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Pre-conference Workshop 3

Involving Primary Care Patients in Clinical Research: The Pivotal Role of Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs)

Thursday, 8th May, 09:00 - 12:00

  • Peder A. Halvorsen, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
  • Guro Haugen Fossum, University of Oslo
  • Tuomas Koskela, Tampere University, Finland
  • RaPHael Network Representative (TBA)

Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) have been successfully established across Europe, strengthening primary care research by providing a structured way to engage general practitioners and their patients. These networks foster collaboration between clinicians and academic institutions, making research more accessible and impactful.

This workshop will showcase diverse PBRN models, from large-scale initiatives to small-scale, low-budget networks, and discuss their benefits, challenges, and sustainability. Presentations include:

  • Practice-Based Research Networks – A Brief Overview (Peder A. Halvorsen, Norway)
  • Using Information Technology to Facilitate Research in a PBRN – The Story of PraksisNett (Guro Haugen Fossum & Peder A. Halvorsen, Norway)
  • A Small-Scale Low-Budget PBRN – The Finnish Experience (Tuomas Koskela, Finland)
  • RaPHael Network Presentation (Title TBA)

Participants will engage in discussions on:

  • How PBRNs can enable research in primary care
  • Steps to establish a PBRN in different settings
  • Overcoming barriers to participation in clinical research
  • The goal is to inspire primary care professionals to engage in PBRN-based research and provide practical insights into setting up and sustaining a network in their own environment.