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.
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:
- Andrea Cheville, MD, MSCE
- Steven George, PT, PhD, FAPTA
- Patrick Heagerty, PhD
- Michael Ho, MD, PhD
- Tracy Wang, MD, MHS, MSc
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:
- Diana Burgess, PhD
- Lynn DeBar, PhD, MPH
- Christine Goertz, DC, PhD
- Elizabeth Wick, MD
- Cherise Harrington, PhD, MPH
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