Pilot Studies Core
The Pilot Studies Core, under the direction of Dr. Rita Pickler, is designed to support the development of pilot and feasibility
studies aimed at improving biobehavioral outcomes associated with critical health experiences.
Studies with a focus on exploring the interaction between biology and behavior or optimizing
the interplay between these human systems will be supported on a competitive basis. Pilot
and feasibility studies will include investigations of biological and behavioral measures,
including microbiological, immunological, neurological, cardiopulmonary, neuroendocrine,
psychobehavioral, spiritual, and developmental, that are consistent with currently funded
research programs. Specific, although not exclusive, emphasis will be placed on studies
that use measures of biological function in conjunction with behavioral manifestations.
Pilot studies may include investigations to identify risk factors for adverse biobehavioral
outcomes as well as to test interventions that may influence nursing-sensitive biobehavioral
outcomes during or following critical health experiences. Data from pilot studies are
expected to expand current research programs as well as enable the development of additional
research programs in this important area of health care.
In accord with the VCU School of Nursing’s strategic plan for research enhancement,
resources for internal and external substantive consultation and proposal review, as well as
consultation for methodological and statistical approaches and for biobehavioral measures and
data acquisition systems have been committed to the Center for Biobehavioral Clinical
Research. The Pilot Studies Core will provide systematic identification and linkage to
these resources for studies supported through the Center. Thus, a major function of the
Core will be the development and enhancement of consultative and collaborative
relationships among Center researchers; University-based resources, including University
research collaborators; and external resources, including expert consultants, grant
reviewers, and mentors. In addition to facilitating the use existing resources for the
development of pilot studies focused on biobehavioral understanding of critical health
experiences, the Pilot Studies Core will also serve as the initial point at which needed
support and research services are identified.
The functions of the Pilot Studies Core are to
- provide consultation to eligible investigators in the development of pilot studies
that focus on improving biobehavioral outcomes associated with critical health
experiences through exploration of biological and behavioral interactions;
- coordinate the pilot study review and selection process by the Advisory Council;
- garner existing resources and promote the exploration of additional resources to
assist pilot study investigators in the development and completion of pilot studies;
and
- aid pilot study investigators in the translation of pilot studies into future,
individual grant applications, including activities that enhance research skill
development.
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