How representative of typical practice are practice-based research networks? A report from the Ambulatory Sentinel Practice Network Inc (ASPN)
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the patients and practices of family physicians in a national practice-based research network to understand whether results from practice-based research networks are likely to be relevant to other practicing clinicians.


METHODS
Survey focused on family physicians that replicated the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS).


METHODS
The Ambulatory Sentinel Practice Network Inc (ASPN), a practice-based research network, consisting of volunteer primary care practices that serve approximately 350,000 patients.


METHODS
Comparison of visits reported in ASPN with the visits reported in the 1990 NAMCS in terms of patient demographics, reasons for visit, diagnostic and therapeutic services, diagnoses, disposition, and amount of time spent with patients.


RESULTS
Overall, the two samples differed with respect to demographic characteristics of patients, while problems, diagnoses, services, disposition, and time spent with patients were similar. Specific pair-wise comparisons identified areas of difference.


CONCLUSIONS
The ASPN and possibly other similar practice-based research networks are sufficiently representative of family practice to serve as useful laboratories in which family practice and primary care can be explored.
Green
L A
LA
Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver.
Miller
R S
RS
Reed
F M
FM
Iverson
D C
DC
Barley
G E
GE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012106:Research