Fifty Years of Connection: Characterizing the Social Network of a Primary Care Research Organization

Ann Fam Med. 2024 Jul-Aug;22(4):333-335. doi: 10.1370/afm.3126.

Abstract

Purpose: This study marks the 50th anniversary of NAPCRG (formerly the North American Primary Care Research Group) by examining social connections among members.

Methods: This descriptive social network analysis was conducted via the Program to Analyze, Record, and Track Networks to Enhance Relationships (PARTNER) survey tool.

Results: Responses from 906 participants resulted in 1,721 individuals with 5,196 partner relationships. Most relationships (60%) were characterized as having an integrated level of collaboration. Many relationships led to a research paper (58%) or a grant (34%).

Conclusions: This social network analysis of NAPCRG members' relationships described over 5,000 relationships, many producing publications, grants, and perceived advancements in primary care.

Keywords: community-based participatory research; family practice; general practice; interdisciplinary research; organizations; primary care; research.

MeSH terms

  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Female
  • Health Services Research
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Social Network Analysis
  • Social Networking
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires