Overview

The purpose of the Center for Biobehavioral Clinical Research (CBCR) (#P20 NR008988, 2004-2009) is to enhance the research programs related to improving biobehavioral outcomes associated with critical health experiences at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Nursing. A consistent focus on the integration of biological and behavioral variables and health outcomes in the context of critical health experiences, both physical and psychological, will provide significant opportunities for more holistic understandings of the phenomena of health-illness and nursing interventions. Research examining the integration of biological and behavioral factors or providing unique understanding of the whole person will advance holistic nursing knowledge essential to the understanding of critical health experiences.

The specific aims of this grant are to (1) strengthen the School’s research infrastructure, (2) enhance the synergy among currently funded research programs, (3) support a number of pilot studies focused on biological and behavioral health variables, and (4) expand research programs related to improving biobehavioral outcomes associated with critical health experiences.

Development of centralized shared services will improve the research infrastructure of the School of Nursing in ways that will provide benefits to both currently funded researchers and new Center investigators. Centralization of services and equipment will enable new investigators to systematically access equipment and knowledge developed in establishing the research base of the Center. Thus, Center investigators will not have to independently recreate collaborative relationships, structures, and processes for development and execution of each new project. Sharing of equipment (such as data acquisition systems) and services (such as laboratory testing and data management) will provide efficiency in use of resources. Establishment of the CBCR Core Laboratory will enhance the ability of new and established researchers to directly access laboratory services that may not be available otherwise, and to exercise greater control over measurement than is possible with "outside contractor" services. Further, the Center will provide greater possibilities for synergy among Center projects and interaction between biological and behavioral measurement.

As the Center develops and expands, additional investigators will be involved as Center Scientists, including newly hired or newly funded faculty. These individuals will be experienced and funded investigators who can assist in achieving the Center's aims, and thus move the mission of the Center forward conceptually and substantively. They will serve as additional resources providing consultation, presentations, and pre-submission pilot study application reviews. In particular, we are interested in involving funded investigators whose research has a biobehavioral perspective with a focus on critical health experiences, who have federal R-level or equivalent external funding, and who have a commitment to mentor new investigators and work collaboratively with Center investigators. Recommendations for appointment to the Center will be made to and acted on by the CBCR Advisory Council