PCORnet PaTH Network

Title: A PaTH Toward a Learning Health System

Site PI: H. Lester Kirchner, PhD (PI: Kathleen McTigue, University of Pittsburgh)
Funder: PCORI
Grant Number: CDRN-1306-04912
Dates: 01/01/2022 – 12/31/2024

PCORI funded the development of PCORnet®, the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network, to make it easier and more efficient to conduct research. PCORnet is made up of Partner Networks that harness the power of large amounts of health data and patient partnerships. Clinical Data Research Networks (CDRNs) are one type of network supported by PCORI. CDRNs consist of two or more healthcare systems, including hospitals, integrated delivery systems, and federally qualified health centers. Each CDRN transforms data gathered from routine patient care across its participating health systems to a consistent format, the Common Data Model (CDM), to enable rapid response to research-related questions.

PCORI funded PaTH Towards a Learning Health System’s (PaTH, www.pathnetwork.org) participation in PCORnet from 2015 to 2024. Led by the University of Pittsburgh, PaTH comprises seven health systems in the Mid-Atlantic and midwestern regions, including Geisinger. The network uses electronic health records (EHRs) across its partners to conduct research that may ultimately help clinicians and patients make more informed health decisions.