Characterizing a practice-based research network: Oregon Rural Practice-Based Research Network (ORPRN) survey tools

Objective: To present the survey methods and instruments used to characterize a geographically and professionally diverse rural practice-based research network (PBRN). Methods: A cross-sectional study of Oregon PBRN (ORPRN) member practices and clinicians using a 3-part survey including a survey of the practices, of clinician members, and an anonymous survey of clinician satisfaction. Results: A total of 31 of 32 (97%) participating ORPRN practices completed the practice survey, 96 of 129 (74%) clinicians within these practices completed the clinician member survey, and 81 of 129 (63%) clinicians completed an anonymous survey of clinician satisfaction. The survey provided a detailed description of the structure of member practices, patient and clinician demographics, services provided by the practices, and access to specialty and ancillary services. Conclusions: Survey tools that describe the network practices and individual clinician characteristics contribute to an understanding of the research capacity of an individual PBRN.