Objective: To describe the results of practitioner engagement in the network's dissemination of research findings for the former grant cycle from 2005-2012.
Methods: Network clinicians were identified for participation in presentation and publication projects using several parameters: those who had previous research experience for that particular project, had success in implementing network projects in their offices, and have indicated that they had the available time for project contribution. Task and timeline expectations were clearly stated to practitioners before they agreed to accept a role. A list of all practitioners who had participated in one or more network peer-reviewed publications (n=78) and presentations (n=110) or non-peer-reviewed publications and presentations (n=369) was obtained from network's public web site.
Results: The network had a total of 557 peer- and non-peer-reviewed publications and presentations during 2005-2012, with practitioners being involved in 328 (59%) of these. Each practitioner could have participated once or multiple times. The percentage of practitioner participation for peer-reviewed publications was 65% (n=51), and for presentations was 67% (n=74). Participation in non-peer-reviewed publications and presentations was 55% (n=203). Practitioner-investigators' roles ranged from presenters, to co-presenters, co-authors, and lead authors.
Conclusion: Practitioners were involved in the writing and presentation of practice-based research findings throughout the previous grant cycle. Their engagement increased the collaboration between academia and clinical practice and allowed the participating practitioners to have a better understanding of the disseminating of research processes. Support: DE-16746, DE-16747, DE-22516.