Case Study
Case Study
Community-Driven Research – A Platform for Engaging the Public in Health Research
Empowering Patient and Researcher Collaboration to Advance Health Outcomes
Executive Summary
About the Client
The Challenge
Problem
PCORI (the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute), in partnership with Health 2.0, launched the Matchmaking App Challenge to spark innovative solutions that connect patients, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers in developing impactful health research ideas. The challenge aimed to bridge gaps in collaboration and ensure that patient voices are central to shaping research studies.
Solution
As part of the PCORI Matchmaking App Challenge, Estenda developed a prototype platform — CommunityDrivenResearch.com—designed to foster active collaboration between community members and researchers. The platform allowed users to contribute health-related ideas, vote on topics, and match with research opportunities.
Impact
Estenda’s platform was awarded Honorable Mention in the national developer challenge hosted by PCORI and Health 2.0, recognizing its innovative approach to facilitating patient-centered research and improving engagement between researchers and the community.
Executive Summary
About the Client
The Challenge
Problem
PCORI (the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute), in partnership with Health 2.0, launched the Matchmaking App Challenge to spark innovative solutions that connect patients, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers in developing impactful health research ideas. The challenge aimed to bridge gaps in collaboration and ensure that patient voices are central to shaping research studies.
Solution
As part of the PCORI Matchmaking App Challenge, Estenda developed a prototype platform — CommunityDrivenResearch.com—designed to foster active collaboration between community members and researchers. The platform allowed users to contribute health-related ideas, vote on topics, and match with research opportunities.
Impact
Estenda’s platform was awarded Honorable Mention in the national developer challenge hosted by PCORI and Health 2.0, recognizing its innovative approach to facilitating patient-centered research and improving engagement between researchers and the community.
Executive Summary
About the Client
The Challenge
Problem
PCORI (the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute), in partnership with Health 2.0, launched the Matchmaking App Challenge to spark innovative solutions that connect patients, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers in developing impactful health research ideas. The challenge aimed to bridge gaps in collaboration and ensure that patient voices are central to shaping research studies.
Solution
As part of the PCORI Matchmaking App Challenge, Estenda developed a prototype platform — CommunityDrivenResearch.com—designed to foster active collaboration between community members and researchers. The platform allowed users to contribute health-related ideas, vote on topics, and match with research opportunities.
Impact
Estenda’s platform was awarded Honorable Mention in the national developer challenge hosted by PCORI and Health 2.0, recognizing its innovative approach to facilitating patient-centered research and improving engagement between researchers and the community.
Our Engagement
01
How We Started
Estenda entered the PCORI Matchmaking App Challenge with a proposal to create an online platform that could crowdsource patient and caregiver insights, enable research collaboration, and support informed funding decisions.
01
How We Started
Estenda entered the PCORI Matchmaking App Challenge with a proposal to create an online platform that could crowdsource patient and caregiver insights, enable research collaboration, and support informed funding decisions.
01
How We Started
Estenda entered the PCORI Matchmaking App Challenge with a proposal to create an online platform that could crowdsource patient and caregiver insights, enable research collaboration, and support informed funding decisions.
02
Project Goals
Create a digital platform that connects researchers with patients and caregivers.
Allow community members to generate and vote on health-related topics and ideas.
Provide researchers with the tools to track interest, build studies, and recruit participants.
Establish a method for identifying impactful research ideas aligned with public health needs.
02
Project Goals
Create a digital platform that connects researchers with patients and caregivers.
Allow community members to generate and vote on health-related topics and ideas.
Provide researchers with the tools to track interest, build studies, and recruit participants.
Establish a method for identifying impactful research ideas aligned with public health needs.
02
Project Goals
Create a digital platform that connects researchers with patients and caregivers.
Allow community members to generate and vote on health-related topics and ideas.
Provide researchers with the tools to track interest, build studies, and recruit participants.
Establish a method for identifying impactful research ideas aligned with public health needs.
03
Collaboration Model
Estenda worked independently to develop the prototype but partnered with stakeholders, including Regina Greer-Smith of Healthcare Research Associates, LLC, to align the platform with culturally appropriate methodologies and community engagement best practices.
03
Collaboration Model
Estenda worked independently to develop the prototype but partnered with stakeholders, including Regina Greer-Smith of Healthcare Research Associates, LLC, to align the platform with culturally appropriate methodologies and community engagement best practices.
03
Collaboration Model
Estenda worked independently to develop the prototype but partnered with stakeholders, including Regina Greer-Smith of Healthcare Research Associates, LLC, to align the platform with culturally appropriate methodologies and community engagement best practices.
The Solution
Technologies Used
Web-based application.
Secure data management.
Interest clustering algorithms.
Simple, intuitive UI for diverse user groups.
Web-based application.
Secure data management.
Interest clustering algorithms.
Simple, intuitive UI for diverse user groups.
Web-based application.
Secure data management.
Interest clustering algorithms.
Simple, intuitive UI for diverse user groups.
Processes implemented
Agile design and prototyping.
Real-world user journey mapping.
Iterative testing and UX optimization.
Agile design and prototyping.
Real-world user journey mapping.
Iterative testing and UX optimization.
