This special funding announcement will support projects that help communities increase their ability to participate across all phases of patient-centered outcomes research/comparative clinical effectiveness research (PCOR/CER) while responding to societal changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We also seek to fund organizations and community groups to actively disseminate PCORI-funded research results during the pandemic. We invite applicants to explore virtual or distanced methods of engagement, and to generate new questions and evidence needs across stakeholder groups.

Because of the urgent needs COVID-19 presents, this funding announcement does not require Letters of Inquiry. A full proposal is due at the time of submission, with projects to begin by either July 1 or August 1, 2020. Prospective applicants can watch a virtual information session to answer questions they might have about the process.

As with all Engagement Awards, organizations applying for funding through this opportunity must have strong ties to patients, caregivers, clinicians, and other stakeholders they can engage as partners in PCOR/CER in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic.​ Projects will strengthen the skills of stakeholders to engage in PCOR/CER using creative approaches that follow all local and federal guidelines on social distancing measures.

Projects should address emerging needs, with an emphasis on the PCOR/CER needs of front-line and end-user communities facing the COVID-19 pandemic, including clinicians, policy makers, hospitals, and health systems. Projects funded through this opportunity will also equip organizations to manage ongoing adaptations that arise in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Application Deadline: May 22, 2020