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Health services - Research lines

Our group applies epidemiologic and psychometric methods to produce new knowledge on the needs for healthcare and the outcomes of health services utilization. Our research interest focuses on the burden of common mental disorders and cancer. We use modern methods of measurement of health-related quality of life, well-being, function and disability. We also develop a number of educational, mentoring and knowledge transfer activities.

BURDEN OF MENTAL DISEASE

Frequency, risk factors, disabilities, and economic and social costs related to common mental disorders and suicide. We are members of the World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys, a consortium of 30+ countries, coordinated by Harvard University and WHO to promote international psychiatric epidemiology studies. J Alonso is the European coordinator and leader, burden of mental health problems group.

Ongoing or recent projects

• PROMES-U: Promoting mental health among university students. J. Alonso, PI. (ISCIII/FEDER PI20/0006, 2021-23).
• MINDCOVID: Mental health Impact and Needs associated with COVID-19. J. Alonso, Coordinator, PI. (ISCIII-Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/FEDER COV20/00711, 2020-21)
• WEMWBS: Mental Well-Being as a Population Health Indicator. G. Vilagut, PI. (ISCIII-FEDER PI19/00109, 2020-22).
• CODIRISC: Suicide Risk Code CODIRISC. J. Alonso, Coordinator, PI. (ISCIII-FEDER PI17/00521, 2018-22).

PROMs (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures)

Adapted and validated 40+ PROMs, developed a standard guide for evaluating the quality of these instruments (EMPRO), and patented a "Method and system for evaluating an individual's Health-Related Quality of Life" (patent application No. P200600211).

We developed and maintain BiblioPRO, a virtual library of PROMs in Spanish. We are part of major international initiatives: PROMIS-Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, ISOQOL-International Society for Quality of Life Research Committee of Standards and Good Scientific Practices, ICHOM-International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement, COSMIN and SISAQOL.

Ongoing or recent projects

• SISAQOL- Establishing international standards in the analysis of patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life data in cancer clinical trials. M. Ferrer, advisory board. (EC Horizon 2020, 945042, 2021-24)
• PRO: Application of PRO instruments in Spain. O. Garin, PI. (ISCIII-FEDER PI16/00130, 2017-21).

COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS RESEACH

Efficacy, effectiveness, costs and efficiency of medical procedures and health programs (main focus: prostate cancer, common mental disorders, and asthma). We are part of the TrueNTH Global Registry - Prostate Cancer Outcomes, a Movember Foundation international initiative.

Ongoing or recent projects

• SHOULDER: Effectiveness of treatment of massive shoulder rotator cuff injuries. M Ferrer, PI; C Torrens, co-PI (ISCIII-FEDER PI18/00152, 2019-21).
• MOVEMBER: TrueNTH Global Registry -Prostate Cancer Outcomes. M. Ferrer, PI; O.Garin,Inv. (Movember Foundation PCO-CRV, 2017-21).
• ARCA: Long-acting bronchodilators in pediatric asthma. M Ferrer, PI. (ISCIII-FEDER PI15/00449).
• CaPROST10: Localized Prostate Cancer. O. Garin, PI (ISCIII-FEDER PI13/00412, 2014-18).