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NORC at the University Chicago

Assessment of User Experiences During Phase 3 of PCORnet®

Three professionals speaking to each other
Exploring the experiences of PCORnet® users, potential users, and Network Partners to inform future enhancements to the Network
  • Client
    Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
  • Dates
    January 2023 – January 2024

Challenge

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute® (PCORI) seeks to understand the progress and performance of PCORnet® to support strategic decision-making.  

PCORnet is a “network of networks” that harnesses curated electronic health record (EHR) data from tens of millions of patients to support patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). Since 2014, PCORI has supported the phased development of PCORnet.  

Solution

NORC conducted a mixed-methods assessment to explore stakeholders’ experiences with PCORnet.

As part of its ongoing evaluation efforts, PCORI contracted NORC to conduct an interim assessment of the experiences of users, potential users, and Network Partners with PCORnet during Phase 3 funding.

NORC designed and implemented a mixed-methods assessment of Phase 3 of PCORnet, gathering data through:

  • Qualitative interviews with PCORnet users and other stakeholders
  • Two brief web-based questionnaires
  • A public, multi-stakeholder virtual convening

NORC conducted a thematic analysis of the interview and convening transcripts and triangulated this with data from the questionnaires to generate findings. The final analysis details findings in four key areas:

  • Experiences using PCORnet resources
  • Engagement and diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Awareness and perceptions of PCORnet
  • Progress towards PCORI’s goal for PCORnet

Result

Our assessment identified several opportunities to strengthen PCORnet.

Feedback from this our assessment suggests that PCORnet is a unique resource for investigators and that assessment participants’ experiences with PCORnet were generally positive, with some challenges noted. Assessment participants highlighted valuable aspects of PCORnet and opportunities to strengthen the Network to achieve PCORI's goal for PCORnet. 

NORC shared the interim assessment results at a public stakeholder convening and the interim and final results with the PCORI Board of Governors and PCORnet leadership. Opportunities identified in this assessment can help inform planning for future enhancements to PCORnet.

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