Behavioral and Implementation Science Core Laurie Bauman, PhD Director (Einstein)Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Director of the Einstein Preventive Intervention Research Center laurie.bauman@einsteinmed.edu 718.862.1747 Sarit Golub, PhD Co-Director (CUNY)Professor of Psychology, Hunter College and the CUNY Graduate Center; Director, Hunter Alliance for Research & Translation sgolub@hunter.cuny.edu 212.396.6304 Viraj Patel, MD Associate Director (Einstein)Associate Professor of Medicine; Co-Director of the Montefiore Prevention Program vpatel@montefiore.org 718.920.5256 The Behavioral and Implementation Science Core (BISC) supports ERC-CFAR investigators to accelerate, enhance and advance their research programs by providing expertise and capacity building in behavioral, social and implementation science (IS) theory, methods, and strategies. We provide comprehensive technical assistance to ERC-CFAR investigators, offer mentorship to early stage investigators, and enhance collaborative research efforts among scientists, clinicians, departments of health, and communities. A key function of the BISC is to leverage IS approaches, methods, and frameworks to expand and strengthen HIV research, while focusing on strategies that mitigate health disparities and increase equity. The BISC emphasizes strong community partnerships between ERC-CFAR investigators and community partners in New York City to maximize innovative research and overall impact. Services The Behavioral Sciences Core offers a broad range of services that can be customized to your needs. We welcome your inquiries! Please contact us to initiate a consultation. Your initial consult is free of charge, as are some other services to ERC-CFAR members. ERC-CFAR members benefit from a preferential fee structure for Core services, but the Core can provide services to those who are not ERC-CFAR members as well. Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) benefit from free or preferential fees for service. Mentoring and Networking Individual mentoring in behavioral research methods and community collaboration Build a study team using our expertise to link you to social and behavioral researchers at Einstein, Rockefeller and CUNY Networking events to facilitate collaborative work between community members and ERC-CFAR investigators BISC Fellowsare HIV-focused ESIs or experienced researchers new to HIV research. Fellows benefit from intensive, long-term mentoring relationships with BISC leadership and staff, growing the next generation of HIV researchers. Proposal Development Grant proposal development and review Study design, including qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods; implementation science frameworks; behavioral theory Intervention and Evaluation Theoretical models Evaluation designs Program development Implementation science Intervention protocols and review Strategies for assuring fidelity Data Collection and Analysis Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research We provide technical assistance and support including: Interview and focus group guide development Sampling issues and strategies for participant recruitment Data collection (interviewing, focus group facilitation, survey administration) Data management/management support Development of the analysis plan Quantitative Research We provide technical assistance and support including: Cognitive interviewing Survey design Computer-assisted survey programming (qualtrics, RedCAP) Data management/management support Training Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods Online and personal survey administration Interviewer training Focus group facilitation Qualitative data analysis Cognitive interviewing and implementation Biomarker Development Advice on existing and assistance on developing new biomarkers for behavioral outcomes With the Biomarker and Advanced Technologies Core, provide guidance on “combination measurement,” by developing new, and advising on existing, biomarkers for behavioral outcomes including condomless sex and adherence Youth and Adolescent Studies Recruitment and retention of youth and adolescent populations Access to recruitment sources, datasets (quantitative and qualitative) and advisory groups related to young people and HIV Manuscript Preparation Preparation, feedback and revisions of manuscript drafts (authorship is negotiated) Guidance on journal selection and submissions Resources The Qualitative Method Resource provides comprehensive technical assistance on study design in qualitative and mixed methods, as well as data collection and analysis. The Cognitive Interview Lab provides advice to investigators interested in using cognitive interviewing to improve measurement. Consults include assistance in determining research goals, advice on how cognitive interviewing can help test existing and new measures, and the methodology of cognitive interviewing. Experienced cognitive interviewers are on staff and available through the Core. The Community Participatory Partnership, composed of CBO leaders, government officials, outside researchers and ERC-CFAR researchers, shapes the evolving ERC-CFAR research agenda, develops opportunities to collaborate on studies, and assures sustainability and dissemination of research results. The Implementation Science Interest Group is a joint initiative with the Clinical and Translational Science Core(link). The goal is to elevate implementation science (IS) expertise among ERC-CFAR investigators and strengthen existing relationships with the NYC DOHMH, and the Columbia University HIV Center Implementation Science and Health Outcomes Core. For further information or to access the Behavioral Science Core services, please contact dana.watnick@einsteinmed.edu.
