Public Health Practice- Based Research Networks: A Case-Study Analysis of Development and Initiation of Public Health Practice Systems Research Programs

Research Objective: The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality has established a series of primary care practice- based research networks (PBRN) that have been successful in addressing primary care practice research questions. The purpose of this study is to examine strategies involved in establishing a public health practice- based research network and partnering it with an existing primary care research network.

Study Design: We are working to establish a public health practice- based research network in Kentucky. This network will involve several of our more effective health departments, and will be operated conterminously with a successful practice- based primary care network. In addition, we will identify issues and problems associated with the establishment of this new type of network and this type of partnership. Ours is a case- study analysis of the development of this public health research network and partnership with a primary care research network.

Populations Studied: Approximately twelve local health departments who are participating in the Kentucky Public Health Research Network and associated Kentucky Ambulatory Network members.

Principle Findings: We anticipate finding new information about creating these networks in areas of control, governance, state/local relationships, funding, and lack of knowledge of our commitment to research efforts. Mechanisms that we use to deal with these problems will have applicability for new PH PBRNs that are created in the second and third round of establishing new programs.

Conclusions: Problematic issues regarding the establishment of a PH PBRN and partnership with a primary care PBRN were identified and addressed within a group of multiple partners. The insights generated from this experience allowed for the development of strategies we believe will assist others as they move to establish these types of research networks in public health systems.