Addressing Violence and Trauma Topical PCORI Funding

People experience fatal and non-fatal injuries each year resulting in hospitalizations, emergency department visits or primary and urgent care visits. While the types of traumatic experiences vary, any exposure to trauma, especially in childhood, can have adverse effects on mental and physical health. For those with mental health or substance use conditions, psychological trauma is an almost universal experience. Given that both psychological and physical trauma negatively impact health outcomes, PCORI is interested in studies addressing both aspects, either separately or concurrently.  In addition, PCORI recognizes the importance of leveraging trauma-informed care as part of a multi-level approach to psychological and physical trauma. Trauma-informed care acknowledges the prevalence of trauma and the impact of trauma on individuals who experience it and cultivates healthcare practices based on this understanding.  

Research is required for health systems to appropriately address violence and trauma and effectively overcome clinical challenges associated with identification and treatment of affected and at-risk populations. Such research may require a multi-level approach, as violence can affect many parts of our society and has a ripple effect, from the individual patient suffering the trauma, to the patient’s caregiver, to the health system responsible for the patient’s immediate care as well as longer term aspects of their recovery and rehabilitation, and ultimately the patient’s re-integration back into their community.  

PCORI is interested in patient-centered CER of clinical interventions and health system strategies that focus on community-based and hospital-based interventions to address violence and trauma. Of note, studies with an intervention arm that solely involves utilization of a community health worker (CHW) or a patient navigator will be considered non-responsive; however, it will be acceptable to embed CHW outreach or patient navigation into patient-centered CER study questions that address social needs and integrate these professionals as part of a broader organizational intervention strategy for violence and trauma.  This funding announcement will accept applications with direct costs up to $12 million dollars and up to five years in duration. For this funding announcement, applicants may request coverage of patient care costs (including medical products, procedures and care services) for potential funding by PCORI. These costs are included as part of the overall direct cost maximum. Please contact PCORI at pfa@pcori.org to schedule a consultation. For additional information, please see here.