KOSEN 한인과학기술자네트워크

Epidemiology, Services and Prevention Research Primary Sponsor: Department of Health and Human Services Deadline: 4/1/2001; 8/1/2001; 12/1/2001 KEYWORDS A. Prevention Research Branch (PRB) The Prevention Research Branch (PRB) supports a program of research in drug abuse and drug related HIV prevention to (a) examine the efficacy and effectiveness of new and innovative theory-based prevention approaches, (b) determine the components of research-based intervention strategies and programs that account for effectiveness of approaches, (c) clarify organizational, management, and delivery factors related to the effective and efficient provision of prevention services, and (d) develop and test methodologies appropriate for studying these complex aspects of prevention science.For examples of areas of interest, see NIDA-PRB.htm. Prevention Research Prevention research is encouraged to conduct rigorous scientific study of multiple component substance abuse prevention technologies to be implemented through multiple levels of the social environment including: the family, schools, peer groups and organizations, the workplace, health care systems, etc. The purpose of this research is to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of programming or technologies in preventing the onset of drug use and progression to abuse and addiction. Technologies should entail a comprehensive approach at the universal, selective, and/or indicated levels. Universal prevention interventions target the general public or a whole population group. Selective prevention interventions target individuals or a subgroup of the population with defined risk factors for substance abuse. Indicated preventive interventions target individuals or subgroups who are identified as having detectable signs or symptoms foreshadowing drug abuse and addiction and who have not met diagnostic criteria. NIDA encourages the development and testing of innovative prevention intervention technologies that are sensitive and relevant to cultural and gender differences. These technologies may include, but need not be limited to, the Internet, CD-ROM programs, test materials and videos, as well as tele-training via satellite, computer-assisted instruction, and virtual reality. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to: A. Methodological research in the field of drug abuse prevention on promising data collection, analyses and reporting techniques that are sensitive and relevant to cultural and gender differences. B. Studies that assess reliability and validity of self-report, physiological, and biochemical measures for use in prevention trials under a variety of settings. C. Laboratory studies of the mechanisms and effects of persuasive communication (e.g., mass media and print media) on drug related cognition, affect, motivational levels, and behaviors. D. Research on the development of risk profiles and assessment methodologies for identification of individuals at-risk for drug abuse. E. Design and testing of developmentally appropriate and psychometrically sound diagnostic instruments and observation systems for young children and preadolescents. F. Prevention materials and methods development for prevention service delivery in settings that are seldom utilized, i.e., health care systems, workplace, school health. G. Prevention services research on how drug abuse prevention programs are organized, financed, delivered, and utilized. H. Prevention intervention dissemination technologies, mechanisms, and links that integrate research with practice; specifically the transfer of drug abuse prevention information to practitioners, policy makers, and the public. I. Development of community needs assessment tools and services. J. Training modules for program implementors of research based substance abuse prevention programs. K. Strategies for integration of proven prevention approaches into existing service delivery systems. L. Decomposition of prevention programs to understand components that account for program effectiveness. Larry A. Seitz, Ph.D. (301) 402-1725 Email: ls75t@nih.gov B. Epidemiology Research Branch (ERB) The Epidemiology Research Branch (ERB) supports an extramural program for epidemiologic research concerning drug abuse which includes (a) incidence and prevalence of drug abuse (in various stages) and related conditions such as HIV/AIDS among general and specific subpopulations, (b) identification and study of resiliency and risk factors associated with drug abuse and related conditions, (c) etiologic studies on the origins and pathways of drug use during various stages of human development, (d) methodological studies designed to measure and improve the accuracy, collection, and reporting of data on drug abuse and related conditions, (e) development of innovative statistical approaches and research designs leading toward improved analysis of drug abuse characteristics, (f) international epidemiologic studies on drug use patterns, etiologic factors, and related concerns in various national and regional contexts. For examples of areas of interest, see NIDA-ERB.htm. Assessment and Improvement of the Validity of Sensitive Data Collected in Drug Use Surveys The accuracy and validity of self-report of drug use and related behaviors and consequences in the context of epidemiologic surveys is a matter of great concern. Research is needed on various methods of survey data collection that assures more accurate reporting. Techniques such as those based on variations in standard survey protocols, and those based on use of computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) or computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) methods are encouraged. James Colliver, Ph.D. (301) 443-6637 Email: jc163b@nih.gov Micodata Disclosure Analysis In the drug abuse field some data sets cannot be released for secondary analysis because of the possibility of disclosure of sensitive information about individuals and organizations. Even without individual identifiers (such as name, address, etc.), disclosure might occur through matching with administrative databases, computer-assisted searching of files to find records with particular data, or, more benignly, through researchers' presentation of summary data for categories small enough to allow inferences regarding particular individuals or organizations. For data from surveys with complex sample designs, this problem is complicated by the need to provide record-level sampling information to support appropriate data analysis. Development of (1) methods for assessing the contents of microdata files (especially longitudinal data) to determine the risk of disclosure of identifying information and (2) methods of modifying data files to substantially