Using an Existing Network for Inspiration to Design an International Consortium for Relationship Science in Family Medicine

Context: We are working to create an international consortium with the aim of promoting knowledge production and dissemination regarding the understanding of the patient-clinician relationship in family medicine. The goal of this presentation is to invite conversation.

Objective: To study another organization, the Family Physicians Inquiries Network (FPIN), to obtain inspiration to develop a similar model.

Study Design and Analysis: We conducted an organizational & empirical analysis of 25 years of experience of the Family Physicians Inquiries Network (FPIN) to inform the development of an international consortium.

Setting or Dataset: We drew upon data and experience with publication, training & application of evidence-based medicine in FPIN in over 400 US Departments & Residency Programs.

Population Studied: We studied the membership of FPIN and interviewed 70 research leaders at the division, department, national and international level.

Intervention/Instrument: Based on these findings we have developed an early stage of an international consortium for relationship science in family medicine.

Outcome Measures: We describe the number & nature of publications, training and application of evidence-based medicine in FPIN. We articulate the principles for development and launch of the international consortium.

Results: FPIN has produced more than 5,000 publications disseminated to 47 countries; 75 editorial & writing workshops training for critical appraisal, peer review, writing and editing. The disseminated model is one that could be adapted when developing an international consortium.

Conclusions: Development of an international consortium requires an adaptable vision, novel strategies for sustainability, broad participation and engagement, and transformational leadership. The FPIN model has been effective in promoting scholarship of integration but did not promote scholarship of discovery.