A CBRN is a community-based research network. It is a novel concept based on the practice-based research network (PBRN) model. A PBRN is defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality as “a group of ambulatory practices devoted principally to the primary care of patients. Typically, PBRNs draw on the experience and insight of practicing clinicians to identify and frame research questions the answers of which can improve the practice of primary care. By linking these questions with rigorous research methods, the PBRN can produce research findings that are immediately relevant to the clinician and, in theory, more easily assimilated into everyday practice.” PBRNs have a history spanning several decades of successfully facilitating translational research into practice in primary care.

Our CBRN draws on the experience and insight of community-based organizations that serve older adults and people with disabilities to identify and frame research questions to improve the provision of long-term support services.