Service Directed Research (SDR)
Service Directed Research (SDR) is solicited by the Health Services Research and Development Service (HSR&D) to address health care issues relating to the veteran population, VA's system of health care networks, and the nation as a whole. SDR projects are conducted in response to mandates and requests from a variety of constituencies, including Congress, federal agencies (e.g., Office of Management and Budget and the General Accounting Office), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the HSR&D Service, and other VA health care system managers and administrators. The Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) also uses the SDR program for the rapid development of databases, the implementation of large-scale multi-site demonstration projects, and the timely generation of research findings. QUERI is a VHA research initiative to translate research discoveries, treatment strategies, effective and efficient diagnoses, into patient care. It is an outcomes-based quality improvement program to ensure excellence in all areas that the VA provides medical care.
Project proposals are solicited in specific subject areas through announcements to VA HSR&D Centers of Excellence or announcements to all VA. Upon approval of a concept paper or Letter of Intent, a full project proposal is requested from the investigator. Proposals are peer reviewed by an expert panel of reviewers, and if approved, are considered for funding.
The SDR program addresses a wide range of issues. Currently active projects address hypertension, multiple sclerosis, prostate cancer, diabetes, substance abuse treatment, primary care, spinal cord injury, HIV/AIDS, the evaluation of VA health care costs, and the use and development of VA databases for quality assurance/quality management, and health services research.
For additional information about the Service Directed Research program, please contact:
Shirley Meehan, MBA, PhD Deputy Director, HSR&D
Telephone: 202-254-0207
Email: Shirley.Meehan@va.gov
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