Practice-Based Research and Learning Networks
PBRLN Directors in Quebec City, November 18th, 2024, for our Primary Care Learning Cycle and annual gathering. [L-R] Vivian Ramsden, Alex Singer, Machelle Wilchesky, Mathew Grandy, Michelle Griever, Marie-Thérèse Lussier, Sabrina Wong, Bill Montelpare, Kerry McBrien, Kris Aubrey-Bassler, Donna Manca, Andrew Pinto, Shelley Doucet, Jennifer Rayner. Missing: Rubee Dev, Nathanial Hawkins, Stephanie Garies, Cathy MacLean, Amanda Terry, Bridget Ryan, Michelle Howard, David Barber, Doug Archibald, Brianne Wood, Ayat Salman, Barb Zelek, Jean-Sebastien Paquette, Andrée-Anne Paré-Plante, Emily Marshall, Matthew Menear, Marie-Eve Poitras, Marie-Victoria Doriman.
Primary care practice-based research and learning networks (PBRLN) play a crucial role in supporting clinical research.
These networks carry out studies ranging from exploring clinicians’ and patients’ experiences, working with communities, disease prevention and health promotion to randomized controlled trials. Electronic medical record (EMR) data represents an invaluable resource within each provincial network and across Canada, facilitating participant eligibility, supporting sample size calculations and enabling quality improvement, quasi-experimental and emulation studies.
There are PBRLNs located in each province and one across the territories, many of which are supported, in part, by the CPCRN. There are many networks that are established, while some are just forming. In addition to participating in research, many networks contribute de-identified EMR data to the pan-Canadian Primary Sentinel Surveillance Network. Together, these PBRLNs form the largest data repository of primary care EMR data in Canada.
British Columbia
BC Primary Health Care Research Network (BC-PHCRN)
Contact: info@spor-bcphcrn.ca
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Network is dedicated to putting relational equity into practice. As a newer PBRLN, Saskatchewan practices will be engaged over time, in a variety of ways, to enhance primary care initiatives, centering the voices of patients and Indigenous communities in its processes.
Contact: family.medicine@usask.ca
Manitoba
Manitoba Primary Care Research Network (MaPCReN)
Contact: mapcren@cpcssn.org
Ontario
Primary Care Ontario Practice-based Learning and Research Network (POPLAR)
Member Networks include:
- DELPHI – Delivery Primary Healthcare Information
- EON – Eastern Ontario Network
- EPIC – Equity, Performance, Improvement and Change
- MUSIC – McMaster University Sentinel and Information Collaboration
- NORTHH – Northern Ontario School of Medicine Research Toward Health Hub
- OPEN – Ottawa Practice Enhancement Network
- UPLEARN – University of Toronto Practice- and Community-based Learning and Research Network
Contact: info@poplarnetwork.ca
Quebec
Réseau-1 Québec/Réseau de Connaissances sur les Soins Primaires (site available in French only)
Member Networks include:
- PBRN (RRAPPL) University of Laval (site under development)
- PBRN McGill University
- PBRN (RRAPPL) University of Montréal (site available in French only)
- PBRN (RRAPPL) University of Sherbrooke (site available in French only)
Contact: info@reseau1quebec.ca
New Brunswick
The Centre for Research in Integrated Care (CRIC) is working to form its PBRLN.
Contact: cric@unb.ca
Nova Scotia
Maritime Family Practice Research Network (MaRNet) is housed within BRIC-NS (Building Research for Integrated Primary Care).
Contact: bricns@dal.ca
Prince Edward Island
The Health Research Network is working to form its PBRLN.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Primary Care Research, Implementation, and Evaluation (PRIME) Network (site under development)
Northwest Territories
The Territorial Primary Care Research Network operates out of the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, and is working to form its PBRLN.
Contact: admin@ichr.ca