PhD defence Anna Dania

Keywords: Practice-based Research Networks, Primary care, Global research, Global impact

"Perspectives on the Development and Sustainability of Practice-Based Research Networks Worldwide"

This dissertation investigates how Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) in primary care—an infrastructure in which the Netherlands has been a pioneer—develop, operate, and remain sustainable worldwide. PBRNs connect family doctors, academic researchers, and communities to study real-world patient care and generate evidence that improves clinical practice, community health, and policy. This is the first global synthesis to examine development and sustainability of PBRNs using all available global resources and extensive interviews with network leaders across multiple countries. The findings explain how PBRNs develop and sustain themselves across diverse healthcare contexts, offering practical guidance for countries and institutions building new networks. The work has provided the foundation for the Global PBRN Initiative within the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) - Working Party on Research, supporting cross-regional research collaboration, shared learning, methodological support, and advocacy. The Initiative is also part of the upcoming WONCA–NAPCRG collaboration and has started laying groundwork with WHO officers to integrate the PBRN concept into the PHC Measurement Framework and Indicators Scheme. Overall, the dissertation supports stronger primary care systems and better patient outcomes.

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