Brown/WIH Pelvic Floor Disorders Network Site

PROJECT SUMMARY The Pelvic Floor Disorders Network (PFDN) is an ongoing multicenter program designed to study clinical and health aspects of female pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island (WIH) is a women’s hospital, uniquely focused on advancing women’s health and research and its mission is directly in line with the PFDN. In Cycles #3-4, the Brown/WIH site demonstrated that we have the scientific expertise, high clinical volume, research infrastructure, administrative commitment, and translational collaborators needed to be successful in this Network. We have made substantive contributions at all levels: scientifically our site initiated 2 primary protocols: ESTEEM (completed), BioLIFT (ongoing) and 2 supplementary studies: AIM (completed) and PPAR (ongoing). We were in the top tier for recruitment with outstanding retention, we made major administrative contributions, and we developed successful advocacy initiatives promoting PFDN studies in southern New England to help ensure a diverse study population. The objective of this application is for Brown/WIH to continue as a major contributor to the PFDN in Cycle #5 through the following aims: 1) ensure leadership in protocol development and implementation, data quality, dissemination, and active support of all PFDN administrative functions; 2) maintain and continuously maximize our position as a top site in recruitment and retention; 3) develop innovative and translational concepts to scientifically advance the field by working with multi-disciplinary experts enthusiastic about collaboration with the PFDN; and 4) ensure the highest quality of care and research for women with PFDs in New England through wider-reaching advocacy efforts. We also have a long-standing, formal relationship with clinical collaborators committed to advancing the care of women with PFDs led by Urogynecology (including Urology, Colorectal Surgery, Women’s Gastroenterology, Women’s Physical Therapy, and Women’s Radiology). Thus far in 2021 YTD, the Division of Urogynecology saw 2,119 new PFD patients and performed surgery on 710 patients; vaginal, abdominal, laparoscopic, robotic approaches all represented. New components in this application that will further increase our productivity as a PFDN site in Cycle #5 include: addition of outreach clinics and surgical block time dedicated to our division due to anticipated higher clinical volumes; expanded advocacy and community outreach through engagement of minority community leaders and New England colleagues, improved infrastructure to increase PFDN access for underrepresented populations, and collaboration and commitment of experts in tissue regenerative techniques, biomarkers, microbiome, and memory and aging research that can lead to new discoveries in PFDs. Brown/WIH has a multi-faceted application and is uniquely qualified for the opportunity to continue as a productive member of the PFDN.