Practice Based Research Network - FAQ's

What is a PBRN?

A Practice-Based Research Network...

• is a cutting edge approach to conducting research that will inform and support Family Medicine as a discipline.
• shifts the process of discovery out of the academic medical center "into" the real world laboratory of physician practices.
• involves the practitioner more directly in the formulation of the research questions and methodology.
• conducts studies that are relevant to regional patients and physicians.

Reasons to join a PBRN

• Nobody, except our patients, knows what Family Medicine physicians do.
• Managed Care loves us, but for the WRONG reasons.
• It is hard to improve practice without understanding it.
• We need to know how to take care of the "problems that most people have most of the time."
• Practice should be based on science.
• BECAUSE IT'S FUN!

Benefits of membership in PBRN

• The opportunity to participate in primary care research from idea generation through analysis and dissemination of results.
• The opportunity to interact with other members, university faculty and staff, and guest speakers from other networks during semi-annual convocations.
• Improved access to medical literature with assistance from STARNet coordinator.
• The opportunity to serve on the Project Development Advisory Board of the South Texas Center for Family Medicine Research (STCFMR).
• Receive the STARNet newsletter.
• Training for yourself and your staff in skills related to STARNet projects and their findings.