reduce the risk of disclosure while maintaining their usefulness for research would facilitate the availability of files for secondary analysis. Most important is the development of techniques designed to quantitatively access the amount of disclosure risk so that decisions can be made regarding the modification or exclusion of microdata elements. James Colliver (301) 443-6637 Email: jc186b@nih.gov Development of Standardized Instruments for Measuring Illicit Drug Use, Abuse, and Dependence Accurate instruments for identifying and classifying use, abuse, and addiction of illicit substances are essential in research on the epidemiology, etiology, and consequences of these disorders and in studies of the progression from drug use to abuse and addiction. Currently, abuse and addiction of illicit drugs can be defined using a variety of diagnostic instruments; they include the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, American Psychiatric Association, lCD 10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, World Health Organization), and others. The development of new or enhanced protocols for measuring use, abuse, and addiction should be based on state-of-the-art technology (e.g., use of computer assisted survey information collection systems) resulting in a high level of reliability, validity, and accuracy when used in a variety of survey settings (e.g., cross-sectional household surveys or retrospective cohort studies utilizing data solicited via personal visit, telephone, or mail) and population domains (e.g., general household population, children, homeless, institutionalized). The development of a culturally sensitive instrument that includes measures of risk factors associated with the initiation and continuation of drug use is particularly encouraged. James Colliver (301 443-6637 Email: jc186b@nih.gov C. Community Research Branch The Community Research Branch (CRB) supports research that focuses on the epidemiology, etiology, and prevention of adverse behavioral and social consequences associated with drug abuse which includes research to (a) identify, describe, and estimate the prevalence and incidence of adverse effects associated with drug abuse, (b) investigate the antecedents and determinants of adverse outcomes associated with drug abuse, (c) explore the role of emerging patterns of drug abuse on adverse behavioral and social outcomes (e.g., education attainment, violence, poverty) as well as the role of adverse outcomes on further drug involvement, and (d) develop, implement, and evaluate prevention interventions to mitigate or contribute to adverse consequences of drug abuse. For examples of areas of interest, see NIDA-CRB.htm. Instrument Development for Assessing Community Factors that Affect Drug Use and its Consequences Essential to the assessment and analysis of the relationship between contextual/environmental, sociocultural factors, and health is the consideration of community milieu, as the social, physical and economic characteristics of the community context can have both short- and long-term consequences for community members’ physical and psychological well-being. In order to elucidate this important connection between community characteristics and behavioral and social consequences of drug use, this announcement is soliciting applications for the development of community diagnostic instruments to facilitate psychometrically sound assessment of such factors. In this context, community is defined in its broadest sense to include social groups comprised of individuals who have formed attachments based on a variety of shared factors, such as, kinship, beliefs and values, race and ethnicity, and territory (e.g. neighborhood). Instruments are needed to provide local specificity on the physical characteristics as well as the characteristics of important social groups (including the dynamic nature of individuals involvement in such social groups). Such standardized assessments of community characteristics are needed to better understand the full impact of drug use on behavior and to develop targeted interventions to specific community needs. The consequences of drug use and/or abuse in society take a profound toll on families, schools, and other community institutions and burden the criminal justice, health care, and social welfare systems. Consequences of interest include, but are not limited to, educational and occupational problems (illiteracy, school dropout, unemployment, job absenteeism and turnover), individual criminal activities (violence, vandalism, homicides, sexual abuse, delinquency), and poverty, homelessness, gang activities, drug trafficking and distribution systems, and family disruption and dislocation (family violence, divorce). Yet, research to enhance the understanding of how community factors affect the prevalence and incidence of such outcomes is hindered by a lack of standardized measurement instruments to aid in defining and assessing critical community factors. Jacques Normand, Ph.D. (301) 443-4060 Email: jn86a@nih.gov D. Services Research Branch (SRB) The Services Research Branch (SRB) supports a program of research on the effectiveness of drug abuse treatment with a focus on the quality, cost, access to, and cost-effectiveness of care for drug abuse dependence disorders. Primary research foci include: (a) the effectiveness and cost-benefits and cost-effectiveness of drug abuse treatment, (b) factors affecting treatment access, utilization, and health and behavioral outcomes for defined populations, (c) the effects of organization, financing, and management of services on treatment outcomes, (d) drug abuse service delivery systems and models, such as continuity of care, stages of change, or service linkage and integration models, and (e) drug abuse treatment services for HIV seropositive patients and for those at risk of infection. For examples of areas of interest, see NIDA-SRB.htm. Clinical Staff Management and Development Strategies This SBIR initiative will support research to design and test effective models to manage clinical drug abuse treatment staff, to systematically monitor patient problems and clinical issues, and to provide staff development to improve the quality and outcomes of care. Bennett Fletcher, Ph.D. (301) 443-2274 Email: bf31v@nih.gov Drug Abuse Treatment Economic Research This initiative will support research to design and develop data systems for financial management and economic analysis of treatment programs and larger systems in new healthcare settings and managed care networks. Managerial decision-making requires the implementation of sophisticated data systems to facilitate routine budgeting processes, allocation of resources, performance measurement, and pricing decisions. The focus