Process for Setting Research Priorities: A Case Study from the State Networks of Colorado Ambulatory Practices and...

It is important to share processes that practice-based research networks (PBRNs) can implement with PBRN members and partners to determine research topics of priority. Engaging partners at a preproject phase and continuing engagement throughout a project can help address topics of great need and increase meaningfulness at a local level.

The State Networks of Colorado Ambulatory Practices and Partners (SNOCAP) practice-based research network has a 20-year history of research topic prioritization. Annually, PBRN members and partners come together to set new priorities for SNOCAP to put focus on in the coming years. Methods from these Colorado PBRNs are shared as a framework for other PBRN networks, community and patient partners, and stakeholders to use.

Engaging PBRN members and researchers in a bidirectional manner in preproject prioritization helps address current needs and gaps in care and identifies topics that are meaningful and important statewide. SNOCAP shares various approaches and lessons learned, provides guidance to PBRNs wanting to establish priorities, and helps guide groups that want to engage, or engage more deeply with, network members. Priority setting methods, a sample agenda, and resulting SNOCAP projects from the past 5 years of prioritization are shared.

Inquiry on a regular basis is an important step in practice- or community-based research. Getting to the local level to determine and fully address priority needs is not only "the right thing to do," rather, it is essential in true bidirectional work.