Science to Systems Grant Program
Mathangi Gopalakrishnan, MPharm, PhD, School of Pharmacy – Principle Investigator
Dina E. El-Metwally, MB, BCh, PhD, School of Medicine – Co-Investigator
Jessica Biggs, PharmD, BCPPS, UMMC – Co-Investigator
Megan Ehret, PharmD, MS, BCPP, School of Pharmacy – Co-Investigator
Vijay Ivaturi, MS, PhD, School of Pharmacy – Co-Investigator
Opioid use in pregnant mothers and its sequelae among their infants leading to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a major public health concern in the United States (US). Current treatment recommendations are often empiric dosing of morphine or methadone and most follow intuition-based approaches that could potentially lead to increased lengths of hospital stay (LOS) and add to economic burden. The purpose of this study is to develop an adaptive-individualized dosing strategy (clinical decision support system) for morphine that can guide real-time NAS therapeutic decisions in a clinical setting. The specific aims of the research include: (i) design and conduct of a retrospective cohort study to collect data on infants with NAS admitted to the UMMC, NICU between 2013 and 2017, (ii) utilize advanced data analytical methodologies to develop and validate an adaptive-individualized morphine dosing strategy using the UMMC data and (iii) develop a prototype clinician friendly web-based application that can provide the individualized morphine dosing recommendations in real time. The proposed collaborative translational research between UMB-SOP, UMB-SOM and UMMC is envisaged to assist clinicians to make informed individualized morphine dosing decisions, that can potentially lead to better clinical outcomes (reduced LOS) in infants suffering from NAS. Efficient utilization of advancements in science and technology to improve NAS related patient care needs can inherently have a greater societal impact, serving both the baby and their mothers to lead healthier lives and reduce economic burden.
Sara B. Murthi, MD, School of Medicine – Principal Investigator
Luana Colloca, MD, PhD, School of Nursing – Principle Investigator
The purpose of this study is to validate innovative, inexpensive strategies to reduce opioid use in all aspects of trauma care. There are two main goals of this research study, the first is to establish a method of outpatient follow-up for the Relieving Traumatic Pain: A Pilot Study (RTP). The second goal is to develop a phone application with data collection and educational capabilities. Thus, the first aim of this study is to develop a phone application for data collection that can then be used to: (a.) collect long term outcome data related to pain severity, pain interference, and the use of opioids for RTP; and (b.) identify the risk factors associated with the risk of opioid dependence. The second aim is to create and assess a phone based educational tool in collaboration with clinical experts and beta test that tool with those admitted to the shock trauma center who are prescribed opioids and receive the educational tool in comparison those who do not receive the educational tool.
John Cagle, MSW, PhD, School of Social Work – Principal Investigator
Mary Lynn McPherson, MA, PharmD, School of Pharmacy – Co-Investigator
Paul Sacco, LCSW, PhD, School of Social Work – Co-Investigator
Jodi Frey, LCSW-C, PhD, School of Social Work – Co-Investigator
There is currently a dearth of knowledge related to how hospices monitor controlled medications in homes or facilities, and if, and how, these controlled medications are disposed of after an expected death. The purpose of this study is to address that gap in knowledge, and in turn help prevent substance misuse and diversion. The first aim of the study is to provide national estimates on the prevalence of: (a.) drug diversion in hospice, both suspected and confirmed; (b.) opioids being left in the home after a patient death; and (c.) screening by hospice providers for patient/family risk of substance misuse or addiction. The second aim is to use qualitative survey data to describe and summarize: (a.) promising practices and policies that hospice providers are currently employing to prevent drug diversion; (b.) strategies to detect and respond when drug diversion occurs; and (c.) how to screen, and modify practice, for patients/families who are at risk for substance misuse or addiction. The findings will be used to create a list of best practice strategies and policies for hospice agencies on: (a.) drug diversion prevention and intervention; and (b.) the screening and treatment of patients/families at risk for substance misuse or addiction. Further, these will then be disseminated to hospices nationally to improve drug diversion prevention efforts, provide indicators and risk factors for diversion and recommend response strategies for when diversion occurs. The results will also inform future intervention research to improve drug diversion prevention efforts in hospice that, importantly, do not hamper pain management efforts.
