PCORI-Contracted Reviews Yield Recommended Research Priorities on DCIS, Bipolar Disorder

Washington, D.C. (Feb. 25, 2014) – Two papers summarizing the evidence gaps and identifying research priorities related to management of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and treatment of bipolar disorder in adolescents and young adults have been published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Teams led by researchers at Duke University conducted the reviews under contract with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).

PCORI’s multi-stakeholder Advisory Panel on Assessment of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options had identified these two topic areas as of high interest for potential PCORI funding. PCORI tasked the Duke Evidence Synthesis Group with developing recommendations for research priorities in these areas based on significant input from relevant stakeholders and a review of recent and current studies on these topics.

The Duke-led teams assembled workgroups including diverse perspectives to rank potential research questions and needs. These stakeholder workgroups included clinical experts; representatives of patients and patient advocacy groups, federal and nongovernmental funding agencies, and relevant professional societies; healthcare decision makers; and policymakers.

The DCIS workgroup identified 10 research areas as having the greatest potential to resolve uncertainties surrounding management of DCIS. The bipolar disorders workgroup identified 10 evidence gaps as the most pressing for future research. Scans of the relevant literature revealed where little or no research has been or is being conducted on these priority research questions.

Their work helped PCORI identify specific research questions where investments of its funds could have the greatest impact. PCORI’s new Pragmatic Clinical Studies initiative subsequently included specific questions on management of DCIS and treatment of bipolar disorder in adolescents and young adults among its topics of priority interest. Required Letters of Intent responding to the initiative’s first funding announcement are due no later than 5 p.m. ET Friday, March 7.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent, non-profit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. 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. PCORI is committed to continuously seeking input from a broad range of stakeholders to guide its work. More information is available at www.pcori.org.