ACCP Ambulatory Care Practice and Research Network (PRN): recent PRN activities and assessment of membership diversity over the last decade

Purpose:   The objectives of this project are to update the ACCP membership on recent activities of the Ambulatory Care PRN and to evaluate the diversity within the ACCP Ambulatory Care PRN by comparing 2012 survey results to similar surveys conducted as far back as 2003.

Methods:    Each of the PRN committee chairs were queried as to their recent activities. In addition, an internet-based questionnaire designed using SurveyMonkey^TM queried the PRN members in May 2012 regarding training/degrees/certifications, practice setting, teaching and precepting responsibilities, and research.  Survey results were compared to two previous and similar surveys, conducted in 2009 and 2003,to assess how the PRN’s membership demographics have evolved.

Results:   Recent PRN activities include the development of a new webinar series providing up to date educational programming, a guide for new members to orient them to the PRN, and developing a resource guide of key disease state and ambulatory care issues.  Results of the survey compare the basic demographics, practices, and credentials of the 2012 membership with those of the 2003 and 2009 membership surveys allowing for evaluation of key parameters of the PRN membership.

Conclusions:     The Ambulatory Care PRN is vitally active in numerous ways providing its membership with new and exciting membership rewards. It is comprised of members with diverse job responsibilities and practice settings and continues to evolve over the last decade.  Knowledge of changes in membership makeup may help the PRN plan meaningful and interesting educational programming and identify opportunities for its members to become more involved within the PRN and ACCP.