The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute in Washington, D.C., has announced grants totaling $97.9 million in support of studies comparing approaches to improving care for health conditions that impose high burdens on patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system.

The grants include $8.8 million to assess the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and pain self-management therapy in alleviating pain and reducing opioid use among patients with chronic pain, and $18 million for two projects that will compare strategies to improve treatment for young sickle cell disease patients who are transitioning to adult care. PCORI also awarded grants totaling nearly $38 million in support of five research projects aimed at improving treatment of multiple sclerosis, including strategies for addressing MS-related fatigue; addressing the increasing severity of symptoms, such as numbness and vision problems, that some patients experience; and improving patient access to evidence-based treatments.

In addition, three grants totaling $32.8 million were awarded in support of studies aimed at generating evidence around the most effective therapies to address problems with swallowing among patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer; to determine which of two commonly available preoperative antiseptic skin solutions is better for reducing hospital-acquired surgical-site infections; and to prevent cavities through school-based programs in areas with a scarcity of dental care providers and clinics.

"Like most PCORI-funded studies, these studies are intended to answer important treatment questions that matter to patients and those who care for them," said PCORI executive director Joe Selby. "They can fill major gaps in our knowledge and have the potential to change practice and improve patients' health outcomes."