Practice-Based Research Network Core

Directed by Don Nease Jr., MD

​Colorado Public Health PBRN (COPHPBRN) is a network of Colorado’s local public health agencies, state health department and researchers at the Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs with a focus on Public Health Services and Systems Research. The network is housed at the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials (CALPHO) and co-directed with faculty from the Colorado School of Public Health.​

 

Objectives

The focus of PBRN work is to support the delivery of high quality, cost effective patient care in the primary care medical setting and the improvement of health through high quality and appropriate public health services and activities. PBRNs exist to help researchers and clinicians and their staffs connect so they can together develop beneficial research projects that work toward the goal of improving primary care. Because it is important that we accomplish this goal of serving our patients, several of the PBRNs have patient and stakeholder advisory councils (PACs) that invite input into the type and conduct of the studies that occur with the PBRN. 

Key Activities

PBRNs are ideally suited for studies that require the engagement of primary care medical practices such as pediatric, family and internal medicine practices. These studies are in partnership with our member practices and seek to serve goals for not only completing the research, but also providing evidence on how to support primary care practice delivery and leave the practice with improvement strategies and new information. Studies focused on recruiting patients for a specific treatment or test are often not the most appropriate use of a PBRN. 

Consultation

State Networks of Colorado Ambulatory Practices & Partners​ (SNOCAP) leaders and coordinators are available to discuss the appropriateness of a specific study idea for one or more PBRN. SNOCAP leaders or coordinators can meet to provide guidance regarding study design and potential partners and offer entry to speaking with other PBRN researchers regarding how best to proceed with a particular idea or project. 

The main way to interface with SNOCAP is to contact one of the SNOCAP leaders. This can be accomplished by email or making a phone call. After an initial discussion with one of these individuals, you may set up an individual meeting to further discuss your research area or specific project idea, or to present your proposed project at a SNOCAP monthly meeting. SNOCAP meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 9:30-11 AM on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. Contact Jodi Holtrop​ to request placement on the SNOCAP meeting agenda or to be added to newsletter distribution list.​
For more information please visit the SNOCAP website​.