The US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) invites primary
care practice-based research networks (PBRNs) to apply for small research
grants to conduct exploratory/pilot projects or feasibility studies. PBRNs
that have yet to be awarded an R01-level (or equivalent) research grant are
especially encouraged to apply. A PBRN is defined as a group of ambulatory
practices devoted principally to the primary care of patients, affiliated
with each other (and often with an academic or professional
organization) in order to investigate questions related to community-based
practice and to improve the quality of primary care. This definition
includes a sense of ongoing commitment to network activities and an

AHRQ is particularly interested in studies that explore (1) network
strategies for assuring that research evidence is translated into actual
practice and that its impact is assessed, (2) optimal methods of delivering
preventive services and managing chronic diseases in primary care settings,
(3) innovations in improving quality and ensuring safety in primary care
practice, (4) strategies to decrease health and health care disparities
including those that incorporate the methods of community-based
participatory research, (5) methods for improving systems capacity and
responses to emerging public health threats, including acts of bioterrorism,
and (6) innovative uses of information technology in primary care practices.

Small Research Grants for Primary Care Practice-Based Research Networks Due
Date for Applications: Feb 18, 2005 Expected Number of Awards: 10 Estimated
Total Program Funding: $1,000,000.00 Award Ceiling: $100,000.00

The complete funding announcement is available at:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HS-05-011.html