Oral

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 improve their operations 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 efforts. Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) provide a model for public health agencies to collaborate with researchers in designing and implementing studies that produce this type of evidence in real-world practice settings. Recognizing the success of PBRNs in medical care research, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently launched the Public Health PBRN Program 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 session describes findings and experiences from the first year of the Public Health PBRN Program. An initial cohort of five public health PBRN research networks have been launched in Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Washington. Findings highlight the types of research development strategies and that have been most successful in building translational research capacities within a variety of different public health settings.

Session Objectives: Describe and compare the organization of practice-based research networks (PBRNs) in public health settings. Identify research needs faced by public health practitioners and policy-makers that can be addressed through public health PBRNs. Assess organizational strategies and research design approaches that facilitate successful PBRN studies.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)