Use of Community Engagement Strategies to Increase Research Participation in Practice-based Research Networks (PBRNs)

Abstract

Purpose: Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are increasingly encouraged to use community engagement approaches. The extent to which PBRNs engage clinic and community partners in strategies to recruit and retain participants from their local communities (specifically racial/ethnic communities) is the focus of this study.Methods: The design was a cross-sectional survey of PBRN directors in the United States. Survey respondents indicated whether their research network planned for, implemented, and has capacity for activities that engage clinic and community partners in 7 recommended strategies organized into study phases, called the cycle of trust. The objectives of the national survey were to (1) describe the extent to which PBRNs across the United States routinely implement the strategies recommended for recruiting diverse patient groups and (2) identify factors associated with implementing the recommended strategies.Results: The survey response rate was 63%. Activities that build trust often are used more with clinic partners than with community partners. PBRNs that adopt engagement strategies when working with clinic and community partners have less difficulty in recruiting diverse populations. Multivariate analysis showed that the targeting racial/ethnic communities for study recruitment, Clinical and Translational Science Award affiliation, and planning to use community engagement strategies were independent correlates of PBRN implementation of the recommended strategies. In recent years, policymakers and researchers have expressed concern that the medical research system produces new knowledge that may not be incorporated effectively into clinical practice.1,2 Acquisition of much of the evidence base of health careThis article was externally peer reviewed.

Future Directions for Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs): A CERA Survey

“…Similar to previous descriptive survey data, the majority of responding PBRNs were established more than 5 years ago, 7 indicating an opportunity for such established networks to examine their past/ current research endeavors and develop strategic Our medical students receive training on practicebased research methods.…”

“…The 31-item survey questions about PBRN research activities were adopted from previously published studies to examine similarities and differences. 3,7 Six questions were part of a larger CERA omnibus survey. 9 These questions explored PBRN characteristics (age, geographic scope, years of PBRN director tenure, and the numbers of practice locations, practitioner members, and residency sites).…”

“…Other forms of CE include PBRN partnerships with diverse organizations, including public health departments, schools, patient advocacy groups, and nonprofit social service organizations. 1 In 2014, Spears et al 7 reported on a national survey of PBRN directors (63% response rate) regarding CE strategies aimed at recruiting diverse groups into studies. Perhaps it is not surprising that PBRNs implementing engagement strategies when working with clinic and community partners also report less difficulty in recruiting diverse populations.…”

“…Perhaps it is not surprising that PBRNs implementing engagement strategies when working with clinic and community partners also report less difficulty in recruiting diverse populations. 7 In 2016, Gaglioti et al 4 advocated for a survey of PBRN directors that would detail existing relationships with stakeholders in government/public health, policymaking, and funding arenas. The goal is to build long-term relationships with funder, leader, and policy maker stakeholders that would then enable improved visibility and understanding of the potential of PBRNs to fulfill the need for research with complex patients in communitybased settings.…”

Parent Perceptions of and Preferences for Participation in Child Health Research: Results from a Pediatric Practice-Based Research Network

“…11 Accordingly, most research on PBRN recruitment and enrollment has been with adults and has primarily focused on provider and community engagement. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Few PBRN studies have focused on child or parent perspectives, and these have primarily been from dental or chiropractic PBRNs. 20 -22 To address this knowledge gap, we designed and implemented a study within our pediatric PBRN to better understand parents' perceptions about and preferences for participation in child health research.…”