is on the needs of managers within the organization and managers outside of the organization. Data system development must be based on standard cost behavior and profit analysis. Data systems must be designed with correct cost concepts (accounting and economic) in order to permit cost and pricing decisions to be developed for new treatment technologies and management of on going systems. In research settings, such an initiative is vital for the assessment of new technologies developed for transfer to practice. William S. Cartwright, Ph.D. (301) 443-4060 Email: wc34b@nih.gov Personnel Selection Technology Research for Drug Abuse Treatment Clinics NIDA would be interested in supporting small innovative research that develops and validates generic selection systems that could be adopted and tailored for use by drug abuse treatment clinics. Like many small businesses, drug abuse treatment clinics have problems attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Also like many small businesses, treatment clinics have limited resources to apply to the recruiting and hiring of new and replacement personnel. Though reliable data are lacking, a great many clinic directors complain of high annual staff turnover rates. This has been attributed anecdotally to poor quality of work life, low wages, low skill levels, incompatibilities with the clinic’s treatment philosophy, and the high stress of working with drug abusers. Research has shown that the application of standardized selection methods designed to maximize person-job fit can cost-effectively reduce staff turnover. Systematic methods such as background inventories, protocol-driven interviews, aptitude tests, and credit checks have demonstrated validity for improving person-job fit. Examples of possible projects might include development of easy-to-understand guidance about legal considerations in hiring practices, software that transform job task analysis into selection criteria, interview protocols to standardize applicant screening, tolls to help improve recruitment, and/or self-paced training for hiring officials or interview panels to improve screening reliability. Thomas F. Hilton (301) 435-0808 Email: Tom.Hilton@nih.gov Customer Retention Technology Premature disengagement from drug abuse treatment participation is a common problem and ranges from approximately 30 to 60% based upon the clinic and modality studied. Past research has very frequently attributed dropping out of treatment to participant characteristics (e.g., motivation, addiction severity, co-morbidity) and/or environmental factors (e.g., social pressures, unemployment, homelessness). Seldom has the dropout problem been studied in the context of customer satisfaction. That is, there is little research looking at the causes of dropping out of treatment attributable to organizational factors (e.g., policies, practices, context) that influence participant withdrawal decisions. Needed are tools and system for assessing and survey drug abuse treatment program participant perceptions and satisfaction levels, summarizing and report participant assessments, interpreting results and adjusting policies and practices to improve satisfaction and participant retention in treatment. Thomas F. Hilton (301) 435-0808 Email: Tom.Hilton@nih.gov Effective Management And Operation of Drug Abuse Treatment Services Delivery The bulk of drug abuse treatment is conducted in small clinical settings with therapeutic staffs of less than a dozen people. Small clinics lack resources to help improve efficiency and effectiveness in both business and therapeutic practices. Areas that may be of interest to small businesses include, but are not limited to: A. Computer-based leader/manager self assessment tools to enable those supervising the delivery of drug abuse treatment services to gain insights about strengths and weaknesses, and to help guide them to improved leadership and manage3ment practices. B. Organizational change tools: Handbooks describing step-by-step way to introduce more efficient business practices such as quality management/monitoring, creating empowered work teams, formalized goal setting, improved customer relations, forming organization linkages, and adopting new fiscal and resource management techniques. C. Organizational change tools: Handbooks describing step-by-step ways to introduce more efficient or effective therapeutic practices such as, adding pharmacotherapy in a previously drug-free clinic, adopting new medical/pharmacotherapy or behavioral interventions, and adopting new approaches to clinical collaboration and/or case management. Thomas F. Hilton, Ph.D. (301) 435-0808 Email: Tom.Hilton@nih.gov Web-Based Technologies: Transporting Services Research to Practice This initiative will support the development and testing of the effectives of web-based technologies that facilitate transporting drug abuse prevention and treatment services research to practice. Implementation of drug abuse programs in natural settings often is hampered by the lack of needed data on, first, the contents of an intervention, and second, on procedures for implementation – including, agency and/or community organizational structural and financial issues. The application may include, but is not limited to, the development of a web-based/internet-based dynamic library system that would provide current information/findings (targeted research summaries, recruited list serves and other print/electronic communication) on how to effectively and cost-effectively organize, structure and manage prevention and treatment delivery. Jerry Flanzer, DSW (301) 443-4060 Email: jflanzer@nih.gov Other Research Topic(s) Within Mission of Institute Cathrine Sasek, Ph.D., SBIR Coordinator National Institute on Drug Abuse 6001 Executive Boulevard Room 5230, MSC9591 Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9591 (301) 443-6071; Fax: (301) 443-6277 Email: csasek@nih.gov For administrative and business management questions, contact: Gary Fleming, J.D. Grants Management Officer National Institute on Drug Abuse 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3119, MSC9591 Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9591 (301) 443-6710 NOTE: The Solicitations listed on this site are partial copies from the various SBIR agency solicitations and are not necessarily the latest and most up-to-date. For this reason, you should always use the suggested links on our reference pages. These will take you directly to the appropriate agency information where you can read the official version of the solicitation you are interested in. The official link for this page is: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbir.htm. Solicitation closing dates are: April 1, August 1, and December 1, 2001.