USC-Yale Roybal Center for Behavioral Interventions in Aging

Abstract The Administrative Core plays a crucial role in promoting collaboration among researchers within the Center and the National Institute on Aging. Its main objective is to advance scientific knowledge by conducting studies on the mechanisms of behavior change related to interventions aimed at improving medical care delivery. As part of its specific aims, the Administrative Core manages the External Advisory Committee, which determines the priorities for the request for applications. Additionally, it organizes a review panel to assist in the selection of clinical trials. This process involves grant scoring and providing recommendations to the Principal Investigators. Furthermore, the Administrative Core collaborates with the Behavioral Intervention Development Core to provide scientific, statistical computing, and project management resources to awardees. This support enables them to carry out their work at different stages of the research process and explore behavior change mechanisms applicable across various settings. During clinical trials, the Administrative Core works alongside the Behavioral Intervention Development Core to monitor the trials, develop evaluation metrics, and code mechanistic targets. This ensures that the highest-priority behavioral interventions are identified, selected, and supported in research endeavors. Additionally, the Administrative Core coordinates travel arrangements, disseminates trial results, and expands the network of implementation partners through the Center's External Advisory Committee. The Center follows the NIH Stage Model for behavioral research, evaluating the relevance of fundamental social and cognitive principles and applying them appropriately to each mechanism within each stage of the research process. The Administrative Core collaborates with trialists to develop training materials and establish project pathways within the NIH Stage Model on a yearly basis. Throughout the award period, the Administrative Core's significant contribution lies in fostering close collaborations between behavioral scientists and clinical researchers. This collaboration aims to address pressing population health concerns that contribute to the overuse of low-value services and the underuse of more effective services in the nation.