Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are various PBRN Frequently Asked Questions.
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AHRQ FAQ - All Topics
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Please visit our section on
History of PBRNs in the
About section and by reviewing materials in the
Resources Section on
Essential PBRN Literature.
Between 2000 and 2005, AHRQ funded 4 major competitive grant programs for PBRNs. In addition to funding opportunities, AHRQ is supporting PBRNs through a national resource center, an annual national conference, peer learning groups, an electronic PBRN research repository, and a dedicated community extranet.
In 2000, the U.S. had approximately 24 primary care PBRNs. AHRQ has since provided direct funding for more than 50 PBRNs through targeted grant programs, and has provided technical and networking assistance for many more. In 2004, AHRQ research identified more than 110 primary care PBRNs operating across the U.S.
AHRQ defines a primary care practice-based research network, or PBRN, as a group of ambulatory practices devoted principally to the primary care of patients, and affiliated in their mission to investigate questions related to community-based practice and to improve the quality of primary care. This definition includes a sense of ongoing commitment to network activities and an organizational structure that transcends a single research project. PBRNs often link practicing clinicians with investigators experienced in clinical and health services research, while at the same time enhancing the research skills of the network members.
AHRQ defines primary care using the Institute of Medicine (IOM) definition which is that "Primary care is the provision of integrated, accessible health care services by clinicians who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community." For more information on this definition, please see the IOM report entitled, Primary Care: America's Health in a New Era. (Donaldson MS, Yordy KD, Lohr KN, Vanselow NA, eds.
Primary Care: America's Health in a New Era. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 1996).
The Prescription for Health is a five-year initiative funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in collaboration with AHRQ, to develop creative and practical strategies for promoting healthy behaviors in patients within primary care practices. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has funded several PBRNs in both Phase I and Phase II of this initiative. The specific behaviors this initiative is targeting is
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet
- Tobacco use
- Risky use of alcohol
For more information about the Prescription for Health, please visit their website at http://www.prescriptionforhealth.org.
- Annual PBRN Meeting AHRQ hosts a three-day conference dedicated to advancing PBRN research through presentations, workshops, and networking. For more information, visit the
2009 PBRN Conference Page
.
- PBRN Resource Center A collaborative venture of the University of Minnesota and Westat, AHRQ's national PBRN Resource Center provides technical support to primary care PBRNs. Assistance is available in PBRN research methodology (research design, analytic strategies, and organizational development), health information technology, and network organization and maintenance. Visit the Resource Center information page or contact the Resource Center at pbrnrc@umn.edu.
- Peer Learning Groups PBRN researchers, directors, and staff participate in ongoing group discussions dedicated to advancing PBRN operations, quality improvement research, health information technology, and PBRN research methodologies. For more information, contact the PBRN Resource Center.
- Electronic Repository of PBRN Research An extensive, AHRQ-maintained database of research produced by primary care PBRNs. For more information, contact the PBRN Resource Center .
- PBRN Extranet A secure, AHRQ-provided Web presence where the PBRN community can share documents, collaborate on projects, and communicate ideas within and beyond their individual networks. For more information, contact the PBRN Resource Center .
For more information about AHRQ's Primary Care PBRN initiative, contact:
David Lanier, MD
Center for Primary Care, Prevention, and Clinical Partnerships (CP3)
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
E-mail:
David.Lanier@ahrq.hhs.gov
As part of the December, 1999 legislation (Public Law 106-129) reauthorizing and renaming the Agency, AHRQ was directed to employ research strategies and mechanisms that link research directly with clinical practice in geographically diverse locations throughout the country, including the use of "provider-based research networks especially (in) primary care."
To better address issues of disparities in health care quality, outcomes, cost, and access for various segments of the U.S. population, amended section 901(b)(2) authorized the Agency to implement research strategies and mechanisms that specifically include PBRNs.
There are many advantages to registering your network including notifications of funding opportunities, relevant research, and learning opportunities. For more information please see our section on
PBRN registry. All networks will receive a certificate of registration once registration is completed.
Item last published on 09/29/09
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