The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute is awarding 25 research projects a total of $40.7 million over three years.

The 25 projects receiving awards were selected from nearly 500 submitted to PCORI for consideration and address four areas of the organization’s priorities for research and research agenda: assessment of prevention, diagnosis and treatment options; improving healthcare systems; communication and dissemination research; and addressing disparities. Many of the projects will focus on improving care for patients with chronic conditions, improving care for mental health patients and improving patient-provider communications, according to a Dec. 18 statement.

The projects, based at institutions in 17 states, were approved by PCORI’s Board of Governors through a competitive, multi-stage review process that incorporated patients, caregivers and other stakeholders in the evaluation of proposals. The institute evaluated applications on scientific merit, engagement of patients and other stakeholders, methodological rigor and fit within PCORI’s research priorities and research agenda. The projects approved for funding include those that will study ways to improve care for people with such health problems as bacterial and viral infections, cardiovascular disease and stroke, certain cancers, chronic kidney disease, chronic pain, depression, other serious mental illnesses and pediatric diabetes, as well as cross-cutting proposals investigating how to improve care for people with multiple conditions. Other projects seek ways to improve patient-clinician communication, reduce selected health disparities and improve the way healthcare systems operate.