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Complete Studies

 

Study of the comparative effectiveness and safety of oral medications for patients with Type 2 diabetes

• First objective was to demonstrate the capabilities of DARTNet compared to a commercially available, integrated medical claims database.
• Second objective was to identify limitations in traditional claims databases for which DARTNet could supply useful and otherwise unavailable information
  

 

Results:

• DARTNet was able to use a smaller patient sample and examine a broader range of data elements than possible with traditional claims database.
• Even with a smaller patient sample, DARTNet identified similarly sized panels of diabetic patients.
• DARTNet added useful clinical data (such as body weight, height, etc.) to the analysis of comparative effectiveness that would be left out when using a claims database.
• Study of two interventions for community acquired MRSA
• Study of interventions to improve medication management in ambulatory settings

 

Current Studies:

 

Exploring Ways to Improve Efficiency in Primary Care (AHRQ)

7/01/2009-12/31/2010

It is in this context that we seek to examine the state of the art in terms of understanding and addressing inefficiency waste in primary care. We propose a mixed methods approach that combines a rigorous examination of: 1) the extant literature on inefficiency waste in healthcare in general and in primary care practices, 2) primary care practice survey data from MGMA, and 3) selected primary care practices within CCGC to determine where the greatest inefficiency waste lies and devise strategies for reducing such waste while preserving or enhancing quality of care and patient safety.

 

 

Improving Medication Management in Ambulatory Care (AHRQ)

This project aims to improve medication management in the ambulatory clinics of University of Colorado Hospital. Specifically, the project seeks to improve: 1) chronic medication monitoring, particularly laboratory monitoring, 2) medication reconciliation and 3) timely review of monitoring results. The main process will be to facilitate the process of identifying, developing, testing, and implementing interventions to improve medication management.

 

 

SNOCAP-USA MRSA Task Order (AHRQ)

This project developed and tested two interventions consistent with the CDC’s guidelines on methicillin-resistant Staph aureus acquired in the community. Data on the current management of skin and soft tissue infections were collected from two DARTNet member organizations. These data were used to develop intervention strategies.

 

Reducing Inappropriate Prescribing of Antibiotics by Primary Care Clinicians (AHRQ)

8/24/2009-8/24/2010

We propose to indentify an intervention strategy to be tested, recruit primary care practices and clinicians that are active in the PBRN to participate in the project, assess the feasibility of implementing the intervention either through direct engagement with participating clinicians or limited pilot testing, implement and formally evaluate the intervention strategy.

 

Management by Primary Care Clinicians of Patients Suspected of Having CA-MRSA Infections (AHRQ)

9/01/2008-9/30/2010

We propose to develop two interventions consistent with the CDC CA-MRSA guidelines and to test these interventions in a clinical trial in two different health care systems. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we will evaluate the effect of the interventions, present a plan to disseminate the resluts, and prepare reports and manuscripts from the project.

 

Expanding DARTNet to conduct a comparative effectiveness study on major depression (AHRQ)

04/01/2009- 10/31/2010

The specific aims of this proposal are: Aim 1: Expand the Distributed Ambulatory Research in Therapeutics Network by including more primary care practices with a focus on adding general pediatrics practices, as well as expanding the breadth and number of non-primary care specialists in the network. Aim 2: Evaluate alternative data extraction and data sharing arrangements when adding large group practices, members through regional health information organizations and members through independent practice associations. Aim 3: Conduct an observational comparative effectiveness and safety study of different therapies for major depression. As part of this study evaluate the ability to track episodes of depression care and relate patient specific outcomes to these episodes. Aim 4: Develop a robust management and governance structure that will support the potential rapid growth of the network and be responsive to various stakeholders with interest in working with the network. Aim 5: Exchange knowledge and data with the diabetes consortium as appropriate.

A Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Learning Community in DARTNet (NHLBI)

10/01/2009-9/30/2011

This project proposes to improve the control of high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, two of the major reversible risk factors for all three of these serious cardiovascular problems, through, through innovative electronic audit and feebacl to primary care providers of more than 320,000 patients in the Distributed Ambulatory Research in Therapeutics Network.

 

 

Peers for Progress (AAFP)

3/01/2009-9/30/2011

Evaluation of the Implementation and Effectiveness of a Successful Diabetes Peer Mentoring Program.
This project will evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a Diabetes Peer Mentoring Program and apply those findings to a significantly different patient population. Peer mentors will assist mentees in daily management of diabetes, providing social and emotional support and linkages to community resources. The program will be implemented in 15 WellMed practices, which are currently part of DARTNet. The CINA clinical decision support system in place will guide data the collection for this project.

Implementing KDOQI Guidelines in Primary Care Practices (Fox)

10/01/2009-9/30/2011

The goal of this project is to study the process and benefits of implementing Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines into primary care practice. Specifically, this pilot research will measure the effectiveness of two approaches (one basic and one enhanced) to implementing national CKD guidelines in primary care settings and will explore factors related to barriers and benefits of KDOQI guideline implementation.

 

 

Patient-Pharmacist-Physician Partnership in the Patient-Centered Medical Home (AHRQ)

This project will evaluate the impact of pharmacists collaborating with physicians and patients to improve medication adherence, medication selection, patient outcomes and healthcare utilization. The project will use the physician’s EHR, the Continuity of Care Record (CCR), and the CINA clinical decision support systems to create a coordinated and collaborative approach to care. Practices involved in this study are DARTNet members and will import clinical information from Integrated Health Algorithms (IHA) pharmacists into the CDR. CINA and IHA will use the CCR as a transport mechanism to pass real time data between the practice and IHA.

 

 

DARTNet Overview (pdf)

 

Please visit the DARTNet website for more information or contact us.