PCORI announces research matchmaking challenge
The winner of a new app challenge focused on research matchmaking will win $100,000.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is offering the prize for the winner of the PCORI Matchmaking App Challenge, the organization's newest initiative which will facilitate the creation of patient-centered outcomes research partnerships between patients, stakeholders and researchers. This opportunity builds on the PCORI Challenge Initiative, hosted in 2013 with Health 2.0, which asked developers to design concepts and prototypes of a “matching” mechanism connecting patients, stakeholders and researchers interested in seeking funding for rigorous patient-centered outcomes research.
"We are inviting developers to create a fully functioning, ready-to-publish app and companion Web site that will facilitate the creation of partnerships between those interested in conducting patient-centered outcomes research," PCORI staff members Orlando Gonzales and Jean Slutsky wrote in a blog post announcing the challenge.
Submitted apps must meet a variety of requirements, such as integrating with already established research networks. Though not required, social media integration and robust user profiles are strongly encouraged, as well as advanced search options and customizable displays. Developers also must work with patients and others in the design of the submitted app.
A panel of reviewers, including technology experts, PCORI staff members and members of PCORI’s multi-stakeholder advisory panels, will evaluate the submissions and consider how well each entry will facilitate connections that circumvent geographic, societal or educational limits as well as creativity, user-friendliness and the developers’ past experience.
PCORI will award $100,000 for first place, $35,000 for the second place and $15,000 for third place. The challenge is being held in cooperation with Health 2.0, a San Francisco-based company that promotes and showcases new technologies in healthcare.
Teams have until August 15 to submit their apps, and winners will be announced at the Health 2.0 conference on Sept. 22.
Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.