Importance of PBRNs

PBRNs are broadly representative of community-based practice. They function as vital research laboratories capable of identifying important questions and opportunities and investigating what can and does happen in frontline practice. PBRNs are well positioned to seize opportunities for integrating interventions for health behavior change into everyday care. They can close the loop that links health behavior research, clinical practice, and health care policy to the benefit of millions of people.

Key characteristics of PBRNs:

• Care for people of all ages, gender, race, and ethnicity
• Know what type of strategies will work with their patients in busy practices
• Support patients in choosing, acquiring and maintaining healthier lifestyles
• Design and test practical behavior change strategies in communities of typical patients
• Share and build on lessons learned by collaborating with other primary care providers across the country