BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Most research on disparities in health and health care among vulnerable populations focuses on documenting disparities or understanding them, rather than implementing evidence-based clinical practice to reduce or eliminate them.

OBJECTIVE(S):
The CHERP Implementation Research Collaboration (IRC) was designed to move research from identifying and understanding to eliminating health and healthcare disparities. It brought together scientific leaders in implementation research from the University of Pittsburgh, the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Carnegie Mellon University, and RAND-Pittsburgh.

METHODS:
The IRC was funded for two years by HSR&D to strengthen the capacity of CHERP VA investigators to perform translational research methods through the: (1) Implementation Research Course; (2) participation in CHERP Implementation Teleconferences designed to provide CHERP investigators and trainees with an opportunity to receive feedback and guidance from the implementation experts; (3) prioritized support of pilot projects for VA implementation research; and (4) focused mentoring and collaboration by academic experts with CHERP investigators in implementation research.

FINDINGS/RESULTS:
Not applicable.

IMPACT:
In its short time of existence the Collaborative facilitated a number of CHERP investigators toward implementing evidence-based practice to reduce disparities and was successful in the implementation of the CRTP course. Collaborative members continue to mentor and collaborate with CHERP investigators, resulting in NIH and VA grants in upcoming years.

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External Links for this Project

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PUBLICATIONS:

Journal Articles

1. Horvitz-Lennon M, Kilbourne AM, Pincus HA. From silos to bridges: meeting the general health care needs of adults with severe mental illnesses. Health affairs (Project Hope). 2006 May 1; 25(3):659-669. [view]

Conference Presentations

1. Sevick MA, Trauth JM, Piatt G, Kilbourne AM, Ling BS, Anderson R, Goodman R. The patient experience of self-management in complex chronic diseases: the current state of the research. Paper presented at: VA ORD State of the Art (SOTA) Conference; 2006 Sep 1; Arlington, VA. [view]

DRA: Health Systems Science
DRE: none
Keywords: Implementation
MeSH Terms: none