Community and Practice Engagement

Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRN)

PBRNs arose from an Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) initiative to involve practicing clinicians in asking and answering clinical and organizational questions central to primary health care.  

AHRQ defines a primary care practice-based research network 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 enhancing the research skills of the network members.

Comparative Effectiveness Research

Examples of types of PBRN research include studies in comparative effectiveness research such as:

• Treatment of common diseases and symptoms, prevention and early diagnosis.
• Organization and clinical systems.
• Continuity and coordination of care.
• Clinical decision support.
• Impact of decisions made by patients about health care and health practices for themselves, their families and their communities

If your practice is interested in becoming part of a PBRN contact the UNMC Practice-Based Research Network Coordinator, Deb Meyers (402-559-6941 or email