ACCP members are starting to learn more about getting involved with ACCP Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) research studies. For example, in the past 2 years, members of the PBRN were encouraged to participate in the MEDAP Study and are now being recruited to the Oncology Drug Shortage Study. However, members may not know much about the PBRN’s Community Advisory Panel (CAP).

The CAP is a standing committee to the ACCP PBRN with the mission to represent the breadth and depth of PBRN members. The CAP has members practicing in ambulatory care, cardiology, family medicine, health outcomes, pediatrics, and pharmacy administration from across the United States. The PBRN calls on the CAP to review proposals, do beta-testing for data collection methods, and provide input on IRB applications.

To increase participation and activity within the PBRN, CAP members are available to speak to your group – at your hospital or college of pharmacy, local meeting, statewide meeting, or regional meeting of any pharmacy organization. Members of CAP can provide an overview of the PBRN, the IRB submission process, the types of assistance provided, and the benefits of participating in the PBRN. Members can also provide printed materials to the group both for future reference and for taking back to respective groups. If you are interested in having someone speak at your meeting, please contact us ([email protected]).

In addition, if you are interested in working with the PBRN in this way, consider submitting your name to the CAP next year. Panel members participate for a 3-year term, and the chair/vice chair changes every year.