New Zealand needs a Practice Based Research Network

Abstract

ABSTRACT Practice Based Research Networks (PBRNs) are groups of general practices collaborating to produce research. Contemporary New Zealand health information technology systems are ideal for electronic data extraction for PBRN research. Stakeholders have a valuable, but typically underutilised, part to play in research. Development of an e-participation platform will facilitate stakeholder engagement. New Zealand is in a unique position to create an innovative, low cost, stakeholder-engaged PBRN. This type of PBRN would offer unparalleled research opportunities, and would strengthen New Zealand’s general practice research capacity. The more research information we have based on our New Zealand population, the more appropriate care we can provide. Establishing a stakeholder-engaged PBRN in New Zealand will promote and support transformational change within our health system. In June 2015 I had the privilege of attending the annual Practice Based Research Network (PBRN) Conference held in Bethesda, near Washington D.C. The conference is hosted by the North American Primary Care Research Group and the United States (US) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. In this article I draw on the knowledge I gained at that conference and discuss its translation to New Zealand.