About The Program

Keeping UChicago Medicine “At the Forefront”.

Research and pilot projects are an important part of the work that keeps University of Chicago Medicine “At the Forefront.” Many projects impact hospital operations and technology in what may seem like simple ways but can be quite complex. PRIOR helps to educate investigators during the planning process, ensuring that both researchers and hospital staff and leadership understand the impact on health system operations and facilitating successful implementation of their project. PRIOR is a complimentary consultation service by hospital leaders to help support innovative ideas that impact health system operations. To learn more about researchers’ experience with PRIOR, read our blog.

How it Works

PRIOR Process

  1. Principal Investigator (PI) submits online PRIOR intake form while project idea is being formulated and, ideally, prior to grant submission and contract signing
  2. PRIOR leadership performs initial review, and either:
    • Project would benefit from a consultation, or
    • Project should proceed (minimal impact to hospital operations expected)
  3. PI (or designee) discusses their project with PRIOR committee at a monthly meeting, followed by robust discussion
    • Committee meets the third Thursday of each month at 1pm
  4. PI receives feedback during meeting and written report within a week
  5. If requested, PI can obtain a Letter of Support from UChicago Medicine for their project after going through consultation
  6. PI should remain in communication with PRIOR Project Manager should project specs or funding change during final project development
UChicago doctor looking at data on multiple computer screens

Identify

  • Provide a Consistent Intake Process
  • Triage Project Requests
  • Facilitate Project Review
  • Sources
    • Faculty
    • IRB Submissions
    • URA Contracts
    • BSD Administrators
    • UCM Staff

Engage

  • Conduct Project Review by PRIOR Committee
  • Inform PI/Project lead on:
    • Feasibility
    • Resource Requirements
    • Budget
  • Provide Letter of Support

Coordinate

  • Wait for Grant Funding
  • Implement Project
Projects that “touch” health system operations, including but not limited to those that:

  • Bring new, project-specific equipment into the health system
  • Change how patient care is provided
  • Request new data or edits to current reports or changes to the EHR or other clinical systems
Outcomes from participating in the PRIOR process may include:

  • A UChicago Medicine Letter of Support
  • Important departmental contacts
  • Budget recommendations for significant IT support or other extra services
  • Feedback and suggestions addressing potential challenges or collaborators
  • Identification of similar projects in the pipeline
The PRIOR committee includes UChicago Medicine Senior Leaders representing:

  • UChicago Medicine Information Technology (UCMIT)
  • Supply Chain
  • Patient Care Services
  • Ambulatory Care Services
  • Adult Inpatient Services
  • Pediatric Care Services
  • Patient Experience & Engagement Program
  • Center for Healthcare Delivery Science and Innovation

University of Chicago

  • Center for Research Informatics (CRI)
  • Office of Clinical Research (OCR)
  • Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN)

Ad hoc members depending on project

  • Pharmacy, Therapy Services, Facilities, Clinical Excellence, etc.
  • Operational Excellence
  • Patient Experience & Engagement Program
  • Center for Healthcare Delivery Science and Innovation

University of Chicago

  • Center for Research Informatics (CRI)
  • Office of Clinical Research (OCR)
  • Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN)

Ad hoc members depending on project

  • Pharmacy, Therapy Services, Facilities, Clinical Excellence, etc.
The PRIOR Committee meets virtually the third Thursday of the month at 1pm. Upcoming dates in 2023:

  • June 15
  • July 20
  • August 17
  • September 21
  • October 19
  • November 16

PRIOR Submission Form

Note that the PRIOR process does not take the place of UCM’s Supply Chain’s Value Analysis process for new products or technology that is being considered for health system operations. Refer to the UCM Supply Chain’s process for evaluating new products.

For more information, please contact the PRIOR Project Manager, Kimisha Cassidy.