Agile design and prototyping.
Real-world user journey mapping.
Iterative testing and UX optimization.
Customization
The platform was tailored to meet the specific requirements of patient engagement, recruitment workflows, and data privacy standards.
The platform was tailored to meet the specific requirements of patient engagement, recruitment workflows, and data privacy standards.
The platform was tailored to meet the specific requirements of patient engagement, recruitment workflows, and data privacy standards.
Challenges Along the Way
Obstacle:
Designing a platform that was both engaging and usable across varying levels of digital literacy.
Solution:
Estenda employed human-centered design principles.
Obstacle:
Designing a platform that was both engaging and usable across varying levels of digital literacy.
Solution:
Estenda employed human-centered design principles.
Obstacle:
Designing a platform that was both engaging and usable across varying levels of digital literacy.
Solution:
Estenda employed human-centered design principles.
Obstacle:
Meeting strict data privacy expectations while keeping the platform open and transparent.
Solution:
Robust encryption and secure architecture were implemented.
Obstacle:
Meeting strict data privacy expectations while keeping the platform open and transparent.
Solution:
Robust encryption and secure architecture were implemented.
Obstacle:
Meeting strict data privacy expectations while keeping the platform open and transparent.
Solution:
Robust encryption and secure architecture were implemented.
Obstacle:
Creating an experience that served both researchers and community members equitably.
Solution:
Thoughtful UX practices ensured trust and transparency.
Obstacle:
Creating an experience that served both researchers and community members equitably.
Solution:
Thoughtful UX practices ensured trust and transparency.
Obstacle:
Creating an experience that served both researchers and community members equitably.
Solution:
Thoughtful UX practices ensured trust and transparency.
Results & Success Metrics
Quantifiable Outcomes
Quantifiable Outcomes
Estenda received Honorable Mention in the national PCORI Matchmaking App Challenge, standing out for its innovative blend of user interaction, researcher tools, and scalable design.
Estenda partnered with Regina Greer-Smith, who also received Honorable Mention for her concept—the S.T.A.R. Initiative (Strategically Targeting Appropriate Researchers). Their combined efforts led to a mobile application prototype tailored to minority communities.
Estenda received Honorable Mention in the national PCORI Matchmaking App Challenge, standing out for its innovative blend of user interaction, researcher tools, and scalable design.
Estenda partnered with Regina Greer-Smith, who also received Honorable Mention for her concept—the S.T.A.R. Initiative (Strategically Targeting Appropriate Researchers). Their combined efforts led to a mobile application prototype tailored to minority communities.
Estenda received Honorable Mention in the national PCORI Matchmaking App Challenge, standing out for its innovative blend of user interaction, researcher tools, and scalable design.
Estenda partnered with Regina Greer-Smith, who also received Honorable Mention for her concept—the S.T.A.R. Initiative (Strategically Targeting Appropriate Researchers). Their combined efforts led to a mobile application prototype tailored to minority communities.
Qualitative Benefits
Qualitative Benefits
Increased visibility of community health needs.
Enhanced trust and collaboration between patients and researchers.
A blueprint for patient-driven research platforms.
Increased visibility of community health needs.
Enhanced trust and collaboration between patients and researchers.
A blueprint for patient-driven research platforms.
Increased visibility of community health needs.
Enhanced trust and collaboration between patients and researchers.
A blueprint for patient-driven research platforms.
Current Status
Where We Are Now
Where We Are Now
The CommunityDrivenResearch.com prototype continues to serve as a model for patient-researcher engagement platforms. Its influence can be seen in ongoing collaborations and adapted versions of the concept.
The CommunityDrivenResearch.com prototype continues to serve as a model for patient-researcher engagement platforms. Its influence can be seen in ongoing collaborations and adapted versions of the concept.
The CommunityDrivenResearch.com prototype continues to serve as a model for patient-researcher engagement platforms. Its influence can be seen in ongoing collaborations and adapted versions of the concept.
Ongoing Relationship
Ongoing Relationship
Estenda remains committed to developing tools that support inclusive health research and continues collaborating with stakeholders on platforms that empower underserved communities.
Estenda remains committed to developing tools that support inclusive health research and continues collaborating with stakeholders on platforms that empower underserved communities.
Estenda remains committed to developing tools that support inclusive health research and continues collaborating with stakeholders on platforms that empower underserved communities.
Key Takeaways
Why It Matters:
Why It Matters:
Research that begins with patient input is more relevant, actionable, and likely to drive real-world health improvements—especially in underserved populations.
Research that begins with patient input is more relevant, actionable, and likely to drive real-world health improvements—especially in underserved populations.
Research that begins with patient input is more relevant, actionable, and likely to drive real-world health improvements—especially in underserved populations.
Why Estenda:
Why Estenda:
With expertise in custom healthcare software and a deep understanding of patient engagement, Estenda delivers secure, intuitive platforms that promote equity in health research and care delivery.
With expertise in custom healthcare software and a deep understanding of patient engagement, Estenda delivers secure, intuitive platforms that promote equity in health research and care delivery.
With expertise in custom healthcare software and a deep understanding of patient engagement, Estenda delivers secure, intuitive platforms that promote equity in health research and care delivery.
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