Point of Care Research (POC-R)

Overview

Point of Care Research (POC-R) is a new approach to clinical study design that embeds trials into regular medical care. It is uniquely positioned to compare two or more approved treatments or diagnostic techniques that are considered to be equivalent.

These trials take advantage of the electronic medical record (EMR) to facilitate participant recruitment and data collection, minimizing study overhead and streamlining the experience for patients.

Starting a POC-R Study

Eligible VA investigators who wish to start a POC-R study must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Cooperative Studies Program (CSP). This document serves as a request for planning, and includes:

• Study objectives
• Importance of the research to VA and its patients
• Feasibility of conducting the research as a POC-R study
• Summary of preliminary research and data to support further investigation

Please refer to the CSP Investigator Guidelines (469 KB, PDF) for further instructions on submitting an LOI. Be aware that, although these guidelines do not provide specific information for POC-R feasibility, this information should be included in a POC-R LOI.

NOTE:  As of October 1, 2019, the POC-R program is at full capacity and is not currently accepting new proposals.  If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please check with CSP (csp@va.gov) to learn more about whether and when we will consider a new POC-R study.

• Point of Care Research Fact Sheet (262 KB, PDF)
• Point of Care Research Frequently Asked Questions (144 KB, PDF)