Preventing the voltage drop: keeping practice-based research network (PBRN) practices engaged in studies

Practice-based research continues to evolve and has become a major methodology for many pragmatic studies. While early practice-based network projects were usually short term, current studies often introduce or compare practice innovations that require long-term evaluation. That change requires that practice sites remain engaged in research work for up to 5 years, a time that can allow for a significant "voltage drop," or decline in active participation.

Over the past 15 years we have developed and adapted several strategies to facilitate and encourage the continued active engagement of practices in practice-based research network studies of up to 5 years' duration. The concepts, details, evaluation, and results (when available) of the strategies are described.

Eight strategies that enhance practice sites' attention to enrollment, data collection and continued use of the implemented practice change are described.

The loss of momentum, or "voltage drop," that happens in longer-term practice-based research network studies can be addressed using multiple strategies.