The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) hosted its third annual Congressional Science Fair on October 23. The fair proceeded despite the shutdown by relocating from the Capitol to a private venue in downtown DC, allowing presenters, patient partners, and policymakers to remain on schedule. The program highlighted patient‑centered studies with practical delivery models and payer engagement, covering a wide range of topics including maternal health, telehealth, and rural health. The fair provided lawmakers and congressional staff with an opportunity to connect with researchers.
What is PCORI?
PCORI is a government-sponsored nonprofit established through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). They help patients, caregivers, and doctors make better-informed healthcare decisions through public engagement and comparison of different treatments and interventions. The organization is supported by appropriations from the U.S. Treasury as well as small fees collected from all private and self-insured health plans.
Science Fair Spotlight
One study of particular interest to FABBS members, from the Pediatric Anxiety Research Center at Brown University, evaluated a team‑based, patient‑centered delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for pediatric anxiety and obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD). The design paired a licensed clinician–who led diagnosis, safety monitoring, and monthly visits–with trained community coaches who conducted structured CBT skills and exposure work in homes and schools. Coaches did not need a bachelor’s degree to participate; they were trained for the role with protocols and supervision to maintain fidelity. The “usual care” treatment consisted of weekly clinic sessions delivered only by a licensed clinician. Most participants started care in the moderately to severely ill range for their anxiety and OCD symptoms.
Compared to usual care treatment, team-based treatment led to higher attendance, earlier response, and a greater share of engaged participants at 12 weeks. While community coaches allowed an expanded reach of the program, licensed clinicians maintained responsibility for diagnosis, safety, and treatment leadership. This created a new workforce pathway for motivated individuals without formal degrees, offering structured training, competency checks, supervision, and clear escalation rules. Coaches delivered exposure practice and skills in homes and schools; clinicians handled care plans and complex presentations. Health plans can reimburse a bundled clinician-plus-coach service, allowing systems to recruit locally and scale quickly without compromising clinical standards.
This study demonstrates a scalable workforce solution for pediatric anxiety and OCD: licensed clinical oversight combined with trained non‑degree coaches delivering structured CBT where symptoms occur.
