The Research Coalition Request for Proposals

Purpose

Research Coalition funds support cutting edge research in the field of evidence-based design (EBD). The research will fill critical gaps in the field of EBD and increase the research capacity of researchers engaged in this field.

All research applications will undergo a thorough peer-review process, conducted by The Research Coalition.

Studies of Interest

The Research Coalition encourages:

• Strong empirical research that examines the relationship between well-defined physical environment features and key healthcare related outcomes.
• Literature reviews that address critical gaps, tool or metric development, and pilot studies in emerging areas.

High priority will be given to studies whose results are easily disseminated and applied by facility owners, architects, and stakeholders in the form of tools and design recommendations. The RFP encourages the involvement and partnership with healthcare facilities and organizations. Download the RFP here.

Areas of Focus

The RFP seeks research submissions that address the following areas:

• Increasing patient safety through environmental design;
• Increasing patient satisfaction and quality of care through environmental design; and
• Increasing worker safety and effectiveness through environmental design.

Important Dates

• May 17, 2010: Short proposal submission forms due. The online submission period is now over.
• June 15, 2010: Invitations to submit full proposals sent by The Research Coalition
• July 30, 2010: Full proposal submissions due.  Download the budget template required for the full-length proposal.
• September 14, 2010: Awards announced

Please contact Carolyn Quist with any questions.

2008 Request for Proposal Cycle

During the previous RFP cycle, a number of high quality proposals were rigorously reviewed and two projects were selected:

Improving the Waiting Experience in the Emergency Department: A Two Phase Study

(Principal Investigator: Upali Nanda, Ph.D., American Art Resources)

Estimated Completion: November 2010

Contribution of the Design Environment to Fall Risk in Hospitals (Principal Investigator: Margaret Calkins, Ph.D., Ideas Institute)

Estimated Publication: March 2011