ACA Research Program Funds More Trials in Specialty vs Primary Care

Between 2015 and 2018, out of 250 trials funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), an independent nonprofit, nongovernmental organization authorized by Congress in 2010, nearly three-quarters focus on specialty care, despite primary care making up the majority of US patient health services.  

Research conducted by Dan Merenstein, MD, professor of medicine and director of research programs, Georgetown University School of Medicine and colleagues was published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Dr Merenstein reported that the Affordable Care Act-established PCORI directed only 30% of the total $1.17 billion spent on research toward studies applicable to primary patient care.

"If the mission is to help guide patients through issues that have the greatest impact upon them, then PCORI is funneling substantial grant money where it shouldn't be," said Dr Merenstein in a press release. "The program, which is up for renewal and may be dissolved in 2020 with grants exceeding $3.5 billion, is very disappointing to physicians who are devoted to, and strongly believe in, primary care. We should be at the forefront of such research."

This research is part of a second study Dr Merenstein and colleagues have conducted focused on the PCORI-funded trials. Between 2011 and 2014, 300 grants worth around $400 million were awarded by PCORI but only 19%-32% included any focus on primary. The latest study confirms that the trend still exists.

"It is in a unique position to impact patient health, particularly in the primary care setting. Most health care is accessed within primary care, making it an ideal setting to do research that will make an impact on the patient health care experience," said study co-author, Andrew Blaster, a Georgetown medical student.

—Edan Stanley 

Reference:
Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Large Federal Program Aimed at Providing Better Health Care Underfunds Primary Care. Newswise. 14 April 2019. https://www.newswise.com/articles/view/711277/?sc=dwhr&xy=10023396. Accessed April 18, 2019.