May 20, 8:30-4:45pm MT | June 4, 8:30-4:30pm MT

Lead Facilitators: Bethany Kwan, PhD, MSPH ; Sarah Brewer, PhD, MPA; Heather Smyth, PhD;

Mark Gritz, PhD

Abstract: 

This Pragmatic Research Planning Workshop is a two-day, interactive training designed to support investigators and research teams in developing rigorous, real-world–relevant research plans for grant submission and implementation. Using guided worksheets, didactic sessions, and hands-on activities, participants will engage with core components of pragmatic research, including study design and analysis using PRECIS-2, partner and community engagement, selection of pragmatic outcomes and measures, and integration of implementation science frameworks. The workshop further emphasizes mixed methods, economic analysis, and stakeholder-informed decision-making to enhance feasibility, equity, and impact. By the end of the workshop, participants will have advanced a concrete, context-sensitive pragmatic research plan grounded in real-world settings and collaborative research practice.

Learning Objectives:

1.     Apply principles of pragmatic research to formulate research questions, select appropriate study designs, and assess design features using the PRECIS-2 framework.

2.     Identify and integrate relevant partners, stakeholders, and community engagement strategies to strengthen feasibility, relevance, and equity in pragmatic research.

3.     Select and justify pragmatic outcomes, measures, and data sources aligned with conceptual frameworks, stakeholder priorities, and real-world data constraints.

4.     Incorporate implementation science frameworks, mixed methods, and economic analysis approaches into a cohesive pragmatic research plan suitable for funding and real-world implementation.

 

*This is a full, two-day workshop. Participants will not be able to participate in any other pre-conference sessions. This workshop meets on 5/20 in-person and on 6/4 virtually.

May 20, 8:30-12pm MT

Lead Facilitators: Hillary Lum, MD, PhD; Catherine Derington, PharmD, MS

Abstract:

Securing a Career Development Award (CDA) is a pivotal step toward research independence for early-career investigators, including postdoctoral fellows. This interactive workshop provides practical strategies for planning and preparing a competitive CDA application, with a focus on K-series mechanisms and health foundation proposals. Participants will learn how to align research and training aims, build an effective mentorship team, and navigate timelines and institutional resources. Through brief presentations, worksheets, and a panel discussion, attendees will leave with actionable steps to strengthen their proposals and position themselves for success.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1.  Define the essential components of a CDA application and articulate how research aims, training goals, and career trajectory align to create a compelling narrative.

2.  Develop a personalized planning strategy that includes identifying mentorship teams, addressing training gaps, and mapping timelines for proposal development.

3.  Apply best practices for pre-award preparation including engaging program officers, leveraging institutional resources, and anticipating common challenges in the CDA process.

May 20, 8:30-12pm MT

Lead Facilitators: Juliana Barnard, MA; Caroline Tietbohl, PhD

Abstract:

Background/Rationale: Studying care delivery in complex health systems often requires collecting multiple data sources to gain a complete understanding of the processes and views or values of participants involved. Mixed methods study designs leverage the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches while counterbalancing their weaknesses.

Objectives: To understand the three basic mixed methods study designs used in health services research, determine how to select a design that best fits a research question and methodology or conceptual framework, learn how to mix methods during study phases (data collection, analysis, interpretation, reporting results), and practice mixing quantitative and qualitative results to determine mixed methods results.

Instructional Methods: Lectures, activity working with quantitative and qualitative data to practice integration, and small group discussions all facilitated by two accomplished mixed methods researchers.

Target Audience: Clinician researchers, doctoral or post-doctoral trainees, and health services researchers interested in learning how to design mixed methods studies and how to integrate quantitative and qualitative data.

Practical application/value: A comprehensive introduction with hands-on activity to teach researchers how to design mixed methods studies that can have a meaningful impact on health care delivery. 

Learning Objectives:

During the half-day training session, participants will:

1. Understand the three basic mixed methods study designs used in health services research, including how to select a design that best fits a research question and methodology or conceptual framework.
2. Learn how to mix qualitative and quantitative data during study phases (data collection, analysis, interpretation, reporting results).
3. Practice mixing (or integrating) with real quantitative and qualitative data to determine mixed methods results.