Request for Applications
Pilot Funding to Enhance Substance Use Related Systems of Care
The University of Maryland Center for Addiction Research, Education, and Service (CARES) has established a Science to Systems pilot grant program. The aim of the program is to generate new substance use-related prevention, treatment, and system enhancement initiatives designed to improve addiction-related systems of care.
The SSG is seeking projects that demonstrate capacity to produce measurable outcomes directly relevant to substance use disorder (SUD) service delivery within a 12-month period. The SSG anticipates funding two to three awards for a combined total of $150,000 in funding. A maximum of $75,000 per applicant will be awarded.
Funding Priority
This UMB CARES Science to Systems Grant (SSG) funding cycle will prioritize projects that target opioid use disorders as well as other illicit and licit (e.g., alcohol, tobacco) substance use associated with suboptimal treatment and high rates of patient mortality. Projects targeting underserved populations that experience significant disparities in behavioral health treatment access and bio-psycho-social outcomes also are prioritized.
Proposals that demonstrate considerable potential in the following areas are most compatible with the CARES core aims: 1) potential to favorably impact substance use-related systems of care, 2) feasibility for behavioral health system translation, and 3) likelihood of continued impact on SUD systems of care (e.g., further development and testing, potential for external funding generated from pilot grant findings). Interprofessional and community collaboration is considered essential for ensuring that research findings are relevant, feasible, and translatable to SUD systems of care.
Evidence of matching funds from the faculty applicant’s affiliated school will be considered in determining the best use of CARES funds.
Example SSG proposals include, but are not limited to, projects designed to:
- Increase patient access to SUD treatment, receipt of SUD treatment, or retention in SUD treatment.
- Address barriers known to impact SUD treatment outcomes (i.e., transportation, child care, family support, financial/insurance issues, treatment engagement).
- Increase patient access to and receipt of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid, alcohol, and/or nicotine use disorders.
- Identify and address factors that impede or facilitate SUD workforce participation among behavioral health practitioners in Maryland.
- Improve service delivery through interprofessional and interagency collaborations, cross-training, and care coordination across multiple systems of care.
- Integrate and synthesize existing data systems to improve prediction of substance use trends, and SUD-related service needs.
- Identify and address addiction-related specialty training opportunities for UMB students.
- Identify and address initiatives to strengthen addiction-related interprofessional education (IPE) focused among UMB schools.
- Improve patient SUD continuing care including transitions among behavioral health service providers, facilities and programs.
- Increase patient utilization of treatments or services that reduce the need for high cost service utilization (i.e., emergency room visits, inpatient psychiatric treatment, inpatient detoxification services).
- Increase the number of individuals who access and maintain insurance that includes behavioral health services within scope of coverage.
- Evaluate the impact of specific legislation on behavioral health care access, utilization, and patient outcomes.
SSG Proposal Submission Guidelines
Intent to Apply
Potential applicants are asked to inform CARES faculty of the intent to apply for funding via email to mtuten@ssw.umaryland.edu by Jan. 15, 2018.
Eligible Applicants
All UMB faculty at the rank of assistant professor or above are eligible to apply for SSG funding. All applications must include at least one UMB faculty member at the rank of assistant professor or above with the expertise or qualifications necessary to achieve the aims of the proposed grant.
Grant Personnel
Grant personnel may include UMB students, trainees, and staff as well as non-UMB community members consistent with the qualifications of the roles specified in the application. Community providers include non-UMB behavioral health providers and community agencies that provide or have the capacity to provide direct or indirect addiction-related prevention or treatment services.
Deadline for Proposal Submission
The submission deadline for all proposals is March 1, 2018. We anticipate that funding for awarded projects will begin April 1, 2018.
Duration of Project
Projects should be completed within 12 months of grant funding (not including data analysis).
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should be formatted using 12-point font and 1-inch margins and should strictly adhere to the following page limitations and required elements:
Cover Page (1 page)
Title of Project
Name, role on project, and UMB affiliation for primary faculty member(s)
Proposed Research (maximum 5 pages)
The proposed research should include a description of the problem and significance, specific aims, and project timeline and impact as described below.
