Practice Based Research Networks
PBRNs have been described as clinical laboratories for patient care research and dissemination.1 A PBRN is a group of 15 to several hundred medical practices devoted principally to the care of patients. These practices are generally united by a shared commitment to expand the science base of clinical care through systematic inquiry. These organizations are generally affiliated with academic or professional organizations because the primary goal is to investigate questions relevant to clinical practice. Typically, PBRNs draw on the experience and insight of practicing clinicians to identify and frame research questions. Because relevant questions regarding patient care are linked with rigorous research methods, PBRNs produce research findings that are immediately relevant to the patient care and more easily translated into everyday practice.
- Westfall JM, Mold JW, Fagnan LJ. Practice-based research-“Blue Highways” on the NIH roadmap. JAMA 297: 403-6. 2007.