Building a practice-based research network for healthcare integration: a protocol paper for a mixed-method project

Sanne Peters; Samantha Paubrey Chakraborty; Christopher Barton; Elizabeth Ann Sturgiss; Danielle Mazza; Maria De Leon-Santiago; Timothy Staunton-Smith; Grant Russell

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060524

Building a practice-based research network for healthcare integration: a protocol paper for a mixed-method project

BMJ Open. 2022 Jun 9;12(6):e060524. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060524.

Authors

Sanne Peters¹, Samantha Paubrey Chakraborty¹, Christopher Barton¹, Elizabeth Ann Sturgiss^{2

3}, Danielle Mazza¹, Maria De Leon-Santiago¹, Timothy Staunton-Smith¹, Grant Russell⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of General Practice, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia.
² School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia.
³ National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
⁴ Department of General Practice, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia grant.russell@monash.edu.

Abstract

Introduction: Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are sustained collaborations between healthcare professionals, researchers and members of the community that develop, conduct and report on research relevant to local needs. While PBRNs have traditionally been focused towards primary care practices and their patients, there has been increasing interest in how they may help facilitate healthcare integration. Yet, little is known on the ways in which PBRNs can best integrate with the broader healthcare system, in particular Advanced Health Research and Translation Centres. The overall project aim is to build a sustainable collaboration between a PBRN and an Advanced Health Research and Translation Centre to generate a research platform suitable for planning, undertaking and translating research to improve care across the healthcare continuum.

Methods and analysis: We will use a developmental evaluation design. Our iterative approach will be informed by a programme logic model and consists of: preparation work (pre-implementation assessment, literature review, community and stakeholder engagement), adaptation and building for a sustainable collaboration (strategy for recruitment and sustainment of members) and planning for network action (designing and implementing priority initiatives, monitoring and follow-up).

Ethics and dissemination: This project was approved by the Monash Health ethics committee (ERM Reference Number: 76281; Monash Health Ref: RES-21-0000-392L) and the Monash University Human Research ethics committee (Reference Number: 29786). Dissemination will take place via various channels, including relevant national and international committees and conferences, peer-reviewed journals and social media. Continuous dissemination to and communication with all participants in this project as well as other relevant stakeholders will help strengthen and sustain the network.

Keywords: health services administration & management; organisation of health services; primary care.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Delivery of Health Care, Integrated*
Health Facilities
Health Services
Health Services Administration*
Humans
Primary Health Care
Research Design
Research Personnel
Stakeholder Participation