Background: An increasing number of primary care research networks (PCRNs) are being developed around the world. Despite the fact that they have existed for a long time in some countries, little is known about what they have actually achieved. There is an ongoing debate in the literature about the appropriate framework for the evaluation of PCRNs. Here, we aim to provide an overview of the tools that are currently available for measuring the performance of PCRNs and practices involved in PCRNs or research.Methods: We performed electronic searches in bibliographic databases and several additional searches. We composed a checklist to evaluate the design, content, and methodological quality of the tools.Results: We identified 4 tools for the evaluation of PCRNs or the measurement of primary care practices involved in PCRNs or research. Conclusions: The results of our study showed that various methods, areas of interest, dimensions, and indicators for the evaluation of PCRNs have been proposed. However, no generic and validated tool that enables meaningful comparison between different network models has been developed. It is, therefore, time to reflect on the appropriateness and effectiveness of PCRNs and determine the desired outcomes (ends) of PCRNs and how we can best achieve them in the future (means). To open up the "black box" of the effectiveness of the PCRNs, it may be relevant to observe the effects of network and research participation on those involved in networks. (J Am Board Fam Med 2010;23:465-475.) Keywords: Practice-based Research, PBRN, EvaluationIncreasing numbers of primary care research networks (PCRNs) are being developed around the world. [1][2][3][4] In some countries their number is steadily increasing. In the United States, approximately 100 PCRNs are currently active, 5,6 whereas a decade earlier only 28 PCRNs could be identified. 6 PCRNs initially were developed to provide an infrastructure for primary care research, to strengthen and develop the research base of primary care, and to increase research capacity and research activity among primary care providers. [7][8][9][10][11] Current networks operate in different ways, depending on aspects such as contexts, baseline of experience, and resources. Therefore, PCRNs represent a great diversity of network models, objectives, and configurations. 12,13 In general, PCRNs aim to conduct research close to practice, identify and respond to current primary care research needs, and to engage more primary care professionals with research. In addition to these researchbased objectives, it has been suggested that PCRNs can also play an important role in the translation and diffusion of research findings into practice 14 -16 and other activities that are relevant in the field of Internationally, both policy advisers and researchers have acknowledged the importance of PCRNs and have recognized the challenging opportunities they provide for the improvement of primary care. Yet, despite their long existence in some countries like The Netherlands and the...
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