Using Innovative Digital Healthcare Solutions to Improve Quality at the Point of Care (R21/R33 - Clinical Trial Optional)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) inviting applications for research projects under the "Using Innovative Digital Healthcare Solutions to Improve Quality at the Point of Care" initiative. This funding opportunity (PA-24-266) aims to support research that tests digital healthcare interventions at the point of care, with a focus on improving the quality of healthcare services delivery. The grant will follow a phased approach using the R21/R33 mechanism, providing support for both the development and the expansion of digital healthcare interventions. The R21 phase offers up to two years of funding, while the R33 phase extends support for up to three years.

The objective of this NOFO is to encourage the development and testing of digital healthcare innovations that can improve care delivery, enhance patient engagement, and support clinical decision-making. The scope of projects includes artificial intelligence (AI), patient-centered digital healthcare technologies (PC-DHT), and clinical decision support systems (CDSS). These technologies must be tested in settings where patient care is provided, such as hospitals, clinics, or home care environments. Research is expected to explore how these digital tools impact healthcare quality, patient outcomes, equity, and safety.

Eligible applicants include public or private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and other relevant organizations. For-profit entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to lead applications but may participate as collaborators or subcontractors. The total budget for the R21 phase may not exceed $280,000 over two years, and the R33 phase may not exceed $720,000 over three years. The overall project period cannot exceed five years. Applicants must submit proposals that cover both the R21 and R33 phases.

Research proposals should demonstrate how digital healthcare solutions can be integrated into clinical workflows, reducing disparities and improving the quality of care. Specific research areas of interest include the use of AI to improve care delivery, patient-centered technologies to enhance healthcare services, and digital clinical decision support tools. Projects must include a detailed plan for evaluating the reliability, usability, and impact of the proposed digital solution on healthcare delivery. Additionally, research should measure improvements in patient outcomes, experiences, and safety.

Applications must include clear milestones for both the R21 and R33 phases. Successful completion of the R21 phase, based on these milestones, is required for transition to the R33 phase. Applicants are also expected to develop dissemination strategies to share their findings and tools with broader healthcare communities.

The first application deadline is October 16, 2024, with additional standard deadlines applying until August 1, 2026. All applications must be submitted electronically through NIH’s ASSIST system or Grants.gov.