Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mayo Clinic Health System Practice-Based Research Network (MCHS PBRN)?
The MCHS PBRN:
- Serves as a resource to provide benefits to patients, practices, faculty, communities and the research environment in a spirit of collaboration, communication and coordination
- Makes possible research projects that involve multiple primary care practices
- Provides extensive support, such as clinical research coordinators and design assistance, so that research projects can fit seamlessly into an existing environment
Back to topWhat is practice-based research?
Briefly, practice-based research is an inquiry into health care practice in order to improve care for patients, populations and communities.
More specifically, practice-based research is a systematic, rigorous and collaborative inquiry by teams of health care providers, community experts, scientists and other stakeholders into the systems, methods, policies, programmatic applications and population-level outcomes of health care practice. These inquiries lead to the discovery of new information, generation of new ideas and implementation of innovative solutions to the existing paradigms of care and ultimately result in improved care for patients, populations and communities.
Back to topWhat is a practice-based research network (PBRN)?
PBRNs have existed for decades in medicine, dentistry and public health. PBRNs are networks of practices committed to pursuing late-stage translational research by:
- Establishing effective and economical models of health promotion and health care
- Implementing evidence-based, effective medical practices
- Focusing on overcoming barriers to the dissemination, adoption and sustainability of best practices
Back to topWhat is Mayo Clinic Health System?
Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) is organized into a network of 12 organizations, each affiliated with multiple regional hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities. Located primarily in rural areas, MCHS sites are independently managed, physician-led community-centered facilities that have access to the resources of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Primary care specialties, such as pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine and integrative medicine, account for 40 percent of MCHS physicians.
Back to topWho staffs the MCHS PBRN?
Our executive leadership team is composed of Paul V. Targonski, M.D., Ph.D., medical director; Rodney A. Erickson, M.D., associate medical director; and Lisa M. Schrader, network coordinator.
Our clinical research coordinators are Vicki M. Clark, Central Region; Joanne F. Nordeen, Southwestern Wisconsin Region; and Jordan D. Coffey, Western Minnesota Region. Jean A. Hust serves as our administrative assistant.
We also have additional connections with Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Health System administration, as well as other resource contacts.
Back to topWho are the members of the MCHS PBRN?
MCHS PBRN membership is defined as all physicians and midlevel providers who practice in Mayo Clinic Health System and the Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, and Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Engagement is encouraged and welcomed from all staff and community partners.
Back to topDoes the MCHS PBRN work with other PBRNS?
Yes, we work closely with several networks, including A-OPTIC, NorthShore, Northern States Ambulatory Research Network (NORTHSTAR), and Wisconsin Research and Education Network (WREN).
Back to topWhat types of research activities does the MCHS PBRN engage in?
Examples of types of MCHS PBRN research include:
- Observational studies
- Practice-guideline development research
- Dissemination, implementation and diffusion research
- Outcomes research in primary care and community-based health care settings
Back to topWhat are some examples of current MCHS PBRN projects?
Examples include:
- Mindfulness-based stress-reduction training
- Community health workers for diabetes care in Hispanic populations
- A pilot study assessing the 30-day readmission rate in patients at risk of dementia
- Implementation and evaluation of a diabetes peer-mentoring group
See current and past MCHS PBRN projects.
Back to topWhat can the MCHS PBRN help me with? What resources are available?
The MCHS PBRN can directly assist you with website tools and the protocol navigation process, as well as provide personalized support from the medical and assistant medical directors, the network coordinator, and clinical research coordinators.
The MCHS PBRN can also facilitate a connection with numerous other resources within Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Health System related to research, manuscript writing, funding, databases and other topics.
Back to topWho do I contact if I have an idea for improving practice or health outcomes?
Contact network coordinator Lisa M. Schrader or your local clinical research coordinator. Read more about how to get involved.
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