Phased Large Awards for Comparative Effectiveness Research (PLACER)

The goal of the Phased Large Awards for Comparative Effectiveness Research (PLACER) PCORI funding announcement (PFA) is to support large-scale, high-impact randomized trials in comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) whose risk in achieving their research aims merit an initial period of testing and refinement to determine their feasibility and viability and maximize the likelihood of full-scale trial success. The initial period of testing, termed the feasibility phase, allows robust and diverse stakeholder input and engagement to assess equipoise among study participants (such as health systems, clinicians, and patients) and thus maximize their participation in the research study. As appropriate and necessary, the feasibility phase allows for refinement of the research question, outcomes, data collection methods, and data instruments. The feasibility phase is expected to include empiric testing of recruitment and enrollment assumptions and the feasibility of study conduct to detect and address unanticipated challenges to study execution before a full-scale study is implemented. Statistical rigor and power are likewise strengthened by using the feasibility phase to work collaboratively with the expertise of a Data Coordinating Center (DCC) to refine and finalize the final study size, design, and statistical analyses.

This funding opportunity seeks applications addressing three of PCORI’s National Priorities for Health. To be considered responsive, applications must propose research that meets this PFA’S distinctive requirements and addresses at least one of the following National Priorities for Health:

• Increase Evidence for Existing Interventions and Emerging Innovations in Health. Goal: Strengthen and expand ongoing comparative clinical effectiveness research focused on both existing interventions and emerging innovations to improve healthcare practice, health outcomes, and health equity.
• Accelerate Progress Toward an Integrated Learning Health System. Goal: Foster actionable, timely, place-based, and transformative improvements in patient-centered experiences, care provision, and ultimately improved health outcomes through collaborative, multisectoral research to support a health system that understands and serves the needs and preferences of individuals.
• Achieve Health Equity. Goal: Expand stakeholder engagement, research, and dissemination approaches that lead to continued progress toward achieving health equity in the United States.

Applicants will be asked to select one of these three National Priorities as primary, and if relevant, a secondary and/or tertiary National Priority in their Letter of Intent (LOI) and, if invited, a full application.

Program Requirements: https://www.pcori.org/sites/default/files/PCORI-2023-Cycle-2-PLACER-PFA.pdf#page=7

General Research Requirements: https://www.pcori.org/sites/default/files/PCORI-2023-Cycle-2-PLACER-PFA.pdf#page=16

Estimated Total Program Funding: