ITHS pilot project develops a practice-based network in WWAMI region

In 2008, the UW Family Medicine Residency Network unanimously approved a pilot project to develop a practice-based research network in the WWAMI region. Focused on teratogens and contraceptive adequacy, the pilot study was launched in collaboration with fifteen WWAMI region-based practices. Network practice members have provided input on study tools (such as data abstraction forms and worksheets and a coding manual) and methods for the pilot project. The Network’s Steering Committee includes Drs. Rex Force (Pocatello, ID) and Janelle Guirguis-Blake (Tacoma, WA) from the practice sites. Additional practice representatives serve on a network Advisory Committee: Drs. Jacintha Cauffield (Vancouver, WA), Deb Gould (Yakima, WA), Ron Healy (Anchorage, AK), and Rob Monger (Cheyenne, WA).

The Department of Family Medicine at Idaho State University (ISU) opened its doors in 1992 and has been affiliated with WWAMI ever since. Shortly thereafter the clinical research arm of the department was christened. Rex W. Force, Pharm.D., a clinical pharmacist recently out of a research fellowship at Ohio State University was hired with the mandate of developing a research program. Under his leadership, the ISU Family Medicine Clinical Research Center has sought opportunities to participate in multicenter clinical trials measuring cardiovascular outcomes, studying heart failure, and researching cardiovascular risk reduction. Recently, the Center has begun participating in a trial evaluating treatment in type 2 diabetes. Dr. Force also collaborates with researchers from ISU’s College of Pharmacy in the area of drug use review and pharmacoepidemiology.