1

The Prevention Research Centers Program: The Case

for Networks

Eduardo Simoes, MD, MSc, MPHProgram Director

Prevention Research Centers

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

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

Prevention Research CentersEvolution of the PRC Program

1990-1993 Promote excellence in researchBuild partnerships with health & education agencies

1993-1998 Focus on distinct research themes1998-2003 Build or strengthen partnerships with

communitiesDesign methods for program evaluation

2003-Beyond Emphasize participatory researchTranslate research to public health practiceMeasure impact

University of Washington at Seattle

University of California

at Berkeley

University of California

at Los AngelesUniversity of

ArizonaUniversity of New Mexico

University of Colorado

University of TexasHealth Science Center

at Houston

Universityof Oklahoma

St. LouisUniversity

TulaneUniversity

University of Minnesota University

of Illinoisat Chicago

University of Alabama atBirmingham

University of South Florida

MorehouseSchool of Medicine

University of Michigan

West VirginiaUniversity

University of North Carolina at

Chapel Hill

University of South Carolina

Harvard University

Yale University

Columbia University

Prevention Research Centers

State University ofNew York at Albany

Universityof Iowa

The Johns HopkinsUniversity of Pittsburgh

Boston University

University

University of Kentucky

Prevention Research Centers

Center RequirementsCompetitive process of selection

Partnership and collaboration

Participatory prevention research

Translation and dissemination

Assessment

Prevention Research CentersCompetitive Peer Reviews

Two-phase competition:1st phase - External panel peer review2nd phase - Internal panel policy reviewMonitored by SRAs

Trained and independent reviewersRepresentative mix of disciplines,

methodological expertise, and content area • In 2004, 62 letters of intent received

52 competitive institutions - $27 Million

Prevention Research Centers

Partnership and Collaboration

CDD

DHPE

ASPH

NCC

SPHA

CDC

National Partnership

ATPM

LPHA ASTHONAACHO

Prevention Research Centers

Community-Based Participatory Research

Prevention Research Centers

Meeting with a Community Advisory Board

Prevention Research CentersCommunity Committees’

Responsibilities

Contribute to research prioritiesArticulate community valuesHelp recruit partner organizationsParticipate in delivering

interventionsReflect local attitudes and beliefs

Prevention Research CentersNational Community

CommitteeDeveloped by PRC community committee

membersFacilitates training and development of

committee membersEnhances 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

Prevention Research Centers

Research Translation and Dissemination

Framework for Prevention Research: A Community Driven Approach

Identify community priorities?

Phase 1 – Health Assessment; define

issue; identify interventions(data-driven)

Data on:Needs

ResourcesPotential

interventions

Data on:Unmet needsService gaps

Data gapsDisease burden

Target populations

What is achieved?Phase 4 –

Implementing & evaluating effective

Strategies; (outcome-driven)

Data from:process, outcome, impact evaluations

Data on:Disease burden

Target populationsUtilization barriers

Proposing research?

Phase 2 –testing intervention and research tools

(science-driven)

Data on:Basic and

applied research

Evaluating efficacy?Phase 3 - Planned intervention and

controlled environment(science & capacity-

driven)

Data on: Societal influencesPartner resources

Fundraising Possibilities

Efficacy measures

Knowledge Knowledge for Policy-for Policy-

MakingMaking

Research Phases:Health needsIdentifying interventionsFormative evaluationTesting toolsEfficacy trialsEffectiveness studiesDissemination research

Prevention Research FrameworkPrevention Research Center

Past and Current:BRFSS (old)Oral Health (old)Aging (current)Cancer (current)Physical Activity (new)

Prevention Research Centers: Networks

Lessons learned:Unclear expectations on outcomeLack of guidance on how to organize networkLack of leadershipLack of patience – it takes time

Prevention Research Centers: Networks

Standardized designs/toolsConcerted effort on research gapsAddressing disparities

Serving diverse communities and population groups

Better translational research

External validity (replication) and sustainability

Cost saving strategy

Prevention Research Centers Networks: Why?

Accepted guidelines in place

Network documentCancer network paperStrategic planning – opportunity for network

PRC Office supportEvaluation – DEFINE: technical support from contractorMonitoring and feedback system:

Review of reviewers and PRCs repliesStandardized site visit and reportWorking plan and progress reportInformation system

Prevention Research Centers Support of Networks