Intervention Methods: Provision and Connection through Technology (IMPACT)

Interventions designed to improve pediatric health are often stymied by factors such as lengthy research-to-practice gaps, limited effectiveness, and poor uptake by those they are intended to serve. Newer models of healthcare, which are transforming “top down” hierarchical systems into models of true partnership among patients, families, and healthcare providers, offer new opportunities to overcome these challenges. To accommodate newer models of care and to address the systematic healthcare insufficiencies that have lifelong consequences for children, the next generation of healthcare researchers must be equipped to conduct intervention research that utilizes cutting edge methodological and technological approaches, and allows for rapid implementation of effective interventions for all. Strategies that focus on direct partnership with target populations at all levels of intervention development, delivery, and dissemination hold great promise to transform pediatric healthcare.

Integrating technology at all stages of intervention research is also a critical and important strategy to mitigate challenges. The proposed Intervention Methodology: Provision and Connection through Technology (IMPACT) Core has two inter-related components, one dedicated to intervention development, delivery, and implementation (Intervention Science); the second focused on the technological expertise and tools needed to create and sustain interventions (Technological Applications). With this focus, IMPACT will support the development and delivery of user-centered, stakeholder-engaged, technology-enabled interventions to promote health and well-being for all pediatric populations. The IMPACT core will provide resources including expertise, tools, training, and technical assistance to investigators developing and conducting programs of technology-enhanced intervention research to improve the health and wellbeing of all children and families across Delaware.

The IMPACT Core will accomplish this goal by: (1) creating a robust infrastructure to facilitate the development, delivery and implementation of scalable, innovative, technology-enhanced interventions primed for delivery to patients and families impacted by health problems, (2) preparing and supporting investigators in the conduct of intervention research using technology to promote access to pediatric health care for all, and (3) creating procedures and processes to manage and sustain the IMPACT Core. The Core Director, Dr. Kimberly Canter, will be supported by a team of content experts, an internal advisory committee, and Career Consultants who will provide mentorship at the mid-career level. The goals of the IMPACT Core directly support the overall aims of the REACH Center to develop, evaluate, and implement innovative technology-enhanced interventions and models of care to overcome the complex factors responsible for inadequate access to health care and child health.

Grant Number: 5P20GM144270-05
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Kimberly Canter