The Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) was established in 1992 to support and catalyze clinical and health services research throughout the institution. With its complement of clinical investigators, research scientists, epidemiologists, data analysts, research assistants, and administrative support staff, CORE provides the ideal environment for supporting a variety of research projects. In addition to performing extramural research, CORE staff provide expertise in research design, database design, data analysis, and interpretation for researchers throughout Maine Medical Center (MMC). Formal collaborations have also been forged with the State Health Department and the Maine Quality Forum, the State’s quality improvement organization, and the University of Southern Maine. CORE is also nationally prominent for its landmark studies on the regional variation in health care utilization, quality, access, outcomes, satisfaction with care, and Medicare spending. CORE is an integral part of Maine Medical Center Research Institute (MMCRI), a world class biomedical research institution that performs the research mission of MMC.
CORE’s multidisciplinary investigators include expertise in epidemiology and statistics, nutrition, women’s health, patient-centered decision making, decision support and informatics, trauma surgery, oncology, psychology, endocrinology, cardiovascular epidemiology, and family medicine. CORE faculty have obtained research grants and contracts from federal agencies and private foundations, including the NIH, NHLBI, AHRQ, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Its staff have contributed to quality improvement activities throughout the state. It is presently involved in evaluation of all care delivered within MaineHealth hospitals, including hospital, long-term, psychiatric, and home health care. CORE participates in direct and supportive quality improvement activities through the institution, providing methodological and statistical support to the Center for Performance Improvement at MMC.