The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58408

Laura Anderko, RN PhD and Sally Lundeen, RN PhD. School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Cunningham Hall 747, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, 414 229-2313, landerko@uwm.edu

Although those living in the lower socioeconomic status have traditionally been linked with increased morbidity and mortality and an ever-increasing disparity in a variety of health indicators, little is known about the impact of community health nursing interventions in reducing these health disparities. The Midwest Nursing Center Consortium Research Network (MNRCC) is comprised of 20 community nursing centers (CNCs) that have been in operation from 3 to 17 years, representing 13 Midwestern universities with a total of 84 practitioners. The MNRCC was recently awarded federal monies (one of only two nursing research networks funded nationally) to establish an infrastructure for a practice-based research network (PBRN) that will conduct community health nursing research. Collectively, these centers serve the health and illness needs of a diverse population of vulnerable urban and rural residents who are at risk of limited access to care and poor health outcomes. Primary aims of this funding include linking the CNCs and establishing a web-based system for data collection and community-focused research with vulnerable populations that will inform primary care practice, nursing education and health policy. This funding initiative will ultimately provide critical data to reduce the health disparities currently experienced in vulnerable populations in the U.S. and guide public health nursing education. This presentation will outline activities to date in establishing the PBRN and implications for community health nursing research and education.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Articulate the procedures necessary for establishing a research based network between academic nursing centers.
• Discuss the funding initiatives available to nursing research networks.
• Identify the application of practice-based nursing research network findings to public health nursing education, practice and policy.

Keywords: Practice-Based Research, Nursing Center

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.