The AAMC submitted comments March 15 to the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) in response to the institute’s request for information (RFI), Enhancing Workforce Development to Accelerate Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, to collect feedback as it explores programs and funding initiatives.
In its comments, the association praised PCORI for establishing a workforce development unit that will identify strategies for equipping current and future PCOR leaders with relevant tools and skills and expressed support of the institute’s work to achieve goals identified through its strategic plan [refer to Washington Highlights, Aug. 27, 2021, Feb. 4, 2022]. “Strengthening both the workforce that specializes in this research as well as the systems that support it will produce positive outcomes for patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and health systems,” the letter stated.
The AAMC provided PCORI with the following general recommendations:
- Further disseminate PCOR tools and trainings developed through their award programs to inform other health systems about approaches and techniques for supporting the health research workforce.
- Highlight and encourage multidisciplinary partnerships both within and across systems, including community collaborations.
- Develop collaborations with organizations and institutions committed to advancing K-12 education.
- Utilize the AAMC as a resource for data and work supporting the career development and advancement for learners and scholars who have been historically underrepresented in the medical and research workforce.
In closing, the AAMC encouraged PCORI to engage with the association and its member institutions as it identifies approaches for supporting the development and training of a diverse PCOR workforce.