Methods Labs
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ADAPT houses three methods labs that provide both scientific and logistical support to investigators and trainees. These labs cover major methodologies critical to health services research and VA priorities. Broadly, these labs support investigators in developing and carrying out methodologically rigorous and innovative studies through individual consultations, group meetings, and various training opportunities. Details of each lab follow. |
Data to Knowledge (D2K) Lab |
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The Data to Knowledge (D2K) Lab supports study teams with methodological expertise in measurement and analysis for the full range of studies, from quasi-experimental studies to pragmatic clinical trials. Overarching functions include: 1) Teaching innovative HSR methods by hosting a seminar series and journal club; 2) Consulting with investigators on methodological challenges by providing input during proposal development; 3) Supporting Career Development Award (CDA) applicants by meeting quarterly with fellows planning CDA submissions and CDA awardees and their mentors starting in their second year; 4) Communicating best practices for methods reporting by providing targeted review of ADAPT manuscripts upon request and sharing best practices for communicating complex methods. The D2K Lab leaders possess collective expertise in non-randomized designs, individual- and cluster-randomized trials, machine learning, and causal inference methods. D2Kband works closely with Data and Biostatistics Core and is coordinated by Portfolio Managers who oversee research studies with relevant methodological frameworks. |
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Led by Matt Maciejewski, PhD (Matthew.Maciejewski@va.gov), Kelli Allen, PhD (Kelli.Allen@va.gov), and Paul Dennis, PhD (Paul.Dennis@va.gov) |
Partnered Research Methods (PRESTO) Lab |
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The Partnered Research Methods Core supports ADAPT as a way for investigators to directly engage with stakeholders that their research affects. The Vision Statement of the Partnered Research Methods Core is “Collaborative Science that empowers veterans to a healthier future”, and the mission Statement is “Building Capacity by fostering partnerships for more relevant science”. The main goals of the Partnered Research Methods Core are to increase ADAPT’S capacity to conduct meaningful robust and equitable Veteran engaged research and, to build a highly functional infrastructure to support partner engagement efforts. The Partnered Research Methods Core leads the Veteran Research Engagement Panel (VetREP). The purpose of VetREP is to allow for Veterans and caregivers of Veterans who sit on the panel to have their voices heard by researchers here at the center. VetREP collaborates with VA researchers to improve research related to Veterans’ health and health care by providing feedback on new and ongoing research and evaluation of projects involving Veterans. This consists of (but not limited to) setting research priorities and developing research questions, designing research studies (e.g., recruitment approach, perceived feasibility of intervention, selection of outcomes that are important to Veterans), and creating, reviewing, and providing feedback on research materials (e.g., focus group guides, print materials, surveys). The Panel meets monthly and holds research consults for investigators to get feedback about certain aspects of their projects. The core is also actively working on a Quality Improvement project to gauge frontline providers interest in engaging with the center and what we can do to support the relationship. |
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Led by Jennifer Gierisch, PhD (Jennifer.Gierisch@va.gov) and Nathan Boucher (Nathan.Boucher@va.gov) |
Implementation & Improvement Science Lab |
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The Implementation and Improvement Science Lab seeks to both support the conduct of implementation science and aligning of resources needed to conduct successful partnered research and evaluation within ADAPT. The Lab brings together ADAPT faculty, research staff and fellows to: 1) Conduct regular training and information sessions about implementation and improvement science through a “Let’s Talk Implementation Science” series; 2) Conduct an internal rapid response review process for grant and operational opportunities with VA operational partners to help investigators consider both methodological and resource/operational aspects of such partnerships; 3) Coordinate the linkage of research and operational innovation activities at the Durham VA Health Care System and Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 6 to enhance the linkage of activities with the Durham VA; 4) Conduct methodologic consultations with investigators and fellows seeking to conduct implementation and partnered research; and 5) Review implementation and dissemination plans for submitted VA HSR grants. The Implementation and Improvement Science Lab collaborates closely with other ADAPT methods labs, the focused areas of research, and operational cores, as well as with 2 QUERI Programs and 2 QUERI Partnered Evaluation Initiatives with Durham principal investigators to develop a community of individuals who share perspectives and methods aimed at conducting high quality implementation and improvement science. |
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Led by George Jackson, PhD (George.Jackson@va.gov) and Heather King, PhD (Heather.King@va.gov) |
