What is a Practice Research Network?A PRN is a co-ordinated group of clinicians that provides an infrastructure to “facilitate direct and active collaboration between psychotherapists and researchers in scientifically rigorous and clinically meaningful research” (Castonguay et al, 2010, p. 346). The PRN model has been advocated as an optimal way to generate practice-based evidence that enables clinicians to assess their effectiveness and to explore the challenges of routine therapy (Margison et al, 2000). It has also been argued that the PRN model is an ideal vehicle to disseminate empirically-supported treatments in naturalistic settings (Barkham & Mellor-Clark, 2000). Successful PRN models have been developed in several countries (e.g. see Green et al., 1993; Audin et al, 2001). Typically, a PRN operates through a formal group of clinicians that identify areas of practice to be researched, in collaboration with academic partners that are able to offer methodological and technical expertise. In this way, research directly influences and connects with routine clinical practice and advances the scientist-practitioner model.
Involving routine clinical services in research has numerous benefits. It has been shown that clinical services that actively participate in research provide better quality of care (Majumdar et al, 2008) and are likely to improve outcomes for patients, for example through early adoption of ground-breaking treatments or close adherence to evidence-based practice as is often required by clinical trials (Hanney, Jones & Soper, 2013). References
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About the Northern IAPT PRNMembership
This PRN brings together representatives from a number of psychological therapy services that are part of the English 'Improving Access to Psychological Therapies' (IAPT) programme. At present, the membership of this network is comprised of IAPT services in the north of England. Current members of the network are linked to IAPT services in the following areas:
The PRN is supported by academic collaborators with demonstrated expertise and track record in psychotherapy research and practice-based evidence. Our academic collaborators are affiliated to:
University of Sheffield, Department of Psychology, PEARLS University of York, Department of Health Sciences, MHARG University of Huddersfield, School of Human and Health Sciences University of Manchester, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work University of Cumbria, Faculty of Health and Science University of Central Lancashire, School of Health Mission
The network’s mission is to generate practice-based evidence that will influence psychological services in England. The network’s aspiration is to develop a research culture within its constituent services. It will do so through a ‘bottom-up’ process of research carried out in the front line of mental healthcare. The network will forge links with key stakeholders, funding bodies and policy makers in its goal to influence practice. Brief History The network was initially organised by a group of clinicians and academics based in the Yorkshire region. The network's terms of reference were drafted at the initial steering group meeting hosted by the Leeds IAPT Partnership on 15th September 2014. The mission, terms of reference and current projects were further defined through a consultation process which took place in October 2014. More information about the terms of reference and current projects can be accessed via the links at the top of this page. |
Interested in working with us?
IAPT services are encouraged to get in touch to scope whether they would like to formally join and work with the Northern IAPT PRN.
Further details can be obtained via the contact page.
Further details can be obtained via the contact page.
Northern IAPT Practice Research Network
Contact: pearls@sheffield.ac.uk
Follow us: www.twitter.com/iapt_prn
Contact: pearls@sheffield.ac.uk
Follow us: www.twitter.com/iapt_prn
