Primary care practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are known as a resource for accelerating the translation of research into practice and performing research relevant to everyday primary care.
This survey of the 89 of the 111 PBRNs in the United States finds they represent 1,871 practices, 12,957 patients and 14.7 million patients. Of the PBRNs surveyed, most are affiliated with universities.
Poor and minority patients are overrepresented in their practices. The networks? common focus for research is prevention, diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors and mental health. With the majority of research in the U.S. being performed at academic medical centers, where less than one percent of Americans receive their health care, the authors suggest that PBRNs merit further attention from both private and public funding agencies and researchers interested in studying the delivery of primary care.
A National Survey of Primary Care Practice-Based Research NetworksBy William M. Tierney, M.D., et al