HOW DOES A PRACTICE-BASED RESEARCH NETWORK FACILITATE EVIDENCE-INFORMED PRACTICE WITHIN THE CHIROPRACTIC PROFESSION IN AUSTRALIA? A COMMENTARY

Abstract

This commentary summarises the background, rationale, structure and context of Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) with an emphasis on chiropractic within the Australian health care setting. Following an overview of the importance and value of research based within practice-based settings and a summary of international developments in chiropractic PBRN’s there is a brief description of the genesis, construction and implementation of the Australian Chiropractic Research Network (ACORN) project. The role of the ACORN PBRN is to help facilitate the development and promotion of a research agenda; improve the uptake of best clinical practice; address issues relevant to chiropractors and their patients; and build research capacity and output for the Australian chiropractic profession. The commentary identifies how the chiropractic profession in Australia is already starting to see the tangible results from the establishment of the ACORN PBRN.