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The Division of General Internal Medicine has a long history
of clinical research by both our own investigators and non-DGIM investigators
recruiting from our practice. Currently, in General Medical Practice (located
on the main campus at UCSF) we follow approximately 18,000 patients who make
approximately 40,200 annual patient visits. These patients are seen by 21 faculty
physicians, 30 primary care resident physicians, 28 categorical resident physicians,
and 5 nurse practitioners.
The patients represent a diverse ethnic mix, with a majority non-White: 49% White, 24% Asian/Pacific Islander, 15% Latino, 11%
African-American, and 1% American Indian.
The payor mix is also diverse: 32%
Medicare, 34% managed care, 15% Medi-Cal, 13% contracts, 4% non-capitated insurance
plans, and 2% self-pay.
Administrative and clinical
data are available from the medical center's computerized information system
(STOR) and other databases. Although our medical records are not yet electronic,
they are available on site. In general, funding to access these databases must
be provided by each project.
To better utilize DGIM patients and resources, we strongly
encourage outside investigators to consider formal collaborative relationships
with DGIM faculty, fellows, and residents. Each year a majority of our Primary
Care Internal Medicine Residents participate in research projects and many have
some training or experience in research methods. DGIM research faculty may also
be available on an informal basis to discuss methodologic issues.
We welcome outside proposals that wish to recruit from our
patient population and would like to improve our ability to quick respond to
requests. Our goal is to review potential projects and notify investigators
within three weeks of receipt of the complete application packet. In return,
we ask that Investigators keep us updated on the status (and results) of their
projects. The review process will not begin until the following has been submitted
to us: the final protocol, IRB approval letter, and the one page DGIM Project
Summary (see attached). Recruitment materials, questionnaires, and other instruments
should be submitted if available. Lastly, we require that you periodically update
us as to the status of your project and agree to notify us when recruitment
is completed.
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