Community-based participatory research in practice-based research networks

Abstract

Purpose: We wanted to describe community-based participatory research in practice-based research networks in the United States.

Methods: We surveyed all identified practice-based research networks (PBRNs) in the United States to find out whether they had a mechanism for obtaining feedback or involvement from the community of patients served by PBRN physicians. We asked open-ended questions on how they involve community members and whether they had plans for future involvement of community members and/or patients.

Results: We received 46 completed questionnaires (71% response rate). Twenty-four reported that they have some mechanism to involve community members and/or patients in their research. No PBRN reported full participatory methods; however, several PBRNs reported active involvement by community members to generate research ideas, review research protocols, interpret results, and disseminate findings.

Conclusion: While perhaps not meeting the classical definition of CBPR, some PBRNs are involving community members and patients in their research. There is a wide spectrum of involvement by community members in PBRN research. Many PBRNs reported plans to involve community members in their research. We believe that community involvement will enhance PBRN research.