PRNs are of value to clinicians and researchers alike for a number of reasons:
- PRNs support the implementation of EBP. In fact, practitioner members of PRNs are well-placed to develop and test strategies aimed at changing clinician behaviour and improving client outcomes
- PRNs generate practice-based evidence that reflect the priorities of clinical services, increasing the utility and relevance of research for practitioners
- PRNs promote the scientist-practitioner model by enabling practitioners to conduct research in addition to providing direct services
- PRNs foster effective and efficient communication between clinicians and researchers, which serves to close the practice-research gap
- PRNs can influence policy and practice by disseminating research findings directly to key stakeholders (e.g. clinicians, managers of professional organizations)
- PRNs are flexible and allow for the examination of a variety of issues using many different methodologies. Common methodologies used include surveys, qualitative interviews, observation of actual practice with clients, chart reviews, clinical trials, and system improvement trials.
- PRNs are efficient: The ready pool of participants provided by a practice setting facilitates quick and cost-effective research initiatives.
Content last reviewed: Sept, 2020
