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CLHSS Launches Program for Implementation & Evaluation Research

2 minutes

In late 2024, CLHSS expanded their implementation and mixed methods research with the establishment of the Program for Implementation & Evaluation Research (PIER). Co-led by Tim Beebe and Debbie Pestka, PIER is focused on social and behavioral sciences research.

The new program provides research support in the areas of:

  1. Implementation science
  2. Survey methods
  3. Qualitative methods
  4. Patient-reported outcomes measurement
Headshot of Tim Beebe

“CLHSS has robust programs in place to support novel IT and the use of quantitative methods,” says Dr. Tim Beebe. “However, an area that is lacking is a program to support social and behavioral sciences, including implementation science. These services are being delivered ad hoc, but a more formalized program is needed to link researchers and care team members seeking these services to provide them with the timely expertise they require.”


More specifically, our PIER team has expertise in designing implementation research projects, including framework selection, methods, and approach, as well as selecting implementation outcomes that complement or inform more traditional clinical effectiveness outcomes. PIER also provides guidance in survey and qualitative data collection and analysis, as well as the selection and development of patient-reported outcome measures.

PIER will complement other programs and support projects throughout CLHSS by incorporating qualitative research and mixed methods to round out research strategy, analysis, and evaluation.

Headshot of Debbie Pestka

“Qualitative methods help to provide context on why an intervention may or may not work or how the end user perceives the intervention,” says Dr. Debbie Pestka. “PIER provides the Center and collaborators with additional methods and expertise that is often needed to examine interventions and implement them sustainably into practice.”

Several grants were submitted over 2024 that include effort from PIER. Currently, the program is helping an investigator analyze interview data from a pilot for a remote blood pressure monitoring program.