Federal Project Grant Summary

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) awarded $160,575 to the University of Illinois (awarded July 1, 2026, with completion by March 31, 2029) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847) to conduct dissemination and implementation research examining how Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) adopt Medicaid Alternative Payment Models (APMs) and evidence-based practices in diabetes care. FQHCs serve over 30 million patients annually, including approximately 10 percent of all individuals with diabetes in the United States, predominantly in rural and low-income communities and health professional shortage areas. The research directly addresses NIDDK's strategic priorities by investigating the real-world implementation mechanisms of APMs and evidence-based diabetes care practices across diverse clinic settings.

The project delivers three primary research products: (1) qualitative analysis identifying APM and FQHC characteristics influencing implementation success and evidence-based practice adoption through structured interviews; (2) quantitative assessment of associations between APM/FQHC features and implementation outcomes via national survey methodology; and (3) impact evaluation of APM types on hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) control rates utilizing Uniform Data System data and difference-in-differences statistical design. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Proctor's Implementation Outcomes Framework, the study generates actionable evidence and insights intended for policymakers and FQHC leadership to optimize chronic disease management and health outcomes in underserved populations.