PCORI Seeks Input on Draft Methodology Report

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) today announced the start of a public comment period for its landmark draft Methodology Report, which proposes standards for the conduct of patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR).

Feedback received during the 54-day comment period, which ends at 11:59 p.m. ET Friday, September 14, will be analyzed for potential incorporation into a revised version of the report that is to be considered for adoption by the PCORI Board of Governors at its November 2012 public meeting in Boston.

The report, which identifies 60 standards for PCOR, was produced by PCORI’s 17-member Methodology Committee, a panel of top research methodology experts appointed by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The report is a critical step in guiding health care stakeholders towards the best and most appropriate methods for conducting PCOR.

“We believe that methods matter – that patients deserve research results that meet the highest scientific standards,” said Committee Chair Sherine Gabriel, MD, MSc, Professor of Medicine and of Epidemiology and the William J. and Charles H. Mayo Professor at the Mayo Clinic. “We now need the input of all health care stakeholders to ensure that their perspective is reflected in this resource.”

Comments on the draft report are being accepted through an online comment and survey tool where respondents may answer a series of general and specific questions about the report. In addition, respondents may upload a document to provide any additional comments. All responses received through www.pcori.org will be displayed for public view on the website, as required by law.

PCORI is an independent, non-profit organization authorized by Congress. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed health care decisions. Debra Barksdale, Ph.D., R.N., associate professor, UNC School of Nursing, serves on the PCORI Board of Governors, chairs the Scientific Publications Committee and is a member of the Communications, Outreach and Engagement Committee of the Board.