Research Design and Methodology Core Overview

The Research Design and Methodology Core (Design Core) collaborates with all ASCENT Cores to facilitate rigorous palliative care research and advancement of palliative care research methodology by providing guidance and training on research design and methods, developing a sustainable digital library of research methods resources, and conducting knowledge generation projects.

Core Goals

• Support the design and conduct of high-quality palliative care research
  Provide consultation and training for investigators to promote the use of innovative and rigorous research designs and methods, in collaboration with the other Cores through the ASCENT Lab.
• Develop and expand a sustainable resource infrastructure
  Create a digital library of guidance documents, peer-reviewed publications, presentations at scientific meetings, study protocols, and standard operating procedures to assist investigators in the design and conduct of rigorous palliative care research.
• Conduct projects that address key methodological questions in the field, including developing a biostatistics learning network

Operational Structure

The Design Core includes four methodological hubs:

1. Intervention Development, Testing, and Implementation Science in Clinical Trials
2. Qualitative and Mixed Methods
3. Biostatistics
4. Communication Science

The multidisciplinary investigative team and supporting consultants have complementary areas of expertise in palliative care research methods, and experience with a range of populations of people with serious illness and those who care for them.