Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Projects

Faith-rooted studies that listen first

Worry Free Community leads patient-centered outcomes research projects across Chicagoland that begin with what patients, caregivers, and communities say they need most. These faith-based PCOR initiatives connect congregations, clinics, and researchers in shared efforts to improve care and equity.

Research guided by lived experience

Listening to patients, caregivers, and communities

In patient-centered outcomes research, questions, outcomes, and measures are all shaped by what matters to people living with health conditions, not only by clinical priorities. That means asking about daily routines, fears, side effects, and trade-offs that families actually face. Worry Free Community uses advisory groups, interviews, and community meetings to make sure these perspectives guide study design. We treat patient-centered research projects as a way to shift power so decisions are not made without those most affected. When patients recognize their own concerns in a project, participation feels more meaningful and results are easier to use.

Our PCOR projects in Chicagoland

Examples of faith-based PCOR efforts

Over the years, Worry Free Community has led and supported PCOR projects that bring together faith communities, health systems, and academic partners. These efforts have focused on topics such as managing chronic illness, improving communication between patients and clinicians, and addressing barriers to preventive care. Faith settings often serve as trusted spaces for recruitment, education, and discussion, especially for communities that have experienced discrimination in health systems. By building faith-based PCOR initiatives, we help ensure that studies reflect spiritual, cultural, and community realities. This approach also opens ongoing pathways for collaboration after a project formally ends.


  • Engage congregations as partners in study design and outreach.
  • Host listening sessions in community and faith spaces across Chicagoland.
  • Share early findings with participants for feedback and clarification.
  • Use results to shape real-world changes in clinics and programs.

How we design and evaluate PCOR studies

Frameworks that value both ethics and impact

Designing PCOR studies at Worry Free Community involves careful attention to ethics, power, and long term impact. We use engagement rubrics and frameworks that spell out how patients and community members are involved at each stage, from forming questions to interpreting results. Evaluation looks at both measurable outcomes and how fairly benefits are shared across different groups. Our goal is for PCOR projects Chicagoland to leave communities stronger, not just more studied. This means building in time for reflection, adjustment, and shared decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

Resources for partners and funders

Tools that support meaningful partnerships

To support partners and funders, Worry Free Community offers tools such as engagement rubrics, training sessions, and a faith-rooted PCOR toolkit developed from real project experience. These resources help organizations understand what it means to share power with community members instead of simply inviting them into pre-set plans. Trainings can be tailored for congregations, research teams, or joint groups that want to learn together. By sharing PCOR training resources, we hope to encourage more projects that honor both rigorous methods and community voice. When everyone has a clearer sense of roles and expectations, collaboration becomes more honest and effective.

Connecting with our PCOR team

Exploring partnership and project ideas

Congregations, clinics, and research partners who are interested in patient-centered work can reach out to Worry Free Community to discuss possibilities. Some may be ready to co-lead a full project, while others may want to start with a smaller consultation or training. Our team listens to what you hope to learn, what capacities you bring, and what concerns you may have about research. Together, we explore whether a collaborative project, advisory role, or training series makes the most sense. In every case, faith-based PCOR initiatives are guided by a shared commitment to respect, transparency, and long term engagement.

Questions about patient-centered outcomes research projects

Information for potential partners and communities

  • How is patient-centered outcomes research different from other types of studies?

    Patient-centered outcomes research focuses on questions and outcomes that matter most to people living with a condition and the caregivers who support them. Instead of looking only at clinical measures, it also considers daily life, preferences, and trade-offs that patients face. This approach encourages stronger involvement from community members at every stage of the project. As a result, findings are often easier to apply in real care settings.

  • Why does Worry Free Community combine faith and PCOR?

    In many communities, faith spaces are among the most trusted places to talk about health, fear, and hope. By collaborating with congregations, we can reach people who might hesitate to engage with research connected to formal institutions alone. Faith partners also bring deep insight into what their members truly value and need. This makes faith-based PCOR initiatives more grounded and more likely to lead to meaningful change.

  • Can our organization join an existing PCOR project?

    Sometimes there are opportunities to join ongoing projects as partners, advisors, or sites for outreach and engagement. In other cases, it may be better to explore new projects that match your community’s specific interests. When you contact Worry Free Community, we will talk through current work and where there might be room for collaboration. The goal is to find a role that feels authentic and useful for everyone involved.

  • What types of partners are you looking for?

    We work with a wide range of partners, including congregations, community organizations, clinics, hospitals, universities, and local networks. Each partner brings different strengths, from deep community roots to specialized technical skills. What matters most is a willingness to share power, listen openly, and commit to the time it takes to build trust. With that foundation, patient-centered research projects can grow in ways that benefit many groups at once.

  • How can funders support this kind of work?

    Funders can support PCOR by investing not only in data collection, but also in the relationship-building, training, and communication that make community partnerships real. This includes backing engagement activities, interpretation and translation, and time for community members to participate meaningfully. Worry Free Community works with funders to set expectations around equity and transparency from the beginning. When funding aligns with these values, projects are better able to serve both scientific goals and community wellbeing.