The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to support research, development, and pilot testing to develop technological tools. These tools may include mobile enabling technologies, enhanced medication monitoring systems, computer software, portable digital devices, cell phones or digital assistant devices to help patients adhere to HIV treatment regimens found in substance abuse populations.
This funding will require multidisciplinary collaboration between social scientists, physicians, nurses, researchers, and technology experts to develop and refine mobile technological instrumentation, e-health technology, and software.
Possible research topics can include but are not at all limited to these topics such as forming focus groups and then examining reactions to using the interventions. Another topic is to develop pilot testing interventions that incorporate technological devices to determine feasibility, acceptability, and tolerance for a larger randomized trial.
The technological tools being studied may be used alone or in combination with other adherence-promoting behavioral or structural interventions to encourage consistent use of treatment regimens and associated HIV care.
The funding support is for both the R34 FOA (PAS-10-098) and the accompanying RO1 FOA (PAS-10-097) funding announcements. NIDA intends to commit up to $1.5 million in total costs in FY 2010 and $1.5 million for FY 11 for both FOAs. There are plans to award 6-9 new projects under these FOAs. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, the size and duration for each award will also vary.
Institutions of Higher Education, non-profits, for profits, small businesses, state and local governments, regional organizations, and others are eligible to apply. The opening date to submit applications is April 7, 2010 and the expiration date for applications is September 8, 2012.
Go to http://gramts.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-10-098.html for more information.
