[ Search Options ]

Research Objectives

The ultimate objective of the APIRE Psychiatric Research Network (PRN) is to expand the clinical science base and bring about improvements in psychiatric care to benefit psychiatric patients. Because the PRN includes a large number of psychiatrists practicing across the full range of treatment settings, this research infrastructure can be used to study an extensive range of issues. The APIRE Board of Directors has appointed two committees, the Scientific Advisory Committee and the Steering Committee, for scientific oversight and technical assistance of the PRN. These committees consist of professionals in numerous fields from around the country who give expert advice concerning clinical issues for investigation and development of the research agenda. The list below highlights examples of the range of topics that reflect and build upon many of the areas of research that are already being addressed by the PRN.

The principal research aims of the PRN include:

Gathering data on specific clinical issues and decisions facing psychiatrists in order to address gaps in the current research base.
Systematically assessing the effectiveness of different treatments and combinations of treatments for specific patient groups. This includes patients who are commonly excluded from clinical trials (e.g., children, the elderly, and people with comorbid conditions).
Examining the outcomes of care for specific psychiatric disorders.
Conducting health policy and health economic studies of the impact of changes in the organization, delivery, and financing of care on access, quality, and outcomes of psychiatric treatment.