| MASSNET,the
Massachusetts Family Practice Research Network,
is in full swing! All we need is YOU!
MASSNET
is the first practice-based research network (PBRN)
in the commonwealth of Massachusetts devoted to Family
Physicians and Primary Care. By linking individual family
practice sites across Massachusetts, we can not only
examine what is happening in real family practice sites,
but also shape our investigations and our study We look
forward to this network answering questions that are
posed by and important to family physicians.
The
power of a family practice research network is that
it:
 |
- collects
the experience of a large number of family physicians
in real practice, rather than that of physicians
in academic medical centers
|
- involves
practicing physicians in both getting the questions
right and in looking at the data from a real
world practice perspective
|
- answers
questions rapidly that would be impossible to
answer in only one or a small number of practice
|
- encourages
physicians to be inquisitive about their practice
|
Network
Studies.
We
will plan most studies to take very little time. For
example, for the Depression Study which is currently
in progress, we ask that you record data about depressed
patients during 3 patient care sessions each week. It
should take no more than 60-90 seconds for each depressed
patient you see during these sessions.
- Participation
is voluntary on a study-by-study basis
- Individuals
or groups can enroll in the network
- Residents
can participate, but analyses will be stratified to
assure that full-time practice results are clearly
identified
- Member
input will be sought on study selection, design and
analyses
- All
participants' names will be published as an appendix
to any publications
 |
We
are working to formalize an organizational structure
and governing board. This network is being formed
by the Massachusetts
Academy of Family Physicians in collaboration
with the Boston University Department of Family
Medicine, which is providing management support.
The Academy has appointed an advisory board to guide
the network's development. We anticipate future
studies will come from ideas generated by practicing
physicians and family physicians at all of our medical
schools and residencies. |
Licensed
Family Practice Physicians have 4 options:
-
You can enroll in the Network and do nothing further
at this time. Simply complete the Physician
Enrollment Form. THIS IS YOUR NETWORK - SUPPORT
IT!
- Enroll
in the Depression Study!
This study's purpose is to describe: a.) the percent
of adult and adolescent visits involving patients
considered to be depressed by their family physician;
b.) the care provided depressed patients by family
physicians;
c.) treatment strategies preferred by family physicians;
and,
d.) the barriers family physicians experience in providing
depression care to their patients.
- Members
are encouraged to submit potential
topics for research or work with the network to
develop a study.
- Do
nothing. This really isn't an option but it is included
for the benefit of the unenlightened.
This
is a great opportunity for you to enhance your practice
and to make a research contribution to family medicine.
|
