CARES Center: Community Action in Research to Eliminate Substance Use Disorder - The Community Action in Research to Eliminate Substance Use Disorder (CARES) Center represents a groundbreaking effort to address the significant gaps in research related to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment and care. The high prevalence of SUD, co-occurring mental illness, and barriers to care underline the urgency of our research. The CARES Center takes on the challenge of reshaping existing research paradigms and ushering in a new era of patient-centered research by placing patients with SUD at the forefront as co-developers of scientific research projects. By elevating patient perspectives and priorities, the CARES Center aims to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of equitable and responsive SUD research and care. This proposal delineates our objectives to establish the CARES Center and implement the Virtual Patient Engagement Panel (ViP Panel) to actively engage patients and other stakeholders in SUD research. The primary focus is to address the pressing need for research and innovation in SUD treatment services that reflect real-world experiences and improve the quality of care. The proposal encompasses three primary aims. Aim 1 Engagement Panel: This aim focuses on building research capacity through the establishment of the ViP Panel, consisting of patients, family members, and individuals in recovery representing a broad range of backgrounds and substance use profiles. ViP Panelists will receive training in research fundamentals, co-develop research priorities, and collaborate with investigators across the United States. This process ensures that the voices of people directly affected by SUD are central to shaping the research agenda. Aim 2: Research on Patient Experiences. This aim examines patient experiences, preferences, and barriers to SUD treatment services, with emphasis on affirming, accessible, and patient-responsive care. A mixed-methods study will be conducted in collaboration with patients and providers to compare treatment experiences across populations and settings. Findings will generate actionable evidence to strengthen treatment models and promote services that better align with patient needs. Aim 3: Pilot Research Projects. Four pilot research projects will be funded through the TRANSFORM Pilot Research mechanism, developed in collaboration with ViP Panel members. These projects will address patient-centered research priorities. The ViP Panel's consultation with researchers, input on research questions, and alignment with the community's needs will be instrumental to the success of this initiative. By project completion, we anticipate a patient-engaged evidence base for SUD treatment services, ensuring they are more responsive and inclusive of the community needs. This initiative represents a collaborative effort involving academic institutions, clinical partners, and community members, with the overarching goal of positively impacting SUD treatment services. Our ultimate aim is to enhance the mental and physical health of the community affected by substance use disorders. This study is part of the NIH’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative to speed scientific solutions to the national opioid public health crisis. The NIH HEAL Initiative bolsters research across NIH to improve treatment for opioid misuse and addiction.
