Funded Contracts

Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research


This document lists funded contracts with COER staff members serving as project officers. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) awards contracts for specific research activities. Initiated by the Government, a contract is used to acquire an identifiable product or service, under specified terms. Publications that result from Agency-funded projects are periodically described in AHRQ's monthly newsletter Research Activities.

For information on how to apply for an AHRQ grant, select Funding Opportunities.


Title: Innovative Approaches to Training Clinicians for Bioterrorist Attacks
Institution: Research Triangle Institute
Project Period: 2000-2002
Contract Number: 290-00-0021-1
Project Officer: Clancy, Carolyn M.
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to develop innovative approaches to training clinicians for bioterrorist attacks, and creative methods for evaluating their effectiveness. Such approaches must be applicable on a broad scale and be adapted to the information needs and current challenges confronting busy clinicians.

Title: Innovative Approaches to Training Clinicians for Bioterrorist Attacks
Institution: The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Project Period: 2000-2002
Contract Number: 290-00-0022-1
Project Officer: Clancy, Carolyn M.
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to develop innovative approaches to training clinicians for bioterrorist attacks, and creative methods for evaluating their effectiveness. Such approaches must be applicable on a broad scale and be adapted to the information needs and current challenges confronting busy clinicians.

Title: Study of the Per-patient Cost and Efficacy of Treatment for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Institution: The Lewin Group
Project Period: 2000-2001
Contract Number: 290-96-0009-8
Project Officer: Hsia, David
Abstract: The purpose of the project is to prepare a report suitable for transmission to Congress that describes the background of TMJ disorders, enumerates commonly used treatments, and summarizes the available evidence pertaining to their per-patient cost (annual and spell-of- illness) and to their effectiveness. In view of the negative findings to date regarding both efficacy of and costs associated with specific treatments, will also identify possible data sources for examining the efficacy and per-patient costs of treatment in more detail.

Title: Empirical Analysis of a Guideline-derived Clinical Performance Measure—The Example of Pediatric Gastroenteritis
Institution: The MEDSTAT Group
Project Period: 1999-2000
Contract Number: 290-96-0010-3
Project Officer: Fox, Steven H.
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to analyze existing data concerning one example of a summary measure, conformance with recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding gastroenteritis. The purpose is to evaluate the extent to which the overall measurements of whether practices conform may be sensitive to choices between alternative approaches for assessing the different components or dimensions of care.

Title: Medical Claims Data Support Services
Institution: CHD Research Associates, Inc.
Project Period: 1996-2001
Contract Number: 290-96-0002
Project Officer: Hsia, David
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to construct project specific data bases from medical claims, administrative, or clinical databases for estimating guideline costs, evaluating the guidelines, and aiding the selection of guideline topics. The project also provides programming and medical records coding support for analyses of these project data bases and the Medicare Accuracy and Completeness Study by CERT.

Title: Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team
Institution: University of Maryland
Project Period: 1992-2000
Contract Number: 290-92-0054
Project Officer: Mullican, Charlotte A.
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to identify and explain practice variations in the treatment and management of schizophrenia and analyze these in terms of relative patient outcomes, resource use, and remaining scientific uncertainties; develop clinical recommendations regarding appropriate and effective treatment, and management of schizophrenia; disseminate project findings and recommendations to practitioners and the public; and evaluate the effectiveness of the dissemination in terms of measurable change in patient outcomes, practice patterns, public knowledge and attitudes, and resource use.

Title: Secondary and Tertiary Prevention of Stroke Patient Outcomes Research Team
Institution: Duke University
Project Period: 1991-2000
Contract Number: 290-91-0028
Project Officer: Chiang, Yen-Pin
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to identify and explain practice variations in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cerebrovascular disease intended to prevent stroke and analyze these in terms of relative patient outcomes, resource use, and remaining scientific uncertainties; develop recommendations regarding effective secondary and tertiary prevention of stroke; disseminate project findings and recommendations; and evaluate effectiveness of the dissemination.

Title: SBIR Phase I—Lifedata.com: A Repository of Health Related Quality of Life Instruments
Institution: A.J. Boggs, Inc.
Project Period: 1999-1999
Contract Number: 290-99-0006
Project Officer: Chiang, Yen-Pin
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to help users identify, evaluate, develop, and learn about patient-based measures and assessment tools for Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL).

Title: Impact of COER-Supported Outcomes and Effectiveness Research
Institution: The Lewin Group
Project Period: 1998-1999
Contract Number: 290-96-0009-3
Project Officer: Joanne Book
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to develop a model for periodically assessing the impact of outcomes and effectiveness research supported by COER; update and elaborate on previous analyses to identify the impact of COER supported research in the most practical terms possible; develop two articles based on work for professional publication.

Title: Patient Outcomes Research Team on Low Birthweight in Minority and High Risk Women
Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Project Period: 1992-1998
Contract Number: 290-92-0055
Project Officer: Hubbard, Henrietta D.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify and explain variations in the management of pregnancy that aim to prevent low birth weight and related adverse maternal and childhood outcomes, focusing on effective interventions within and across minority groups and low-income populations; develop clinical recommendations regarding effective strategies for reducing the prevalence of low birth weight; disseminate project findings and recommendations to practitioners and the public; and evaluate the effectiveness of the dissemination in terms of measurable change inpatient outcomes, practice patterns, public knowledge and attitudes, and/or resource use.

Title: Mapping a New Industry: The Performance of Outcomes and Effectiveness Research in the Private Sector
Institution: The Lewin Group
Project Period: 1996-1997
Contract Number: 290-96-0009-1
Project Officer: Chiang, Yen-Pin
Abstract: The purpose of the project was to produce an analysis and evaluation of private sector activities in performing outcomes and effectiveness research. This study served to help clarify AHRQ's future priorities in outcomes and effectiveness research and to provide insights regarding future opportunities for public-private partnerships in this area.

Title: Management and Outcomes of Childbirth Patient Outcomes Research Team
Institution: RAND Corporation
Project Period: 1990-1997
Contract Number: 290-00-0039
Project Officer: Fox, Steven H.
Abstract: The purpose of the project was to empirically evaluate alternative approaches and practice variations in the management of childbirth, in terms of patient outcomes (both maternal and infant) and resource use; develop and disseminate recommendations to health care providers and the public, regarding optimal obstetrical management and decision making; evaluate the effectiveness of the dissemination in terms of measurable changes in practice patterns, public knowledge and attitudes, patient outcomes, and resources use.

Title: Support Services for Patient Outcomes Research Teams (PORT)
Institution: Walcoff and Associates
Project Period: 1990-1997
Contract Number: 290-00-0032
Project Officer: Cummings, Mary
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to provide support services to coordinate the common and complementary activities of AHRQ's PORTS. These services included preparing for and reporting on PORT meetings, preparing administrative and substantive materials regarding PORT activities, and supporting Inter-PORT Work Group conference calls and meetings. A contract modification provided an additional activity: to assess the nature and extent of the diffusion and influence of MEDTEP research and clinical practice guidelines, activities and findings. Key areas for tracking were the medical community, State and Federal legislation, Federal Government agencies, and the general public. A database of findings and activities was developed.

Current as of December 2000


Internet Citation:

Funded Contracts. December 2000. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/about/coer/fundedcontr.htm


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