The Article in Brief

A National Survey of Primary Care Practice-Based Research Networks

William M. Tierney, MD , and colleagues

Background Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are groups of medical practices that take part in research projects. Their research is set in the doctor’s office and examines questions about primary health care. This study surveyed PBRNs in the United States to learn more about them.

What This Study Found The survey included 86 PBRNs representing 4 primary care specialties (family medicine, pediatrics, general internal medicine, and family nurse-practitioners), 1,871 medical practices, almost 13,000 doctors, and more than 14 million patients. Three-quarters of the PBRNs are affiliated with a university. Most PBRNs in the study get research ideas from their members and from outside researchers. Eight-five PBRNs focus their clinical research on diabetes, risk of cardiovascular disease, mental health, and preventing illness and disease. PBRNs serve a diverse patient population and most have difficulty getting funding.

Implications

• PBRNs are gaining momentum and recognition both nationally and internationally, and are increasingly involved in clinical and public health issues.
• To meet their full potential, PBRNs need to continue to grow and mature.
• Effective communication is needed between funding agencies, researchers, PBRN administrators, and PBRN participants. PBRNs must be aware of the research interests and needs of funding agencies, and funding agencies should use PBRNs to explore questions about high-quality, cost-effective primary care.
• PBRNs should also collaborate and share experiences among themselves.