news & announcements
News for the Network is a monthly e-publication of the HMO Research Network (HMORN). Download the full current issue.
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Launching the HMORNnet Distributed Query Tool
The Network’s distributed querying tool, HMORNnet is now operational and available for use at 12 sites. HMORNnet is a great resource for preparatory-to-research requests, quality checks, protocol development, ad hoc queries and much more. Refer to the HMORNnet Launch Overview to learn more.
PAMFRI Post-Doctoral Fellowship Offered in Patient-Oriented Research
Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute (PAMFRI) is offering a cohesive and mentored training experience for one postdoctoral scholar preparing for an independent career. The appointment will be for one initial year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. Candidates must have a clinical or research doctorate and demonstrated skills in quantitative methods. Prior training and experience in patient-oriented research is strongly preferred.
See PAMFRI job site (Job #: 1307134) for details and how to apply. Questions? Contact Elaine Szeto.
CRN study finds CT scans –with radiation and cancer risk – rose in children
A new article in JAMA Pediatrics by a group of HMORN Cancer Research Network (CRN) researchers at Group Health, HealthPartners, Henry Ford, Marshfield Clinic, and KP Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, and Northwest found that use of CT scans rose—then leveled and declined—in children at the seven sites. Tracking imaging over 15 years, the researchers found variability in radiation doses, and they estimated risks of cancer from this radiation.
For more, see the GHRI news release, JAMA Pediatrics article and accompanying editorial.
NHGRI Seeks Input on Data Catalog as Part of Trans-NIH Big Data Initiative
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is soliciting comments and ideas until June 25 for the development and implementation of an NIH Data Catalog. See NOT-HG-13-011 for details.
The Big Data to Knowledge (BD2K) Initiative is exploring this as a way to make research data findable and citable (as PubMed does for scientific publications) and increase access to the results of federally funded scientific research. See for details.
NIA Soliciting Input from Care Organizations and Patients about Fall Prevention
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), in collaboration with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), is exploring possible options for an effectiveness trial of a multifactorial fall injuries prevention strategy for non-institutionalized older persons. As part of this process, NIA seeks information from individual stakeholders and organizations involved in the care and well-being of older persons. See NOT-AG-13-015 for details.
NIH Announces 2013 Fiscal Policy
NIH’s recently released their 2013 budget policy, highlights of which include that non-competing continuations will be reduced roughly 3-10% from 2013 commitment level (future year’s commitments will be the same) – this includes non-competing continuations already awarded. Also, inflationary increases will be discontinued for all new awards and noncompeting awards in 2013. The salary cap remains at $179,700. See NOT-OD-13-064 for more information.
Seven Ways for Health Services Research to Lead Health System Change
Joel Kupersmith and David Atkins offer seven recommendations for expediting and improving the cycle of health services research (HSR) in this excellent Health Affairs blog post from May 30, 2013. Read it here.
How Better Data Can Lead Us to Better Health
According to this RWJF news feature, “harnessing health care data and making it public offers extraordinary promise for improving efficiency, raising quality, and improving health outcomes for millions of Americans”. From the Sunshine Act to the Blue Button concept and beyond, learn how the liberation of data is leading to new innovative solutions: Five Ways Data Influences Health.
Health Services Research Information Central
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) initiated Health Services Research Information Central (HSRIC) in 2005 - a research portal of health services research resources providing numerous links to data, funding announcements, reports, podcasts, discussion groups and more. Topic areas include aging, CER, child health, dissemination and implementation, disparities, rural health, and quality – among others.
OHRP perspective on CER studies randomizing within the range of usual care
The HHS Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) acknowledged in a recent letter associated with the SUPPORT trial controversy that "applying the 'reasonable foreseeable risk' concept to randomized studies of standard of care treatments is a complex undertaking." The Office said that it now recognizes its "obligation to provide clear guidance on what the rules are with regard to disclosure of risks in randomized studies whose treatments fall within the range of standard of care." OHRP said it will develop such guidance in an open process.
For additional information, see:
- HHS OHRP letter to University of Alabama - Birmingham, dated June 4, 2013
- NEJM Perspective, In Support of SUPPORT – A View from the NIH, June 5, 2013
- NEJM letter to the editor, The OHRP and SUPPORT, June 5, 2013
Career Opportunities
- June 2013 job board
Past issues
upcoming conferences
Browse through our online calendar of relevant conferences and symposiums for opportunities to disseminate your research.
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