April 2026 Annual Steering Committee Meeting

Posted on by Sophia Ramirez

April 13-14, 2026 | Bethesda, MD

Main Purpose

Day 1: Address challenges and share lessons from new, in-progress, and completed NIH Collaboratory Trials to promote meaningful evidence generation; learn about new methodologies and areas of focus for embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs); and have rich discussions on topics including qualitative research and in-depth feasibility assessment.
Day 2: Address challenges and share lessons from new, in-progress, and completed NIH Collaboratory Trials; discuss strategies for boosting the efficiency, relevancy, and impact of ePCTs, including approaches for interpretation and dissemination of findings and innovative, responsible use of artificial intelligence tools.

Photo of a large conference room

Agenda and Slides

Day 1: Monday, April 13, 2026

Welcome and Opening Remarks

David Shurtleff, PhD; Richard Hodes, MD; Wendy Weber, ND, PhD, MPH; Beda Jean-Francois, PhD; Lesley Curtis, PhD

Charting the Course for Pragmatic Research: Pain Care and Beyond

Explore what’s on the horizon for the ePCT ecosystem (NIH Collaboratory and beyond); Discuss priority evidence needs that may be addressed through ePCTs; Identify the methods and knowledge required for the next generation of ePCTs, including existing gaps

Moderator: Rob Califf, MD

Presenters: Kevin Weinfurt, PhD; David Shurtleff, PhD

Panel:

Campfire Session: EquiP PC

Describe challenges and ongoing issues; Hear advice from other investigators

Kari Stephens, PhD

Discovery in Disguise: Lessons From “Neutral” ePCTs

Discuss techniques for designing ePCTs that provide reliable, actionable evidence; Share statistical approaches and considerations based on ePCTs with nonsignificant effects on their primary outcomes; Examine what is gained from ePCTs that do not meet their primary outcome

Moderator: Josie Briggs, MD

Panel:

Harnessing Qualitative Research in ePCTs

Describe opportunities for qualitative methods to enhance ePCTs (eg, refining workflows, preparing for implementation); Share successful qualitative research methods employed by NIH Collaboratory Trials; Discuss ways to navigate challenges of qualitative research in ePCTs, such as timing, resources, and how to share qualitative data

Moderator: Emily O'Brien, PhD

Presenter: David Chambers, DPhil

Panel:

  • Michele Balas, PhD, RN, CCRN-K, FCCM, FAAN
  • Melissa Basile, PhD
  • Jennifer Kawi, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, CNE, FAAN
  • Richard Skolasky, ScD

Lightning Talks: Sharing Lessons and Top-Level Results

Describe top-level results, lessons learned, and future plans; 3 minutes per trial followed by 15 minutes of open discussion with attendees

Andrea Cheville, MD, MSCE; Ardith Doorenbos, PhD, RN, FAAN; Natalia Morone, MD, MS; Kathleen Sluka, PT, PhD

More Than Kicking the Tires: Assessing Feasibility in the Planning Phase

Discuss how assessing feasibility is not only about meeting milestones; Share examples of how ePCT researchers can discover and tackle difficult challenges in the planning phase; Explore benefits and challenges of an in-depth feasibility assessment in ePCTs

Moderator: Angelo Volandes, MD, MPH

Panel:

  • Karen Kehl, PhD, RN, FPCN
  • Amanda Petrik, PhD
  • Sebastian Tong, MD, MPH
  • Chenchen Wang, MD, MSc

Closing Remarks

David Shurtleff, PhD; Richard Hodes, MD; Wendy Weber, ND, PhD, MPH; Beda Jean-Francois, PhD; Lesley Curtis, PhD

Day 2: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Opening Remarks

David Shurtleff, PhD; Richard Hodes, MD; Wendy Weber, ND, PhD, MPH; Beda Jean-Francois, PhD; Lesley Curtis, PhD

Campfire Session: CARNATION

Describe challenges and ongoing issues; Hear advice from other investigators

Lynn DeBar, PhD, MPH; Rachel Gold, PhD, MPH; Nicole Cook, PhD, MPA

Networking

Consult with Core chairs and colleagues on issues your trial is facing; Engage in small group discussion

Slow Recruitment: Strategies for Prevention and Mitigation

  • Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA
  • Christine Goertz, DC, PhD

Data Sharing and Repositories for HEAL/PRISM Trials: Best Practices, HEAL CDE Framework, etc.

  • Andrea Cheville, MD, MSCE
  • Keith Marsolo, PhD

Use of Digital Tools: Practical, Regulatory, and Ethical Issues

  • Joseph Ali, JD

Dissemination Done Better: Practical Tips for ePCT Researchers

Describe how to collaborate with partners in interpreting findings prior to dissemination; Share successful dissemination strategies from NIH Collaboratory Trials that have helped promote changes in care; Explore approaches for dissemination of findings beyond the publication of results in an academic journal

Moderator: Hayden Bosworth, PhD

Panel:

ePCTs in the AI Revolution: Balancing Innovation With Responsibility

Share new and emerging AI capabilities with the potential to transform ePCTs; Discuss ethical considerations associated with AI use in research, such as when a human should be in the loop; Describe challenges and areas of uncertainty for ePCTs in the era of AI

Moderator: Adrian Hernandez, MD, MHS

Presenter: Emily O'Brien, PhD

Panel:

  • Guilherme Del Fiol, MD, PhD
  • Michael Ho, MD, PhD
  • Keith Marsolo, PhD
  • Jeremy Sugarman, MD, MPH, MA
  • Angelo Volandes, MD, MPH

Closing Remarks

David Shurtleff, PhD; Richard Hodes, MD; Wendy Weber, ND, PhD, MPH; Beda Jean-Francois, PhD; Lesley Curtis, PhD

 

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