Linking Practice-Based Research Networks and Clinical and Translational Science Awards: New Opportunities for Community Engagement by Academic Health Centers

Abstract

Purpose Practice Based Research Networks (PBRNs) are a part of many National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) sites. PBRNs, groups of primary care practices committed to collaborating on practice-relevant research, are unfamiliar to many CTSA leaders. Conversely, the CTSAs, as new research structures designed to transform clinical research, are unfamiliar to many PBRN Directors. This study examined the extent to which these programs have congruent goals and expectations, and whether their engagement is likely to be mutually beneficial. Method The authors sent a web-based survey to 38 CTSA Community Engagement Directors and a similar survey to 114 PBRN Directors during Fall 2008. Results The investigators received responses from 66% (25/38) of CTSA Community Engagement Directors and 61% (69/114) of PBRN Directors. Two-thirds of responding CTSAs reported working with PBRNs and over half of responding PBRNs reported a CTSA affiliation. Both groups indicated this relationship was important. CTSAs looked to PBRNs for access to patients and expertise in engaging communities and clinical practices. PBRNs reported seeking stable infrastructure support and greater collaboration and visibility in the academic research community. PBRN infrastructure support from CTSAs was highly variable. Both groups perceived considerable promise for building sustainable relationships and a bi-directional flow of information and research opportunities. Conclusions With less than three years of experience, the PBRN/CTSA relationship remains in the discovery phase, and the participants are still negotiating expectations. If these collaborations prove mutually beneficial, they may advance the community engagement goals of many academic health centers (AHCs).

Supporting Better Science in Primary Care: A Description of Practice-based Research Networks (PBRNs) in 2011

“…This is consistent with observations from other investigators that PBRNs are increasingly engaging in formal relationships with other research organizations, including CTSAs. 9 The current analysis suggests, however, that formal relationships with CTSAs are still in preliminary stages and have not yet resulted in more research projects per year, nor has CTSA affiliation resulted in a significant difference in self-reported research capacity, as explored in this article.…”

Practice-Based Evidence in Public Health: Improving Reach, Relevance, and Results

“…Eliciting collaboration between clinical and public health stakeholders to identify joint research needs and generate practice-based evidence could help bridge the current divide between them. In their article, "Linking Practice-Based Research Networks and Clinical and Translational Science Awards: New Opportunities for Community Engagement by Academic Health Centers," Fagnan and colleagues (22) describe survey results from CTSA and PBRN leaders that suggest the potential for such collaborations.…”

No Longer Simply a Practice-based Research Network (PBRN): Health Improvement Networks

“…Clinical and Translational Science centers are interested in PBRNs not only for their role in conduct of research in real-world settings but also for their potential to speed the translation of clinical research findings into everyday practice. 17 The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's recent call for applications for statewide demonstration-type projects aimed at catalyzing the transition of practices to patient-centered medical homes suggests the potential for PBRNs in supporting health systems change at the practice level. 18 Participation in PBRN studies has been shown to benefit practices beyond the goals of the specific study being conducted.…”