AAFP adopts $7.7 million research initiative and plans policy analysis center in DC
In a move unprecedented among medical societies, the Academy is launching two research efforts:
- a far-reaching, five-year $7.72 million initiative to stimulate clinical research in family practice and
- a policy analysis center.
Clinical research initiative. Aiming to multiply the number of family practice researchers and research projects, the AAFP Congress of Delegates adopted a blueprint for the initiative. A task force will convene this month to begin directing the initiative, which will have five elements:
Research centers. Three centers of excellence will receive partial funding to train new researchers and conduct research with broad applications, such as studies that may be used to develop clinical guidelines.
Advanced research training. Funds will support research opportunities for new residency graduates and experienced clinicians.
Advocacy. One or more national conferences may be held to educate foundations, managed care groups, corporations, and government representatives about the importance of funding family practice research.
Practice-based research networks. Funds will support current networks as well as new ones.
MCO joint projects. The Academy will seek to partner with managed care organizations to fund research and related projects.
The National Institutes of Health devotes about $7.2 billion per year to research grants, while the total federal outlay for primary care research amounts to only $15-$20 million per year. The AAFP initiative should help return balance to the nation's health care system by adjusting the equation between high-tech, hospital-oriented studies and research in ambulatory settings, where most care is received.
As incoming president last year, Patrick Harr, MD, of Maryville, MO, challenged members and the AAFP Congress to develop a comprehensive research agenda. Telling the delegates this year about the proposal resulting from that challenge, he said, "With this initiative, the Academy has struck oil!"
Policy analysis center. In a second research venture, the Academy will open a Center for Policy Studies in Family Practice and Primary Care next year in Washington.
"We must be better prepared to rapidly and scientifically produce and analyze data as it applies to the legislative and policy development process," (then) Board Chair Douglas Henley, MD, of Fayetteville, NC, told the Congress of Delegates Sept. 16.
Types of studies the center might undertake: analysis of the proposed Medicare rule for resource-based practice expenses and examination of the extent to which GME policies aid or inhibit expansion of family practice residencies.
- FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department.