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Epidemiologic Research and Information Center
The Epidemiologic Research and Information
Center, located in Durham, NC, is a national resource for the Department
of Veterans Affairs (DVA) for epidemiologic research and training. The Center is
developing the full range of epidemiologic capabilities within the DVA. These
capabilities are anticipated to assist in the development of cost-effective
health care policies and programs for the improvement of the health of veterans.
The ERIC at Durham, NC is one of
three centers funded through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Center is
located on the medical campus of the Durham VA Medical Center.
Mission
"To promote the strategic
growth of the epidemiologic capacity of the DVA through: (1) the generation,
synthesis, and dissemination of high-quality epidemiologic information on the
natural history and clinical course of chronic diseases and other health
conditions of high priority; and (2) education and training opportunities
designed to develop and enhance epidemiologic technical expertise."
Objectives and Plans
- Provide technical consultation for, and
coordination of, responses to new epidemiologic initiatives or requests from VA
Central Office and scientific evaluation of current or proposed epidemiologic
research by individual investigators;
- Conduct, coordinate, and facilitate DVA
research that relates to the natural history and clinical course of chronic
diseases and other health conditions of current high priority to the DVA and
identify diseases of potential future high priority;
- Educate DVA health professionals in
epidemiologic methods and substantive content through formal degree programs,
selected courses, and other training-related opportunities (i.e., mentored
research);
- Provide fellowships and visiting
professorships at the Center to promote the development of the epidemiologic
information base within the DVA (e.g., generate technical monographs and conduct
research); and
- Disseminate epidemiologic knowledge
through (i) on-line informational archives on relevant DVA and non-DVA
epidemiologic research and research resources, (ii) national seminars, and (iii)
national conferences.
These objectives are
attained through a managed research portfolio, and by intersecting activities
within three areas that comprise our core functions: policy support, education,
and information dissemination.
Research Portfolio
Our research
portfolio is comprised of intramural and extramural projects that contribute to
the current understanding of the natural history/clinical course of diseases of
high priority to the DVA. These projects contribute to the current epidemiologic
understanding of the following priority conditions: colorectal and prostate
cancer, diabetes mellitus, and severe mental illness.
Policy Support
We provide
technical consultation and rapid response to requests from VA Central Office
administrators or policy-makers for support on epidemiologic issues of national
importance. Technical consultation is also provided to DVA investigators who
require assistance in planning or conducting epidemiologic research, including
proposal or project review and technical advice or participation as consultants
or investigators on proposed or funded research. In addition, we provide ongoing
monitoring of disease patterns or health profiles among veterans to identify new
priorities for health conditions and, hence, emerging areas for policy
development, including the targeting of research activities.
Education/Training
We provide
education/training in epidemiologic methods and content areas to DVA
professionals. This involves either provision, or coordination of access to
epidemiologic courses (i.e., degree-related courses, short courses, seminars and
workshops, and self-paced tutorials); research-based training opportunities
(within and outside the projects comprising the research portfolio); and
fellowships and visiting professorships. We coordinate the educational
activities through the Health Care Epidemiology Program in the Department of
Epidemiology, University of North Carolina (UNC).
Information Dissemination (Awareness and
Use)
Our dissemination activities focus on promoting: (1) the
awareness of DVA personnel of relevant epidemiologic information; and (2) the
transfer of this information into the clinical setting to improve patient care.
Awareness activities involve development and provision of DVA research
conferences and seminars, reports, publications in peer-reviewed journals,
presentations at national and regional professional society meetings, and
on-line access to informational archives. We make educational materials
available electronically (e.g., via Internet) to promote efficient access to
epidemiologic knowledge. We are especially intent on translating epidemiologic
knowledge into a form relevant to the needs of health care administrators within
the Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs) and transferring this
knowledge to them. The transfer is accomplished through linkages with the VISN
strategic planning bodies.
Our informational archives are key resources
that are essential to the high-quality performance of all core functions. These
archives include EPI-NET (a registry of technical experts that fosters
communication among epidemiologists and functions as a source of consultants,
contractors for rapid responses, and grant proposal reviewers), a registry of
DVA epidemiologic research and databases, and an archive of epidemiologic
literature related specifically to veterans. One primary product associated with
the creation of the archives is the synthesis of the natural history and
clinical course literature relating to priority diseases. This component
provides a "state-of-the-knowledge" perspective of these conditions, allowing
for efficient targeting of gaps for further research.
Organizational Structure and
Management
The Center is directed by Dawn Provenzale, M.D., M.H.S.C.
Core function activities are conducted by a cadre of epidemiologists who are
assisted by a research support team. These activities are carried out in
collaboration with the staffs and faculties of affiliated DVA and non-DVA
institutions. Following a general contracting approach, we purchase the
professional skills required for specific tasks from our network of affiliates.
Collaborations
The Center is a
highly leveraged entity, a function of its national linkages with a broad array
of relevant institutions. Beyond UNC, Duke University, and our local VISN, we
are linked with the other ERIC programs (Boston and Seattle), the VA National
Center for Health Promotion, with whom we conduct preventive medicine research,
and the VA National Performance Data Research Center, with whom we work to
develop improved quality of care indicators. We anticipate opportunities to link
with other VISNs and federal and private sector epidemiologists who are at major
pharmaceutical companies, health research corporations, and National Institute
of Environmental Health Sciences that are in close proximity to the Center.
Contact Information
Beth
Armstrong
Administrative Officer
VA Medical Center (152)
508 Fulton
Street
Durham, NC 27705-3897
Telephone: 919-286-6936
Fax:
919-416-5836
beth.armstrong@va.gov
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