Preventing the voltage drop: Keeping practice-based research network (PBRN) practices engaged in studies

Introduction: practice-based research continues to evolve and has become a major methodology for many pragmatic studies. while early practice-based network projects were usually short term,current studies often introduce or compare practice innovations that require long-term evaluation. that change requires that practice sites remain engaged in research work for up to 5 years,a time that can allow for a significant voltage drop, or decline in active participation. methods: over the past 15 years we have developed and adapted several strategies to facilitate and encourage the continued active engagement of practices in practice-based research network studies of up to 5 years' duration. the concepts,details,evaluation,and results (when available) of the strategies are described. results: eight strategies that enhance practice sites' attention to enrollment,data collection and continued use of the implemented practice change are described. conclusion: the loss of momentum,or voltage drop, that happens in longer-term practice-based research network studies can be addressed using multiple strategies.