Yet, one in four Americans suffers from mental illness. It’s often not mentioned in the public conversation about health care. It is time to increase awareness and support the 57 million Americans who struggle with mental illness.
Many caregivers, patients and their families don’t have all the information they need in order to make the right decision for their individual situation. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research InstitutePCORI is trying to change this. PCORI is an independent, new health research organization that aims to answer patients’ most pressing questions.
“When patients have evidence they trust, they can make better decisions about their care and the outcomes most important to them,”Joe Selby MD, MPH, Executive Director of PCORI, says
“Our research begins by identifying with the community the areas where patients, caregivers and clinicians need more information,”He says. “For example, parents want to know which treatment options are safe and effective for young children with disruptive behavior disorders. We don’t have the answer, but that’s where PCORI can help. We can fund new studies to find the answers.”
PCORI began investigating mental health problems through research that was funded within the last year.
Arkansas researchers, for instance, are exploring innovative ways to reach rural South communities with mental health information. Maryland’s investigators are looking to improve mental health care by connecting families with professionals who can answer their ongoing treatment questions. One Illinois project is conducting a patient-centered assessment of the quality of psychiatric inpatient settings. California researchers are studying how community engagement could address the disparities in depression care outcomes. A Pennsylvania study examines two models to improve care for adults with severe mental illness.
PCORI is investing in many more research projects this year. It is also looking to the public to help it decide what questions to study.
“We are counting on the community to participate in our work and ensure we are providing patients with the answers and information they need,”Selby. “Whether it focuses on mental health or any other health condition, thoughtful public input is the key to our success.”
Visit this page to submit a question to PCORI for study or to explore other ways you can get involved with PCORI. www.pcori.org/get-involved/.
