Abstract: Research and Data Analysis Core (RDAC) The overall goal of the Research and Data Analysis Core (RDAC) is to enable the MEL-STaR Scholars to employ state-of-the-art methodology in pursuing their embedded research practica, and more broadly, to support the growth and sustainment of embedded LHS methods across U-M and nationally. The RDAC team will ensure that the embedded research that MEL-STaR Scholars will undertake are aligned with the needs of patients, to make novel patient-centered outcomes and comparative effectiveness research (PCOR/CER) methods available to the next generation of LHS investigators, and to promote sustained embedded research that optimizes patient-centered outcomes. RDAC faculty will guide MEL-STaR Scholars as Methods mentors, along with their patient-partnered program mentors, LHS Laboratory (LHS Lab), and the Research and Education Core (REC) mentors, to develop and implement validated approaches to study the effects of interventions their work produces. Drawing upon a unique cadre of nationally recognized, interdisciplinary scientists from across U-M, RDAC faculty provide the methodological anchor to the Center as a whole, by providing mentoring to the MEL-STaR Scholars and consultation to the LHS Labs and other U-M faculty as well as provide resources that enrich the embedded experiences of the MEL-STaR Scholars and a broader range of LHS-related research activities through advanced PCOR/CER. RDAC will support sustained embedded LHS research via the following Specific Aims: (1) Support MEL-STaR Scholars in conducting embedded research by ensuring use of sound methodology and patient-centeredness; (2) Support MEL-STaR Scholars in evaluating practica focused on patient-centered outcomes at multiple levels of scale; and (3) Support dissemination, implementation and use of PCOR/CER evidence by providing consultative services to the LHS Laboratory partners and across U-M on LHS methods and advanced PCOR/CER. Leveraging the nationally recognized expertise of U-M faculty, PEHEC, and REC mentoring team and guided by the DLHS Learning Cycle, MEL-STaR Scholars will carry out embedded LHS practica across different priority populations. In Aim 1, RDAC will work closely with REC and PEHEC to guide practica that will span multiple AHRQ priorities (e.g., PCOR/CER methods, health equity, primary care, maternal health, patient engagement, implementation). RDAC will provide quantitative and qualitative data and tools for embedded LHS practica, as well as tools and analytic methods to enhance engagement of patients and other stakeholders through learning communities. In Aim 2, RDAC will work with patient-partnered mentors and PEHEC to develop and implement evaluation metrics that are centered on patient experiences, quality of care, equity, and quality of life. For Aim 3, RDAC mentors will provide methodological expert consultations in PCOR/CER methods to other faculty conducting embedded LHS research, to ultimately facilitate d...