NASHVILLE, Tenn. Neely Williams, Co-Principle Investigator (Co-PI) with Group Health Research Institute in partnership with the Mid-South CDRN, has been approved for a three-year $4.5 million funding award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to study obesity. The study aims to produce results faster and more efficiently by using PCORnet, the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network.
The Rev. Williams, of Nashville, has been involved as an advocate for patients and their perspectives in research for the past several years. Her work has allowed her to have an impact on a national level, including her role as a Co-Principle Investigator on this project.
Use of bariatric surgery to treat severe obesity has increased over the past 20 years, but there is inadequate evidence about the benefits, potential risks and other outcomes associated with each procedure. This study will compare the health benefits and safety associated with the three main methods of bariatric, or weight-loss, surgery to provide patients and their healthcare providers the information they need to choose which is best for them. The PCORnet bariatric study will examine the three most common procedures: gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding and sleeve gastrostomy. It will review data from records of 60,000 patients who had one of these three procedures in the past 10 years.
Williams, the patient principle investigator (PI), stated, “I am passionate about working for solutions to health issues that are shattering the lives of individuals in our community. I am excited and honored to be a member of this research team; I am certain this work will positively impact patients' lives pre- and post-surgery. My assignment is to ensure that the patients' voices are heard and that their concerns are considered throughout the research process.”
Vanderbilt’s Mid-South CDRN is one of 10 clinical research data networks that will participate in this study, with the Vanderbilt effort led by David Schlundt, Ph.D., a health psychologist and obesity researcher. The Mid-South CDRN includes three major networks: Vanderbilt Health System, the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network and Greenway Health. Together these networks include over 20 million patients.
This study award continues PCORI’s efforts to develop PCORnet, a large, collaborative research initiative designed to link researchers, patient communities, clinicians and health systems in productive research partnerships that leverage the power of large volumes of health data maintained by the partner networks. PCORnet will enable the nation to conduct clinical research more quickly and less expensively than is now possible and will ensure that research focuses on the questions and outcomes that matter most to patients and those who care for them.
To date, PCORI has approved or awarded over $260 million to develop PCORnet and conduct demonstration research studies using its resources. The funding award to Group Health Research Institute/Neely Williams Co-PI has been approved by PCORI’s Board pending completion of a business and programmatic review by PCORI staff and issuance of a formal award contract.
About the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
PCORI is an independent, nonprofit 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 healthcare decisions. For more information about PCORI’s funding, visit www.pcori.org.
About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance
Founded in 1999, the Alliance bridges the institutions of Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University. Its mission is to enrich learning and advance clinical research by developing and supporting mutually beneficial partnerships between Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University and the communities they serve.
