Research Methodology
Developing and improving the science and methods of patient-centered outcomes research is a central part of PCORI’s work. PCORI’s Methodology Committee works to define methodological standards for this research and develop and regularly update a translation table to guide health care stakeholders towards the best methods for patient-centered outcomes research. Better methods will produce trusted information and lead to better health care decisions, and ultimately to better health.
The 17-member Methodology Committee is appointed by Comptroller General of the United States. For more information about the committee, please visit the following links:
Methodology Report
The Methodology Committee, in accordance with PCORI’s authorizing legislation, submitted to the Board of Governors on May 10, 2012, the first draft PCORI Methodology Report. Following a 54-day public comment period, the report’s draft Methodology Standards were revised and approved by the PCORI Board on November 19, 2012. A full narrative report, providing context for the standards, will be revised and published next spring. For more information, see:
- Draft Methodology Report (posted July 23, 2012)
- Public comments on the Draft Methodology Report (received July 23-September 14, 2012)
- Proposed revisions to the Methodology Standards by the PCORI Methodology Committee (published November 19, 2012)
- PCORI Methodology Standards (as adopted by the PCORI Board, Nov. 19; published Dec. 14)
- PCORI Methodology Committee Research Recommendations (as presented to the Board Nov. 19; published Dec. 14)
Note: Applicants responding to the PCORI Funding Announcements (PFAs) are required to adhere to the contents of the PCORI draft Methodology Report in developing their research plan.
Supporting the Committee’s Work
The Methodology Committee periodically conducts workshops and funds contract research to support its work to produce and update PCORI’s Methodology Report.
The following reports were produced to inform the first draft of the Methodology Report.
All statements in these reports, including their findings and conclusions, are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of PCORI, its Board of Governors or Methodology Committee. PCORI has not peer-reviewed or edited this content. The report is being made available free of charge for the information of the scientific community and general public as part of PCORI’s ongoing research programs. Questions or comments about this report may be sent to PCORI at info@pcori.org or by mail to 1828 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20036.
Methodology Workshops
Workshops to Support the Development of PCORI’s First Methodology Report:
Workshop on Methods for Setting Research Priorities – March 6-7, 2012 (Summary Report)
Workshop on Methods for Setting Research Priorities – March 6-7, 2012 (Workshop Presentation Slides)
Workshop on Incorporating the Patient Perspective into PCOR – March 6-7, 2012 (Summary Report)
Workshop on Incorporating the Patient Perspective into PCOR – March 6-7, 2012 (Workshop Presentation Slides)
Contractor Reports
Reports to Support the Development of PCORI’s First Methodology Report:
Review of Guidance Documents for Selected Methods in Patient Centered Outcomes Research
Standards for the Design, Conduct, and Evaluation of Adaptive Randomized Clinical Trials
Standards in the Conduct of Registry Studies for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Review and Synthesis of Evidence for Eliciting the Patient’s Perspective in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Integrating Patients’ Voices in Study Design Elements with a Focus on Hard-to-Reach Populations
Expert Stakeholder Interviews to Identify Evidence for Eliciting the Patient’s Perspective in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Eliciting Patient Perspective in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research – Expert Interviews Part 1
Eliciting Patient Perspective in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research – Expert Interviews Part 2
Eliciting Patient Perspective in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research – Expert Interviews Part 3
Eliciting Patient Perspective in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research – Expert Interviews Part 4
Methods for Setting Priorities in Research
Value of Information and Research Prioritization
Value-of-Information Analysis for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Prioritization
Peer Review – A Research Priority
Prioritizing Future Research through Examination of Research Gaps in Systematic Reviews
