Developing a practice-based research network by integrating quality improvement: challenges and ingredients for...

Area of Science:

• Translational science
• Health services research
• Clinical quality improvement

Background:

• Community-based settings aim to improve patient outcomes.
• Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) and quality improvement (QI) programs share this goal.
• Integrating QI with outcomes research offers a promising strategy for clinical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the challenges and strengths of a combined research and QI study.
• To evaluate this integrated approach within a practice-based research network.
• To identify key elements for successful implementation.

Main Methods:

• Conducting a combined research and QI study in a new practice-based research network.
• Analyzing challenges such as patient exclusion and varied implementation.
• Identifying strengths like enhanced practice engagement and intervention development.

Main Results:

• Challenges include research excluding potential beneficiaries and QI's non-uniform implementation.
• A key strength is increased engagement of clinical practices in research.
• Successful interventions are more likely to be developed.

Conclusions:

• Integrating QI and outcomes research can improve clinical interventions in real-world settings.
• Success requires clinical research champions, experienced researchers, and adequate funding.
• This combined approach shortens the cycle from concept to improved patient outcomes.