Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are groups of ambulatory practices affiliated in their mission to investigate questions related to community-based clinical medicine and to improve the quality of primary and specialty care. PBRNs have become efficient laboratories for research in community-based care. Given naturopathic medicine’s empirical clinical basis, a PBRN approach to research is a close fit for the most appropriate research questions in studying the practice.
Accordingly, a group of naturopathic physicians and researchers met in Tacoma, Washington on August 19, 2009 to establish the Naturopathic Physicians Research Network (NPRN), a practice-based research network. The mission of the NPRN is: “To conduct research for the systematic exploration of clinical experience in naturopathic medicine in order to improve practice and the health of our patients and communities.” In July, 2010, the NPRN was incorporated into the newly established Naturopathic Physicians Research Institute. NPRN, now with over 130 members in 75 practices, is registered as primary care research network with the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) PBRN Resource Center.
NPRN is based on the membership of individual naturopathic physicians. It is member directed, with the principal governing body being a Steering Committee elected from the members. NPRN links practicing clinicians with investigators experienced in clinical and health services research, while at the same time enhancing the research skills of the network members. NPRI is committed to providing tools and training to facilitate translation of the experience of practicing naturopathic doctors into generalizable information for practice improvement.
There are no other requirements to be a member other than current licensure, current practice, completion of the registration form accessible below, and a commitment to communication with colleagues in the NPRN mission.
Click here to complete the registration questionnaire and register as a member of the Naturopathic Physicians Research Network.
Current studies are projects we encourage NPRN members and qualified others to participate in or to support.
The NPRN is happy to consider collaborations with naturopathic investigators, academic and industry researchers, specialty societies and other interested and qualified parties for the description and evaluation of naturopathic practice or its components. For more information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (NPRN Director) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (NPRI Executive Director).
