# Pelvic Floor Disorders Network Clinical Sites (UG1)

> **NIH NIH UG1** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2021 · $265,150

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract (30 lines of text)
This application demonstrates the achievements and capabilities of the Pelvic Floor Disorders
Unit (PFDU) of the University of Pennsylvania as a clinical site for the Pelvic Floor Disorders
Network (PFDN). We detail our unique strengths that have allowed us to make significant
academic, clinical and administrative contributions to the Network. We have a well-established
research and multi-disciplinary clinical infrastructure including long-standing clinical and
research relationships with urology, colorectal surgery, gastroenterology, advanced practice
nursing, geriatrics, behavioral medicine, radiology, basic sciences and epidemiology and
extensive experience in performing relevant clinical trials and observational studies both within
and outside the PFDN Network. Our investigators have substantially contributed to all areas of
clinical trial design and development, implementation, recruitment and retention and scientific
reporting in the Network and presented outcomes of this research at national scientific
meetings. We have an excellent track record of facilitation and cooperation with other network
sites, the Data Coordinating Center, Advisory and Data Safety Monitoring Boards and
participation as Chair of various committees. Specifically, Penn investigators are leading several
active research protocols including 1) Treatment for Mixed Urinary Incontinence: Mid-urethral
Sling vs. Botox A (MUSA, Harvie), 2) accidental bowel leakage severity association with dietary
intake (NOTABLe Dietary Screener, Andy), 3) clinical and translational research in defecatory
dysfunction (SMM-CAPABLe, Arya), and 4) cost-effectiveness analyses for all trials (Harvie).
Our recruitment and retention in multi-center trials is outstanding and the result of an
exceptional research infrastructure and culture of research that permeates all our clinical
activities. Our unique geographical location allows us to recruit a large and ethnically diverse
patient population from three states (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware). Additional
unique strengths of the Penn site include 1) strong collaboration with Urology 2) a dedicated
clinical research unit in the Department of OB/GYN that provides direct financial, logistical and
personnel support beyond the PFDN budget 3) the Penn Clinical and Translational Research
Center (CTRC) that provides PFDN investigators low cost access to all state-of-the art
technologies. Ultimately, the team of investigators, available population, our cost-effective and
efficient approach to clinical trials and outstanding university resources make the Penn PFDU
an ideal site to advance the scientific productivity of the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network and we
are committed to continuing these activities in this Administrative Supplemental bridge year.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10405907
- **Project number:** 3UG1HD069010-10S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Heidi S Harvie
- **Activity code:** UG1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $265,150
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2011-08-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10405907

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10405907, Pelvic Floor Disorders Network Clinical Sites (UG1) (3UG1HD069010-10S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-30 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10405907. Licensed CC0.

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