursing home staff and medical provider relationship configurations. In order to have sufficient information to describe the relationships in operational terms, the study group will conduct an intensive case study of 5-6 facilities and will use the results to develop survey questions. The group will design and implement the case study over the next 6 months and then finalize the survey document. Identification of New Studies In response to submissions to a request for proposals, the Research Network has identified several new studies to be launched over the next 12 months. Some of the studies are noted here; the remainder will be listed in subsequent communications. Study abstracts are posted at the AMDA Foundation website (link below).
Larry Lawhorne, MD Research Network Study Abstracts |
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