Practice Based Research Networks (PBRNs)

What is a Practice Based Research Network?

Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) are collaborative groups of primary care practices that work together to conduct research directly in real-world clinical settings. The primary goal of PBRNs is to improve healthcare quality and outcomes by translating research findings into practical, actionable strategies for everyday clinical practice.

PBRNs in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Physicians Resource/Research Network (OKPRN)

The Oklahoma Physicians Resource/Research Network (OKPRN) is a leading regional primary care PBRN in the U.S. With over 250 member clinicians from 137 primary care practices, OKPRN serves nearly 10% of Oklahoma’s population. Established to enhance primary health care quality, its mission is “to improve the quality of primary health care services available to Oklahomans by developing and sharing resources and conducting relevant practice-based research.”

OKPRN’s research spans clinical symptoms, administrative challenges, and the implementation of clinical guidelines, particularly in preventive services. This work has secured over $13 million in funding from more than 30 sources and resulted in over 75 peer-reviewed publications. The network employs a variety of communication tools, including a listserv, website, annual meetings, quarterly newsletters, and practice facilitation, to foster a “learning community.”

Directed primarily by the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine (DFPM) at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), OKPRN’s Board includes primary care clinicians, academics, and representatives from key health organizations. For more information, visit www.okprn.org.

Oklahoma Child Health Research Network (OCHRN)

The Oklahoma Child Health Research Network (OCHRN) focuses on improving children’s health in Oklahoma through evidence-based practices and their application in clinical settings. As an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) registered network, OCHRN explores issues relevant to statewide practices, generating resources, and involving practices in research.

OCHRN projects cover areas such as vaccine decision-making, parent-provider partnerships, referral communication, and immunizations. Participating clinics include Sooner Pediatrics, Norman Pediatrics, Northwest Pediatrics, and the Latino clinic, along with specialty clinics in Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, Cardiology, and Neurology. OCHRN operates across Oklahoma City, Enid, Norman, and Tulsa.

Oklahoma Pharmacist Resource/Research Network (OKPharmNet)

The Oklahoma Pharmacist Resource/Research Network (OKPharmNet) is emerging as a pioneering regional pharmacy PBRN in the U.S. Its mission is “to provide pharmacists with access to information, education, and technology to enhance their practices and generate new knowledge through collaborative, practice-based research.”

OKPharmNet aims to build a “learning community” through various communication channels, including a listserv, website, and newsletter. Members are encouraged to attend the OKPRN annual meeting to foster collaboration with local clinicians. The Advisory Board of Directors includes pharmacists, academics, and representatives from the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association (OPhA), the Oklahoma Pharmacists Education Foundation (OPEF), and Pharmacy Providers of Oklahoma (PPOk). Research activities will be guided by the College of Pharmacy at OUHSC.