NIH: Research Centers for Population-based Research to Optimize Cancer Screening (PROSPR) Initiative

Deadline: 9 February 2017

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is currently seeking proposals from eligible entities for its program titled- Research Centers for Population-based Research to Optimize Cancer Screening (PROSPR) Initiative.

Population-based Research to Optimize the Screening Process (PROSPR) is the National Cancer Institute (NCI) program to promote research aimed at evaluating and improving the cancer screening process. As a part of the reissued PROSPR program, this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) solicits applications for PROSPR UM1 Research Centers. A companion FOA (RFA-CA-16-017) will support a PROSPR U24 Coordinating Center.

The overall goal for PROSPR Research Centers is to enhance understanding of the implementation and effects of screening as practiced in multiple, heterogeneous healthcare environments in the United States.

Program Priorities

Types of observational research studies that may be proposed by a PRC include:

Comparative effectiveness: compare the benefits and harms of alternative screening regimens (e.g., utilization of different screening modalities, at varying intervals, or tailoring screening strategies to individuals’ underlying risk of developing the cancer of interest; performance of alternative follow-up regimens among those with abnormalities diagnosed at screening).
Characterizing screening process failures: study determinants of breakdowns at any step of the process including:
- failure to recruit eligible patients into the screening process;
- failure to perform appropriate diagnostic follow-up of those with abnormal screening results; or
- failures of screening or diagnostic tests to detect disease, due to inherent performance characteristics, subjective interpretation by and differential skills of those performing the tests and/or reading the test results, or the environment in which the test is conducted. Study of factors associated with over-screening or over-surveillance (e.g., in ineligibles or overly frequently), or factors associated with false-positive rates for screening or diagnostic tests, are also encouraged.
Characterization of the health care environment: how do characteristics of the component healthcare systems of the PRC (e.g., organized screening programs, reminder systems, communication between provider teams, incentive structures) positively or negatively impact the cancer screening process?
Differential experience of racial/ethnic minority or socioeconomically or otherwise disadvantaged populations: how does the screening process differ in medically underserved populations, and what is needed to improve screening-related care in these populations?
Simulation modeling to determine which potential intervention points within the screening process have the most potential to improve patient outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

City or township governments
Private institutions of higher education
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Small businesses
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Special district governments
Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification)
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Independent school districts
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
State governments
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
County governments
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs)
Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
Faith-based or Community-based Organizations
Hispanic-serving Institutions
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized)
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations)
Regional Organizations
Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
U.S. Territory or Possession
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply.
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.
Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.