Clinical Directors Network (CDN - www.CDNetwork.org) brings together academic researchers and community health center clinicians to study social science theories in real-world settings for the benefit of underserved patients. Federally-funded Community Health Centers (CHCs) represent a strategic setting for academic researchers to collaborate with community health practitioners on practice-based research. CHCs provide care to over 8 million users, with a workforce of 4000 physicians, 1000 dentists and 2000 nurse practitioners/physician assistants. Adherence to professional recommendations represent an opportunity to provide critical experiments to test social and behavioral theories in diverse multi-cultural patient settings. Several ongoing (NIH-funded) clinical trials conducted by CDN will be presented in terms of the methods and underlying social science theories they evaluate. [1]Prevention Care Management (PCM) Study 1 [2](NCI) tests the PRECEDE model, which considers predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors which promote behavior change as applied to cancer early detection in women. [3]Stress Management and Relaxation Training/Expressive Supportive Therapies (SMART/EST), [4](NIMH) tests social learning and coping self-efficacy theories in HIV+ women who receive group vs individual cognitive-behavioral stress management and health education. [5]Testing Interventions to Improve Blood Pressure Control, [6](NHLBI) examines behavioral and cognitive learning theories as well as reinforcement and self-regulation strategies in poorly controlled hypertensives. These clinical trials test social science theories in real-world settings, and diffuse new knowledge through collaboration, while improving the health services offered to neglected populations. Findings from clinical studies conducted in CHCs have potential impact for large numbers of underserved patients across the USA. See www.CDNetwork.org
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the benefits of clinical research for improving access to care 2. Understand the role of social and behavioral theories in planning and implementing practice-based research 3.Understand the sources of conflict between researchers and clinical practitioners
Keywords: Community-Based Health Care, Community Health Centers
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by CDN, whose programs will be described in the session.