Building Practice-Based Research Networks: Forging Practical Science/Field Collaborations

22 Jan Building Practice-Based Research Networks: Forging Practical Science/Field Collaborations

A Colloquium and Opportunities for Consultation

A Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRN) is defined as a collaboration between practitioners and academic partners who come together to understand real-world problems observed in daily practice, engage in solution-focused research, and then use the results to improve practice/service. Although varied in size and form, this involves service providers and field leaders coming together to identify key topics/questions directly impacting the field, engaging with researchers toward answering these questions, and using the results to improve service delivery or other targeted aspects of field needs. Although there is a history of use in some areas of service and care, PBRNs are newer to social services—and bring strong potential to help develop timely, sustainable partnerships.

About the Speaker

Dr. John Brekke (University of Southern California, School of Social Work) will describe his experience in helping to form a PBRN focused on health disparities of people who experience severe and persistent mental illness. Dr. Brekke will use that experience to illustrate aims, strategies, challenges, and solution building—with an eye to helping our community consider possibilities. PBRNs are a potentially useful form of engagement, consistent with our Innovation to Impact aims.