Information for Patients

Value

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

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