PA-22-048
Large Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB)(R18)
Summary
Large Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB) (R18)
STATUS: EXPIRED (March 20, 2026). Limited case-by-case submissions may be accepted; contact eRA Service Desk.
Research Focus
This program supports health services research demonstration and dissemination projects addressing antibiotic resistance (AR) and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) across acute care hospitals, long-term care, and ambulatory care settings. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) seeks research that promotes appropriate antibiotic use, reduces transmission of resistant organisms, and prevents HAIs through implementation science and dissemination approaches. Priority areas include antibiotic stewardship programs (particularly in underserved long-term care and ambulatory settings), diagnostic integration into clinical decision-making, electronic health record (EHR)-based interventions, decolonization strategies, and prevention of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and Clostridioides difficile transmission. Research should address prescriber behavior, patient engagement, implementation barriers, and regional coordination across care settings.
At a Glance
- Who can apply: Domestic public and private institutions; domestic for-profit organizations; state, local, and tribal governments. Not stated whether foreign institutions are eligible.
- Funding & project length: Not stated in this document.
- Award mechanism: R18 (Research Demonstration and Dissemination Project).
- Key dates: First standard due date January 25, 2022; earliest start date generally four months after peer review.
- Best fit for: Health services researchers, infectious disease specialists, and implementation scientists in hospital epidemiology, clinical microbiology, and healthcare quality improvement using observational, quasi-experimental, or implementation trial designs.
Gotchas (3)
AHRQ has different page limits than NIH for the Research Strategy section, and applicants must follow AHRQ-specific instructions rather than standard NIH guidance when they differ.
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Source Text
“NOTE: The policies, guidelines, terms, and conditions stated in this announcement may differ from those used by the NIH. Where this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) provides specific written guidance that may differ from the general guidance provided in the grant application form, please follow the instructions given in this FOA. Also note that AHRQ has different page limits than NIH for the application Research Strategy, which can be found within each individual FOA.”
Applicants proposing use of identifiable CMS data must review NOT-HS-19-007 for important changes to budgeting for this data cost - this is a specific compliance requirement that differs from standard
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“Applicants who propose the use of identifiable Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) data are advised to review NOT-HS-19-007 for important changes to how applicants are to budget for the cost of this data.”
The FOA emphasizes that conformance to all requirements is 'strictly enforced' and that applications not complying with instructions 'may be delayed or not accepted for review,' suggesting stricter en
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Source Text
“Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV and follow the AHRQ Grants Policy and Guidance found on the AHRQ website at http://www.ahrq.gov/funding/policies/foaguidance/index.html. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the progra”