Study examines the impact of social connections and professional networks of NAPCRG members in driving scientific success

Background and Goal:  This study marks the 50th anniversary of the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG)—the premiere primary care research organization, particularly in family medicine—by examining social connections among members.

Study Approach: Researchers used social network analysis to characterize individual members and the relational structure among NAPCRG community members.

The study invited 5,905 current and past NAPCRG members and participants. The survey, based on the validated Program to Analyze, Record, and Track Networks to Enhance Relationships (PARTNER) Tool, assessed engagement, relationships, and benefits derived from NAPCRG involvement. 

Main Results: 

• The survey garnered 906 participants, who identified an additional 815 individuals with whom the participants reported relationships. The NAPCRG social network analysis contained 1,721 total individuals with 5,196 partner relationships. 
• Participants felt many relationships led to productivity and improved or advanced the field of primary care.
• Most relationships (60%) were described as having an integrated level of collaboration.
• Many relationships led to a research paper (58%) or a grant (34%).
• The NAPCRG annual meeting was the most common mode of participant engagement (91%).

Why It Matters This study underscores the importance of professional networks in driving scientific success and highlights the need for continued support and development of these connections.

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

Sarah Gebauer, MD, MSPH, et al

SLUCare Academic Pavilion, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri

The Fiftieth Anniversary Planning Committee, NAPCRG, Leawood, Kansas 

PRE-EMBARGO LINK (Link expires at 5 p.m. July 22nd, 2024)

PERMANENT LINK