[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 119 (Tuesday, June 22, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33292-33293]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-15865]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Agency for Health Care Policy and Research


Request for Expressions of Interest (``RFEI'')

A. Background

    In January, 1999, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research 
(AHCPR) published a request for applications (RFA: HS-99-003, 
Translating Evidence into Practice [TRIP]) to conduct research related 
to implementing evidence-based tools and information in diverse health 
care settings among practitioners caring for diverse populations. 
Applications were sought for studies that applied innovative strategies 
for implementing evidence-based tools and information and would be able 
to demonstrate improved clinical practice and sustained practitioner 
behavior change.
    In fiscal year 2000, AHCPR plans to publish a second research 
solicitation focused on translating research into practice (TRIP-II). 
The aim of this solicitation will be to encourage partnerships between 
health care systems (e.g., integrated health service delivery systems, 
academic health systems, managed care programs including HMOs, practice 
networks, etc.) and researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of 
different strategies for improving the quality of care. To concentrate 
the TRIP-II effort, we will ask partners to address at least one of the 
following priorities:
     The six focus areas selected by the Department of Health 
and Human Services in which racial and ethnic minorities experience 
serious disparities in health access and outcomes:
    (a) Infant Mortality
    (b) Cancer Screening and Management
    (c) Cardiovascular Disease
    (d) Diabetes
    (e) HIV Infection/AIDS
    (f) Immunizations
     Pediatric Asthma
     Medical Errors and Patient Safety
    AHCPR has a particular interest in health systems that utilize the 
strengths of information systems for implementing strategies for 
quality improvement.

B. Purpose

    The purpose of this Federal Register Notice is to identify health 
care systems which have begun or plan to develop programs in the above 
referenced areas and would be willing to partner with a research team 
in response to the TRIP-II solicitation. When the TRIP-II solicitation 
(request for applications or RFA) is published, health care systems 
interested in exploring partnerships with researchers will be listed in 
the RFA. Health care systems which have already established 
relationships with researchers--either internally or in academic 
settings--and who do not wish to be listed in the FRA itself will be 
eligible to apply. Health care systems which do not have existing 
relationships with researchers and choose not to respond to this RFEI 
are not precluded from responding with appropriate research partners to 
the TRIP-II RFA. The benefit of responding to this RFEI, however, will 
be helpful in facilitating the development of those relationships.
    Along with a letter expressing interest in partnerships, we would 
also appreciate suggestions and ideas regarding how AHCPR can encourage 
meaningful partnerships between researchers and health care systems. 
Suggestions and ideas are welcome independent of letters expressing 
interest.

C. Dates

    We are requesting that letters of interest be submitted no later 
than August 4, 1999. These letters should

[[Page 33293]]

include names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of key 
contacts in the health care system and/or the academic setting if 
identified and potential research topic. The letter of interest is not 
binding and does not enter into the consideration of any subsequent 
application. The letter should also clearly state willingness to be 
listed in the RFA or a preference not to be listed.

D. Address

    Letters of interest should be addressed to: Carolyn M. Clancy, MD, 
Director, Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research, Agency for 
Health Care Policy and Research, 6010 Executive Boulevard, Suite 300, 
Rockville, MD 20852, E-mail: [email protected].

    Dated: June 17, 1999.
John M. Eisenberg,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 99-15865 Filed 6-21-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-90-M