May 20, 8:30-12pm MT

Lead Facilitator: Brad Morse, PhD

Abstract:

The COPRH Con 2026 workshop, Design for Innovation – Practical Use of User-Centered Design (UCD), focuses on integrating participatory research and co-design principles into health innovation. This interactive session introduces foundational frameworks and methods for UCD, emphasizing the role of patients and community members in shaping consumer health informatics solutions. Through hands-on activities—including brainstorming, design sprints, and collaborative problem-solving—participants will explore practical strategies for applying UCD in their own contexts. The workshop concludes with group presentations and reflections on how these approaches can enhance innovation and equity in healthcare design.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain some foundational principles of participatory research and user-centered design in health innovation.
2. Identify methods and frameworks for co-designing health solutions.
3. Apply UCD techniques through interactive exercises to address real-world design challenges.
4. Collaborate with peers to develop and refine innovative solutions that incorporate patient and community perspectives.
5. Reflect on strategies for integrating UCD into their own research or practice to promote inclusive and effective health solutions

May 20, 1:00-4:30pm MT

Lead Facilitators: Kate Noonan, BA, MSW; Bryan Wallace, MPH; Mikayla Viny, MPH; Sarah Leslie, MPH; Elizabeth Ruzicka, PhD; Maggie Kaiser, BS

Abstract:

This session offers a practical, hands-on exploration of research project management strategies designed to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and career development within pragmatic research settings. Through a series of interactive presentations and activities, participants will learn how to manage research deliverables, optimize workflows using project management tools for transdisciplinary teams, and run more purposeful, collaborative meetings. The session concludes with a career advancement panel highlighting diverse pathways in research project management. Attendees can expect actionable tools, real-world examples, and opportunities for reflection and discussion that can be immediately applied to their own research projects and teams.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key project management strategies for planning, tracking, and delivering research outputs such as posters, presentations, and manuscripts.
2. Apply project management tools and workflows to improve coordination and efficiency within transdisciplinary research teams.
3. Implement structured approaches to designing and facilitating meetings that enhance direction, collaboration, and decision-making.
4. Evaluate potential career pathways and skill development opportunities in research project management based on insights from experienced professionals.

May 20, 1:00-4:30pm MT

Lead Facilitators: Anna Maw, MD, MS; James Mitchell, PhD

Abstract:

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers health services researchers powerful tools to improve efficiency, but using these tools responsibly requires an understanding of how to maintain data privacy, security, and scientific integrity. This introductory workshop provides a foundation for leveraging AI to enhance research processes, offering practical strategies to streamline workflows while maintaining best practices. Participants will learn how to use AI to accelerate academic writing and administrative tasks as well as gain knowledge of the principles needed to explore AI productivity tools in a way that aligns with responsible and ethical use.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the capabilities of Generative AI and its dual potential to enhance research efficiency while introducing new risks.
2. Apply privacy and security protocols to ensure patient data and sensitive information are never compromised by AI tools.
3. Utilize prompt engineering techniques to generate high-quality outputs that save time and reduce administrative burden.
4. Navigate the ethical complexities of AI-assisted writing, ensuring all outputs meet the standards of academic rigor and integrity.
5. Select AI productivity tools that optimize daily operations in a way that aligns with responsible us

May 20, 1:00-4:30pm MT

Lead Facilitators: Heather Gilmartin, PhD, NP; Justin Shrader, BA

Abstract:
This interactive workshop will help academic scientists harness AI for impactful dissemination. Participants will explore the role of AI in scientific communication, discuss common concerns around ethics and accuracy, and learn to identify and navigate AI-driven platforms. Finally, you’ll apply AI tools to create tailored content that meets your dissemination goals. Participants are asked to bring a computer and a scientific abstract or publication to the workshop, as it will serve as the basis for creating copywriting and visual materials for social media, newsletters, and other outreach channels.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the Role of AI in Scientific Dissemination
   Participants will examine how artificial intelligence is transforming communication and design, with a focus on its implications for scientific dissemination.
2. Discuss Common Concerns of AI-enhanced Scientific Dissemination and Healthcare Communication
   Participants will review common concerns and ethical considerations to ensure accessible, transparent, and effective use of AI-enhanced scientific dissemination and develop strategies to minimize the digital divide and energy use.
3. Identify and Navigate AI-Driven Platforms and Tools
   Participants will identify and assess a range of University-approved AI-powered tools (e.g., for writing, visual design, video creation, and social media) that support scientific dissemination.
4. Apply AI Tools to Create Engaging, Accessible Content
   Through hands-on activities, participants will practice using selected AI tools to design and produce content tailored to diverse audiences and dissemination goals