Problem and Significance
Addiction-related problem to be addressed and significance of addressing the problem as it relates to one of the following CARES core areas of focus.
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Core 1: Workforce Development and Technical Assistance |
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Core 2: Development of Innovative Models and Systems of Care |
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Core 3: Translational Addiction Research, Data Surveillance, and Management |
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Core 4: Policy Analysis and Education |
Specific Aims
Proposals should describe the primary and any secondary aims of the project and the research methodology and data analyses that will be used to accomplish the specific aims. Proposals should include a description of how the data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted as well as any resource-sharing plans as appropriate.
Project Timeline and Impact
Proposals should describe the timeline for implementing the project, including main tasks to be accomplished within the 12-month grant period, the expected outcomes for the project, and how the project will provide data sufficient for publication within 12 months after completion. Describe plans to apply for external funding after project completion and the anticipated time frame for this application.
Budget
A concise budget (not to exceed one-half page) should be provided that includes the total amount of funds being requested (maximum funding of $75,000 per applicant), personnel salaries, project supplies and equipment, and any patient compensation as applicable. The budget should include a brief description of how the funds will be used. The budget should clearly identify which entity will use the specified funds (CARES faculty member, community organization, etc.). No indirect costs are allowed.
Additional Application Documents
Curriculum vitae or résumé for all key personnel along with a brief description of the role on project for all key personnel.
Additional Applicant Information
Review: Proposals will be evaluated by a committee consisting of members of the CARES Steering Committee and community representatives with the appropriate expertise. Reviews may be solicited from specific experts on an ad-hoc basis. Applicants should not expect detailed written critiques of their proposals. Proposals will be reviewed for: 1) how well the project meets the goals of the CARES SSG program; 2) potential for direct and timely impact on the problem identified and, 3) potential for future project development and impact on the problem identified.
Expectations
Funded projects: Award recipients are expected to produce sufficient preliminary results so that within 12 months after expiration of the award a report on the findings in manuscript format can be prepared. Projects should include a plan for future directions and/or implementation, including future grant proposals to state, federal, or private funding agencies.
Contributions to center mission: Awardees will register as CARES faculty and are expected to contribute to the ongoing work of the center through activities such as grant application reviews, presentation at CARES-sponsored symposia, and other center-related efforts.
Expenses Not Allowed: Alterations or renovations; purchase of office furniture; purchase or binding of periodicals and books; dues and memberships in scientific societies, travel not directly related to the project. No indirect costs will be awarded.
Other: The proposal also should identify specific goals that will enhance the success of a full proposal as well as provide a specific targeted timeline by which these objectives can be reasonably achieved. Finally, the proposal should provide a budget that adequately reflects the intended use of the funds with respect to the proposed objectives.
Where to Submit:
All applications should be submitted electronically by email as a single PDF to:
Patricia Parkent
Director, Sponsored Projects Office
University of Maryland School of Social Work
Email: pparkent@ssw.umaryland.edu
Phone: 410-706-0505
Any queries regarding applicant or proposal eligibility can be directed to:
Michelle Tuten, PhD, MSW
CARES Co-Director
University of Maryland School of Social Work
Email: mtuten@ssw.umaryland.edu
Phone: 410-706-7519
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 5-page limit include the reference list? ▾
The reference list is not included in the 5-page limit for the proposal.
Does SSG funding provide support for faculty salaries? ▾
Yes, faculty salaries are supported by SSG funding and should be included in the budget. Faculty requesting salary support should ensure that any salary support is approved by their respective school deans or department heads, as appropriate.
Is there a limit on the amount of salary support that can be requested? ▾
There are no specified limits on the amount of salary support that can be requested.
What is meant by the section of the RFA that states: ▾
"The proposal also should identify specific goals that will enhance the success of a full proposal as well as provide a specific targeted timeline by which these objectives can be reasonably achieved."
The SSG proposal should specify the team's plans to apply for external funding and how the SSG pilot funding will enhance the team's prospect of obtaining future funding.