State Networks of Colorado Ambulatory Practices & Partners
~ A collaborative association of practice-based research networks in Colorado ~
Final Report of PBRN Development Grant Activities
This is the executive summary of the final report submitted to AHRQ. Click
here to read the entire report (requires Adobe Acrobat).
Executive Summary
CaReNet, a primary care practice-based research network, was established in
1998 at the University of Colorado Department of Family Medicine. CaReNet is
positioned to study disparities among population groups. The network development
grant we received from the Agency for Healthcare Quality (AHRQ) allowed us to
focus efforts on several important priorities:
1. Serve disadvantaged and minority patient populations-ensuring CaReNet
continues to recruit practices that serve sufficient numbers of racial and ethnic
minority patients and members of disadvantaged populations in order to study health
services and health status in these groups.
The results of our planning process for this activity are:
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We will actively recruit only practices with a commitment to disadvantaged
populations.
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We will recruit at the institutional and clinician level.
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We will recruit a total of 35 practices by the end of fiscal year 2003.
To reach this goal, we will focus on recruiting additional practices within
the Denver Health Authority system, the Salud system, Colorado family medicine
residencies, Metro Community Provider Network, and the Valleywide Community
Health Center.
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After meeting our goal of 35 practices, we will place potential new practices
on a waiting list and consider asking practices to drop out of the network
if they do not demonstrate the ability to conduct quality research and a
willingness to work on the majority of network projects. We believe that
once CaReNet is fully subscribed, maintaining membership will become a matter
of pride for practices.
2. Improve electronic data collection and management methods-developing
effective bi-directional communication methods that will improve the collection
and aggregation of electronic data between all CaReNet members.
The results of our planning process for this activity are that CaReNet will
- Continue to pursue an array of electronic data collection methods, as different
projects demand different approaches.
- Offer both paper and electronic systems for the near future with a goal
of total electronic collection, storage, and feedback to practices for short
turn around, "card" type studies within 24- 36 months.
- Consider at the initiation of each study the entire electronic data management
picture, including transfer of data, error checking, fire wall issues, and
data reporting to practices.
- Explore patient collection options using electronic systems, particularly
pen tablets, with the hope that some intervention studies could be entirely
scripted into the tablet to guide staff, patients, and clinicians through
the protocol.
- Remain flexible for future electronic methods development.
3. Develop ways to translate research into practice-using existing systems
and our improved communication systems to transfer research findings (both from
CaReNet research and from nationally developed guidelines) into clinical practice.
The results of our planning process for this activity are that CaReNet will
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Assume that research is translated into practice in an ongoing fashion
and that clinicians care about doing the right thing.
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Use the collective expertise of the network to ask and answer questions
from the network a la Family Practice Information Network (FPIN)
and link with FPIN. This will not only provide evidence based answers to
members, but help to develop research questions from the network clinicians.
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Link with the ongoing residency activities and sponsor an electronic user
group that can review and recommend best commercial sites for web and PDA
users for evidence based answers.
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Educate patients to ask for evidence-based clinical practices.
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Expect to address different questions entirely as electronic medical records
are finally adopted.
4. Ensure CaReNet has reliable financial backing-identifying sources of
ongoing support for CaReNet.
The results of our planning process for this activity are that CaReNet will
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For infrastructure support, look to foundations or other organizations
interested in improving the lives of disadvantaged populations, because
we will not be able to support our necessary infrastructure with research
grants, alone. Foundations in Denver targeted for discussions include: Rose
Foundation, Colorado Trust, Caring for Colorado Foundation, COPIC Foundation.
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Look to joint venture with other organizations that share an interest in
our population, such as the Association of Colorado Family Medicine Residencies
(not for profit association with central resources), Colorado Access, Colorado
Department of Health.
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Continue to develop relationships with proven principal investigators;
write fundable grants.
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Maintain the CU DFM's current return of CaReNet-generated departmental
indirect cost recovery funds to offset CaReNet costs.
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Seek money to compensate practices and staff or, alternatively, develop
practice assistant, paid for through network, who supports practice efforts
to ask and answer questions.
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