The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Network for Research (AANPNR) is a Practice Based Research Network (PBRN). 

In mid-2002, members of the AANP formed the AANPNR, which is the first and only national NP-specific practice-based research network (PBRN).  PBRNs are designed to nurture evidence-based culture in primary care practice, engage network members in reflective inquiries about practice, and produce scientific information that is externally valid and easily assimilated into practice. The AANPNR receives supported from both the AANP and the AANP Foundation, which are solely funding this project.

The AANPNR currently has approximately 200 members.  Membership is open to primary care NPs who are members of the AANP.  The purpose of the AANPNR is to encourage and facilitate creative, investigator-initiated research designed to increase understanding of outcomes of primary care practice.  The PBRN's long term goals are to: a) conduct practice-based research relevant to NPs and their patients, b) facilitate translation of research to practice, c) improve the practice of primary care by NPs, and d) improve the health of primary care patients.  In addition to participation in network-sponsored projects, membership provides opportunities for members with like interests/practices to develop collaborative projects with network support. The current member drive and proposed project will contribute to meeting AANPNR's initial goals, which include: a) expansion of membership, b) testing of network communication strategies, and c) testing of processes for project design and implementation.

The majority of AANP members are primary care providers.  The AANPNR's broad membership and their patients provide great potential resource for future studies.  The membership includes NPs specialized in adult (29%), family (48%), geriatric (29%), and pediatric (5%) health.  The members work 6-60 hours (mean=29.5) a week in primary care settings.  Aggregately, 29%, on average, of the members' care is directed specifically towards health promotion.

The network staff includes AANP's director of research and education, Dr. Mary Jo Goolsby, who directs the AANPNR. Network membership forms are available on AANP's website.  To download a member form, click here.  To go directly to an online membership application, click here.