PCORnet®: 10 Years of Research Innovation

The PCORnet® infrastructure was funded by PCORI in 2014 to streamline clinical trials, increase patient-centered research, and generate knowledge that leads to improved health care and outcomes. In this paper, we summarize the significant achievements of the infrastructure over the last decade as well as recent accomplishments. We also provide an update on the expanded patient population who receive care at sites participating in PCORnet® Clinical Research Networks (CRNs) and share priorities for the future.

The electronic health records of 71 health systems participating in PCORnet® CRNs as of July 2024 were queried, and data were analyzed to describe 10 common health conditions, stratified by demographic characteristics of age, sex, race, ethnicity, and an index of social deprivation.

Out of over 100M total patients with activity in the last 10 years, health systems participating in PCORnet® CRNs had over 47 million unique patients with at least one encounter in 2023. The most common chronic conditions among these patients were hypertension (18%), anxiety disorders (10%), type 2 diabetes (8%), and asthma (5%). Over 20% of patients receiving care at a site participating in PCORnet were in the top 50% of metrics for area deprivation. The PCORnet infrastructure supported 51 PCORnet® studies, all of which met established guidelines for use of the PCORnet® Common Data Model (CDM), patient-engagement, and commitment to return of results.

PCORnet® CRNs represent a diverse and expanding patient population and often include data on the socioeconomic status of the communities. Through continued efforts to engage communities and patients and national-scale research, the PCORnet® infrastructure can help improve care and outcomes for patients affected by common and rare conditions.