Re: Outcome Studies Grant Program

Dear Colleagues:

All healthcare fields are facing a new era that has been referred to as "pay for performance" or "pay for quality". These phrases basically refer to the notion that third party payors are beginning to hold clinicians, and their respective specialty fields, accountable for enhancing clinical outcomes in determining whether to reimburse for services delivered. Related, there have been many threads on our listserv lately, as well as face-to-face discussions, underlining the need for evidence-based studies and cost-benefit analyses. Unfortunately, though we are a research-based field, there are very few data to back up our claims that our procedures enhance clinical outcomes for our patients. Toward that end, the AACN Board of Directors is intent on commissioning projects aimed at promoting outcome studies in our field. The projects will be considered within a new Outcome Studies Grant Program, specifically designed to fund studies by AACN members and affiliates addressing the cost-benefit of neuropsychological services in dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and ADHD across the lifespan.

The goal of the Outcome Studies Grant Program will be to fund up to $30,000 per year toward outcome studies in these areas. The Program will be calling for grant applications in the coming months. However, we must first raise the funds for this program. Rather than applying a mandatory assessment or raising AACN dues, we are asking each member for voluntary contributions. If all full members were to contribute $50 to this important cause, this Program would be well on its way to being funded. Of course, not all members will be able to contribute at this time, so we ask you to consider larger contributions. In considering this request, please note that these donations are tax deductible.

Please consider the following levels of support:

_	Platinum:	$1,000.00
_	Gold:	$500.00
_	Silver:	$200.00
_	Bronze:	$100.00
_	Sustaining:	$50.00
_	Other:	_________

Checks can be made out to AACN, with a note that designates the Outcome Studies Grant Program, and mailed to the central office in Ann Arbor, care of Annunciata Porterfield. Or, if you prefer, you can use this link to make the donation online with a credit card.

As always, your support of the Academy is greatly appreciated.

Collegially,

AACN Officers and Board of Directors
Robert M. Bilder, Ph.D.
Kyle B. Boone, Ph.D.
Deborah A. Fein, Ph.D.
Mariellen Fischer, Ph.D.
Manfred F. Greiffenstein, Ph.D.	Secretary
Robert Heilbronner, Ph.D.
Richard F. Kaplan, Ph.D.
Kevin R. Krull, Ph.D.
Greg J. Lamberty, Ph.D.	Vice-President
E. Mark Mahone, Ph.D.
Michael McCrea, Ph.D.	Treasurer
Susan McPherson, Ph.D.
Paul J. Moberg, Ph.D.
Edward A. Peck, III, Ph.D.
Leslie D. Rosenstein, Ph.D.
Jerry J. Sweet, Ph.D.	President
David J.G. Williamson, Ph.D.