Since its launch, PCORnet®, the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network, has become synonymous with impactful, pragmatic research conducted at national scale. To support more quality, patient-centered research, Network leadership worked in close partnership with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to launch the PCORnet Study Designation program.

A study designated as a PCORnet study is one that meets criteria demonstrating commitment to conducting important patient-centered research differently, and that, in turn, benefits from the full support of PCORnet and its continued growth as a learning health network. Achieving PCORnet Study Designation is an accomplishment that research teams can use when promoting their studies and results.

“Study designation is one way that we support research efforts that are designed specifically in service to the patient, from engagement in the design and conduct of studies to dissemination of results,” said Russell Rothman, MD, the Chair of the PCORnet Steering Committee.  “If we can help those studies succeed by offering the knowledge and lessons learned from the studies and experts in the Network, we can help ensure research that matters to patients continues to progress—and, at the end of the day, that’s what the Network is all about.”

Some of the most consequential studies conducted through PCORnet carry Study Designation, including ADAPTABLE, HERO, PREVENTABLE, MedWeight and more. To qualify for Study Designation, a research project must:

• Include two or more PCORnet Clinical Research Networks, or “CRNs”
• Ensure that participants and patients are engaged throughout the project lifecycle
• Are committed to broad dissemination of findings and returning study results to participants
• Agree to share study progress, performance metrics, and best practices with the Network regularly
• Leverage the PCORnet Common Data Model as appropriate

The Designation Process

Requests for Study Designation are submitted to the PCORnet Front Door for administrative review and intake, and then are reviewed by impartial volunteers from across the Network. Reviewers can approve, deny, or request clarification, and typically a decision is reached within two weeks of submission. Once approved, the Network is deeply invested in the quality and success of these efforts. That’s why Designated Studies enjoy a robust level of support across the Network through regular communication with experts at PCORnet CRNs and the PCORnet Coordinating Center. Designated studies are also required to share monthly metrics for start-up, enrollment, safety and more, which embeds transparency and accountability into the process.

To learn more, check out our Study Designation Fact Sheet.