Background
Practice based research networks
comprise research academics and
primary care practitioners who have
the mutual goal of supporting the
development and implementation of
research that is necessary to build
the evidence base that informs both
primary healthcare practitioners and
policy makers. This article describes the
establishment of the Victorian Primary
Care Practice Based Research Network
(VicReN), which was established in 2007
and has grown to over 100 members.
Discussion
This article outlines a viable and
sustainable background practice
based research network model in the
Australian environment that may assist
other academic departments of general
practice and rural health interested in
establishing a practice based research
network.
Results
VicReN has a diverse primary care
membership. Members’ different
research needs have been addressed
through numerous capacity building
activities. The absence of core funding
beyond the development phase has led
to an innovative funding model.
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