Virginia Ambulatory Care Outcomes Research Network
A practice-based research network
Engaging Virginia primary care practices in meaningful research and practice improvement to address patient health needs.
Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) began in the US in the 1990s officially, although the concept of primary care physicians addressing needs of patients through ongoing evaluation has existed for generations. This article provides a valuable history of PBRNs in the US.
The number of PBRNs in the US has grown dramatically since inception; there were approximately 28 in 1994 and there are more than 170 today.
The Virginia PBRN
ACORN’s goal is to help primary care clinicians continue to provide excellent care, make care easier, and engage in learning best practices. Our research and initiatives span health IT, the social determinants of health, health disparities, specific chronic and acute conditions, and patient/physician communication to list a few.
We are always interested in engaging new practices in collaboration. If you have an idea about what would help your practice, or if you want to get involved in an ongoing project, please email us at acorn@vcuhealth.org or click the ‘Contact Us’ button at the bottom of the page.
Contact Us
acorn@vcuhealth.org
(804) 828-9625
In collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University
Department of Family Medicine and Population Health
Areas of Practice Improvement
Social Determinants of Health
One of our largest ongoing studies, Enhanced Care Planning, offers clinicians the opportunity to work with a community health worker and assist patients with multiple chronic conditions AND social needs to better address their “big picture” of health. This study is now enrolling. Email us to get more information or click here for the flyer about ECP and how it can help your patients.
Unhealthy Alcohol Use
Another federally funded study is our ongoing collaboration with 125 practices across Virginia to help screen for and address risky and unhealthy alcohol use. This is a practice based project (as opposed to clinician based ECP) wherein practices will be offered a practice facilitator and resources to begin screening, offering brief counseling, and referrals for patients that screen positive. See our brief flyer here, and/or contact us for more information and we will work with your schedule to set up a time to talk!
Healthcare Workforce
The Virginia primary care workforce is hard to define- we’ve taken on the challenge. We are working with our partners, HealthLandscape Virginia to visualize where doctors are in the state, what kind of care they are providing, and how we can help shape the future of primary care in Virginia. We welcome your feedback on this platform as we continue to grow the project!
“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.”
– Volatire