# Methodologic Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2022 · $328,952

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Rheumatic diseases and musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders often persist for decades, have profound impact on
quality of life, and require complex and costly management. Complexity of management is governed by the
heterogeneity in risk factors for these conditions, concomitant comorbidities, and variability in responsiveness
to specific treatments. This complexity requires that epidemiologic analyses use data from a range of sources,
including real-world data from electronic medical records and registries. Randomized clinical trials are critical
for the identification of efficacious treatments to control symptoms and/or arrest joint destruction. Observational
studies and intervention trials must account for complex phenotypes and varying durations of disease;
importantly, they must also address the balance between efficacy and toxicity. Outcomes of rheumatic and
MSK conditions are influenced by social determinants of health, which affect access to high value care,
especially for racial and ethnic minorities. Studies of the determinants of access to quality care -- including
implicit bias, geographic diversity, and the role of social networks -- have the potential to improve outcomes in
populations often marginalized from health care.
Confronting these complex study questions and diverse data sources requires sophisticated, state-of-the-art
research methods. The VERITY Methodology Core (MC) focuses on addressing these methodologic
needs and analytic challenges. The VERITY MC is a centralized resource with the overarching goal of
providing critical insight into the design, planning and conduct of clinical research in patients with
rheumatic or MSK disorders. The focus of expertise in the VERITY MC aligns with the overall objectives of
the CCCR (“VERITY”). The Specific Aims of the MC include: 1. Ensure methodological rigor in the design and
implementation of studies aimed at improving outcomes in persons with rheumatic and musculoskeletal
conditions; 2. Develop and advance methods to optimize design and conduct of clinical trials; and 3.
Incorporate intervention approaches based on behavioral theory and behavioral economic principles and to
infuse cultural perspectives and perceptions of racial and ethnic minorities into interventions.
The MC has the requisite breadth of expertise to enhance the rigor of the broad spectrum of studies
undertaken by the VERITY Research Community. The MC is well positioned to support one of the key VERITY
objectives -- to design studies, providing the highest level of evidence, including RCTs when feasible, or trial
emulation based on real world data when randomization is not feasible or ethically justified. The MC advances
VERITY’s focus on patient-centeredness, particularly as it relates to social determinants of health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10486387
- **Project number:** 2P30AR072577-06
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Elena Losina
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $328,952
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2017-09-15 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10486387

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10486387, Methodologic Core (2P30AR072577-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10486387. Licensed CC0.

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