What types of research questions are best answered using a PBRN model?
Typically, PBRNs draw on the experience and insight of practicing clinicians to identify and frame research questions whose answers can improve the practice of primary care. By linking these questions with rigorous research methods, the PBRN can produce research findings that are immediately relevant to the clinician and that, in theory, are more easily translated into practice. The best of PBRN investigative efforts have linked relevant clinical questions with rigorous research methods in community settings and have produced scientific information that is not only externally valid, but, in theory, also easily assimilated into everyday practice (Nutting et al. 1999). Nutting PA, Beasley JW, Werner JJ. Practice-based research networks answer primary care questions. JAMA 1999;37:1092–104.
