Team Science Approach to Developing Consensus on Research Good Practices for Practice-Based Research Networks: A Case...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Team Science
• Knowledge Translation

Background:

• Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) are crucial for conducting research in real-world settings.
• Standardized best practices are needed to optimize PBRN operations and research quality.
• Existing PBRN management and training resources may not fully capture the complexities of collaborative research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the team science processes used to develop PBRN Research Good Practices (PRGPs).
• To create a PBRN-specific resource for management, staff training, and research quality improvement.
• To codify diverse research expertise into practical guidelines for PBRNs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized peer learning strategies among seven experienced PBRNs.
• Employed skilled facilitators using Technology of Participation (ToP®) and Consensus Workshop Method.
• Facilitated a participatory "sense-making" process through identifiable stages.

Main Results:

• Developed PBRN Research Good Practices (PRGPs) through collaborative team science.
• PRGPs aim to facilitate PBRN management, staff training, protocol adherence, and improve study validity and generalizability.
• Key lessons included the importance of team input on scope, leveraging diverse PBRN expertise, and the critical role of structured facilitation.

Conclusions:

• Team science approaches, particularly structured facilitation, are effective for developing PBRN-specific best practices.
• The developed PRGPs offer a valuable resource for enhancing the effectiveness and rigor of PBRN research.
• Collaborative development ensures relevance and incorporates broad expertise, crucial for practice-based research.