This PFA seeks to support well-designed, methodologically robust, retrospective observational patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) that will produce timely, impactful and patient-centered results to inform healthcare decision making and improve health outcomes.
Research Initiative Highlights
- Applicants must propose a clear comparative effectiveness question by leveraging well-established data sources and infrastructure, such as PCORnet®, ready for patient-centered CER.
- Given the retrospective observational nature of this PFA, applications are expected to compare existing interventions that represent a current decisional dilemma and have robust evidence of efficacy or are currently in widespread use.
- Clinical interventions (such as medications, diagnostic tests and procedures) and delivery system interventions (such as workforce, technologies and healthcare service delivery designs) are appropriate for these studies.
Funding Details
- Budget: Up to $2 million in direct costs
- Duration: Up to 18 months
Topic Themes
All proposed applications must respond to at least one of the following Topic Themes approved by the PCORI Board of Governors:
- Addressing Cancer
- Improving Outcomes for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Preventing Maternal Morbidity and Mortality
- Improving Mental and Behavioral Health
- Improving Metabolic and Endocrine Health
- Managing Pain
- Addressing Rare Diseases
- Addressing Sensory Health
- Addressing Substance Use
Note: Applications that do not explicitly address at least one of these Topic Themes will be considered nonresponsive.
Important Dates and Resources
- Dec. 2, 2025: Full announcement and application requirements are available atPCORI.org.
- Dec. 10, 2025: Applicant Town Hall, noon-1 pm (ET) —Register today!
For preliminary information, please review the preannouncement on the PCORI website. Questions may be directed to pfa@pcori.org. PCORI encourages sharing this information with others who may be interested.