Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) link relevant clinical questions with rigorous research methods in real-life settings and produce scientific information that is not only externally valid, but also easily assimilated into practice. Since its inception only 3 years ago, the ACCP PBRN’s infrastructure has been developed and the first study (evaluating and characterizing medication errors identified by pharmacists) completed, thereby showing the feasibility of the network and introducing practice-based research to many who participated in and observed this study. In the next few years, we will be leading and collaborating with others in several studies that truly demonstrate the value of the ACCP PBRN in developing research relevant to practicing ACCP clinicians.
As a clinical practitioner, you will find different ways of getting involved with the ACCP PBRN. We facilitate developing grant submissions and undertake funded research projects with independent investigators. Any ACCP PBRN member may contribute to these studies as a study participant, collecting data on questions relevant to clinical practice. For example, we are currently recruiting participants who practice in the Hematology/Oncology specialty area for the Oncology Drug Shortage Study to determine the impact of the cytarabine shortage on the timing, dose, or selection of chemotherapy drug regimen for adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly minority patients with AML, relative to a non-shortage period.
This year, we will also be initiating a study with the objective of developing and testing a comprehensive framework for assessing the delivery of clinical pharmacist care in a variety of settings. We anticipate that the identification of clinical pharmacist activities associated with improved outcomes will revolutionize the manner in which clinical pharmacists are taught and practice.
In addition, you may lead or propose your own research study. The PBRN is interested in supporting and working with anyone who has a great idea. If your position makes it difficult for you to lead the research, consider collaborating with an experienced researcher. The researcher can be someone from your own institution, or we can assist in finding someone with similar interests at another institution. When you recommend ideas that are translated into research, your involvement with the research project can be whatever fits your needs, from advisory panel member to coinvestigator to lead investigator. All investigators wishing to collaborate with the ACCP PBRN will be asked to complete a short ACCP PBRN Project Concept Paper found at www.accpri.org. We want every interested ACCP member to have an opportunity to interact and work with the PBRN.
For more information on how you can get involved with these or other PBRN projects, please contact us by e-mail ([email protected]) or phone at (913) 492-3311.