Capacity for translational research in public health PBRNs: Results from a baseline network analysis

In an era of constrained economic resources, public health agencies increasingly are challenged to document the health and economic benefits of their work and to justify resource allocation decisions based on evidence of impact and value. Most agencies, however, do not have the resources and expertise needed to mount rigorous, comparative studies of their operations. Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) provide a model for agencies to collaborate with researchers in implementing such studies. Recognizing the success of PBRNs in medical research, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched the Public Health PBRN Initiative to support development of research networks comprised of public health agencies, with the goal of expanding the volume and quality of practice-based research in public health. This study presents results from a network analysis designed to examine baseline characteristics and capacities of an initial group of five multi-organizational PBRNs launched through this initiative. Findings reveal that motivations for network participation vary considerably across organizations, as do initial research interests. Areas of interest concordance between practitioners and researchers include (1) facilitating adoption of evidence-based practices; (2) estimating the impact of public health laws and funding mechanisms on practice; and (3) identifying effective workforce development strategies. The intensity of past interaction among network participants varies significantly across networks, with the strongest interactions involving data exchange activities and the weakest interactions involving research priority-setting and implementation of research findings in practice. Public health PBRNs have considerable but as yet untapped capacities for translational research that can be activated through increasing practitioner-researcher interaction.