Patient-centered research happens in practice-based research networks

摘要

The articles included in this special issue illustrate once again why practice-based research networks (PBRNs) provide the best laboratory in which to conduct experiments and evaluate care outcomes that are relevant to both typical primary care patients and their physicians. We found great insights in the articles from leaders in PBRN research and were able to learn new things that we can apply to our own PBRN, the Southern Primary-care Urban Research Network (SPUR-Net) in Houston, which is also a member of a network of networks the PRImary care Multi-Ethnic Network (PRIME-Net). The typical patient that comes to a primary care practice does not present just a single disease state but rather a variety of medical conditions as well as emotional and social concerns. Therefore, patient-centered primary care, and its research, should include attention to multiple chronic illnesses. Ornstein et al provide a valuable description of the prevalence of multimorbidity defined by the presence of >=3 chronic conditions. In their sample, 25% of patients 50 years old and 66% of patients 80 years old experienced comorbidities. Many clinical guidelines do not include specific recommendations for patients with multiplexhroniclllnesses; therefore, incorporating practice-based research could allow for more patient-centered guidelines that better address patients visiting primary care practices and their needs and preferences.