B2: Align advocacy efforts with the 2021 NASEM report and forthcoming action plan to build momentum and increase support for family medicine research, including the creation of an Office of Primary Care Research

• 2021 NASEM Report: Implementing High-Quality Primary Care
• 2021 NASEM Report: Policy Brief

Responsible Committee: American Board of Family Medicine

Action Steps: 

1. Create a data-driven story through a convening of primary care researchers and NIH insiders to support creation of a funded office that supports research able to promote the health of people.
2. Advocate for the NASEM standing committee on primary care to work with the NIH to advise Congress on a plan to develop a plan for primary care research at the NIH, incl NIH funding for NASEM standing committee task report on primary care research

Current Activities: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the launch of the CARE for Health™ initiative, a pilot to test the feasibility of a network of networks to embed clinical research in primary care settings. 
Currently, six prominent research hubs anchor this initiative:

• Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU): PRaCTICE Network, connecting rural practices across the Northwest.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW): Wisconsin Research and Education Network (WREN).
• West Virginia University (WVU): West Virginia Rural Roots to Research (WVR3) Network.
• University of Alabama – Birmingham (UAB): Primary Care HEART-NET, collaborating with the Universities of Arkansas and Mississippi.
• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC): PRIME-OK.
• University of New Mexico (UNM): PC-BRIDGE.

Research studies conducted by these hubs include:

• iREACH: Enhancing online weight-loss strategies for rural adults.
• Hearing Healthcare: Expanding rural access via tele-audiology.
• GEMS: Integrating geriatric care into cancer survivorship.
• SUPERA: Combining digital CBT with peer support for Spanish-speaking patients.
• TAICHIKNEE: Evaluating web-based tai chi for knee osteoarthritis.
• BeatPain: Reducing opioid use through tele-coaching.
• Co-Care: Implementing collaborative substance use treatments in community clinics.
• TRUST: Optimizing gout management strategies.

Funding AHRQ

B3: Continue advocacy to increase funding for AHRQ National Center for Excellence in Primary Care Research and support efforts to direct other sources of funding to primary care research (e.g. foundations, payers, venture capital and other federal agencies such as: PCORI, CDC, and HRSA)

Responsible Committee: Council of Academic Family Medicine (CAFM)

Action Steps: 

1. Advocate for AHRQ to allocate half of the PCOR trust fund funding to primary care projects, and as one tactic to accomplish this goal, FMLC member orgs should nominate more FM reps to AHRQ National Advisory Council, including nominating NAPCRG PaCE members for public/patient NAC positions.
2. Facilitate formation of a consortium of foundation funders to establish a funding initiative in Primary care research

Current Activities: STFM and Nina DeJonghe continue to lead advocacy efforts through ongoing CAFM initiatives, strategically engaging members by providing regular updates on key issues and legislation via social media and Connect posts.

Tips for Obtaining Funding for Primary Care Research

B4: Advocate for increased funding for Departments of Family Medicine from institutional leadership

Responsible Committee: ADFM Research Development Committee

Action Steps:

1. Build collaborations with other primary care domains to collectively advocate to the Dean - build on strengths as collaborators

Current Activities: Advocacy efforts for increased funding are currently deprioritized due to the uncertainty of the US political climate and the need to focus on minimizing federal reductions and cuts.

B5: Identify and promote promising practices for chairs to support and fund research participation within their departments and institutions

Responsible Committee: ADFM Research Development Committee

Action Steps: 

1. Create the content of a curriculum for chairs on how a chair can best support research in their environment

Current Activities: The Research Directors and Chairs Committee designed a specialized curriculum and asynchronous learning sessions for newly appointed Family Medicine Department chairs, aimed at evaluating and enhancing research capacity within their departments. This program emphasizes key insights and best practices in the areas of regulatory compliance, ecosystem, infrastructure development, and fiscal management.