Services

The CPC provides DF/HCC investigators with a connection to a large, diverse community of over 9,000,000 patients in Massachusetts and nationwide.  The CPC offers investigators support to develop research proposals for studies within the community practice settings, including guidance through each step in the process.  For each project the CPC

• Meets with the DF/HCC investigator and provides input on the feasibility of the project.
• Assists the DF/HCC investigator to find an internal co-investigator within the community practice settings and introduces the investigator to the key clinical and administrative staff.
• Provides preliminary data needed for research proposals.
• Assists in completion of the required local Research Administration protocols including preparation of the application budget.
• Facilitates Institutional Review Board submissions (if required by grant source prior to funding). 
  

During the grant-preparation phase, services provided by the CPC are free-of-charge to DF/HCC investigators. 

The CPC offers DF/HCC investigators post-award services on a fee-for-service basis.  These services provide structural supports to enable investigators to improve the efficiency of conducting studies within the community practice laboratories by providing locally experienced staff to perform institutionally- specific research tasks. The post-award services eliminate the need to hire and train a research staff person early in the initiation of the project.  Fees are reasonable and are available on request.   Examples of our services include:

• Preparation of the Human Studies application and assistance with IRB/HIPAA approval.
• Obtaining administrative and department approvals.
• Coordination of activities between the RSDC and investigators.
  Identification of resources within the community laboratory to facilitate implementation of the study.
• Project set-up, maintenance and shut down by experienced staff.