University of Michigan
24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Lobby M
PO Box 421
Ann Arbor, MI   48109-0723

This project will construct, test, refine, and progressively extend a common infrastructure linking three existing practice-based networks with two University of Michigan research centers. The five components include: 1 ) GRIN, a statewide network of community primary care physicians; 2) MCORPP, a community hospital-based Cardiovascular Network; 3) Depression Primary Care Network; 4) Cardiovascular Center, and 5 ) Depression Center. These networks and clinical research centers currently use dramatically different human and IT systems to perform research. The infrastructure that each utilizes will be re-engineered emphasizing both "human" procedures -- those necessary to perform high-quality and compliant clinical research in multiple community-based practices -- and information technology (IT) systems.

A Feasibility Project will assess treatment responses, recurrences, rehospitalizations, mortality and costs for those with co-occurring cardiovascular and depressive disorders when compared with those having only cardiovascular problems. This project will be rolled out in a staged fashion and new research centers and primary care networks will be progressively added in future years, starting with the Women's Health Center and Cancer Center. The result will be a new integrated enterprise --- the Michigan Clinical Research Collaboratory (MCRC).