BACKGROUND

The idea to develop a rural practice-based research network in Oregon began with leadership from OHSU and clinicians from several rural communities. The following summary is useful to understand the background and current state of ORPRN development.

In December of 2001, the Department of Family Medicine conducted a telephone survey of selected rural clinicians. The survey results found 42 clinicians from 20 rural communities expressing an interest in participating in a practice-based research network
In May of 2002, voters of Oregon passed a bond measure to support the Oregon Opportunity. Through the Oregon Opportunity, OHSU invested in ORPRN.
A grant was developed and submitted to the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) in May 2002 for Practice-based Research Networks (PBRNs): http://www.ahrq.gov/research/pbrnfact.pdf
An initial convocation of practices was held September 8, 2002 and involved rural clinicians and OHSU participants. A number of issues were identified at this convocation, including:

What are effective strategies to implement new findings and information?
What strategies result in behavior change in clinicians and practices?
What are the strategies for identifying, validating, and addressing barriers to implementation of new findings?

In October of 2002, ORPRN received the AHRQ grant that funded infrastructure development. Thirty-six PBRNs received AHRQ support. http://www.ahrq.gov/research/pbrnproj.htm
ORPRN identified rural communities and practices who had an interest in participating . This is an on-going process for ORPRN as more practices are identified and become ORPRN members.