Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation
The Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) serves several functions. We perform original, grant funded health services and outcomes research and randomized trials, assist in evaluation activities throughout Maine Medical Center and MaineHealth and conduct independent evaluations through grants and contracts, assist in the medical education programs, and provide research design and statistical consultation throughout the institution. Our principal investigators represent the specialties of internal medicine, trauma surgery, nursing, family medicine, and pulmonology/critical care medicine and we work closely with principal investigators from pediatrics and nephrology. Support staff include a quantatively trained epidemiologist, a population geneticist with a strong statistical background, four master's prepared data analysts including an evaluation specialist, and a research assistant. Specific aspects of the program are described below.
Original Research
The Center excels in the utilization of administrative data to answer research questions. An excellent collaborative relationship with the Center for Evaluative Clinical Sciences (CECS) at Dartmouth Medical School provides access to a comprehensive library of Medicare claims data.
Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement
The Center provides program evaluation expertise and services to Maine Medical Center and MaineHealth, as well as independent evaluation funded through state and federal agencies and national organizations. CORE is evaluating all care delivered within the MaineHealth system, including hospital, long term, psychiatric, and home health care.
