How to Get Involved in Primary Care Research
Contribute To Primary Care Research
Primary care research offers flexible opportunities to get involved at any stage of your career. From contributing data and participating in studies to collaborating on research teams or leading your own project, there are many ways to engage. With support from Practice-Based Research Networks and the Department of Family Medicine, you can help generate evidence that improves patient care and strengthens primary care practice.
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SAPCReN
Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) are a cornerstone of primary care research—bringing together clinicians and practices to answer real-world health questions and improve patient care.
The Department of Family Medicine is proud to host the Southern Alberta Primary Care Research Network (SAPCReN). Founded in 2007 by Dr. Neil Drummond, SAPCReN connects over 300 clinicians and researchers who are shaping the future of primary care through collaborative research.
Whether you’re a clinician, learner, or researcher, SAPCReN offers an opportunity to learn more about and contribute meaningful, practice-based research.
Join SAPCReN today by completing the membership form.
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CPCSSN
CPCSSN is the first pan-Canadian primary care electronic medical record (EMR) repository. CPCSSN collects de-identified data from multiple EMR systems of a representative sample of family physicians or nurse practitioners and their patients. Participating clinicians receive routine, detailed reports of their panel and clinic data, designed to support monitoring or evaluation of their practice. At DFM Research CPCSSN membership is maintained through SAPCReN, to sign up email dfmresearch@ucalgary.ca
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Research Participation Opportunities
Stay informed about current research opportunities through the DFM and SAPCReN newsletters, where we regularly share studies seeking participants from clinicians and practices.
Interested in getting involved? Keep an eye on the newsletters or contact us at dfmresearch@ucalgary.ca
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Collaborate On A Study
No academic appointment or prior research experience is required to get involved as a collaborator. You can contribute your clinical expertise to help shape research questions, guide study methods, support implementation, and interpret findings in ways that are meaningful for practice. There may also be opportunities to participate in writing activities, such as contributing to grant applications, study protocols, or manuscripts. This is a rewarding experience offering a chance to learn new skills, collaborate with others, and connect with a community interested in advancing primary care research.
Email dfmresearch@ucalgary.ca to get started and learn more about collaboration opportunities
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Starting Up Your Own Research Project
Lead your own research project by turning your ideas into meaningful inquiry. Develop and answer your own research question while building valuable skills in study design, implementation, and knowledge translation. With support from our Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) and the Department of Family Medicine, guidance and mentorship are available every step of the way.
Email dfmresearch@ucalgary.ca to learn more
Here to help
The DFM Research & Scholarly Activity Office and the Southern Alberta Primary Care Research Network (SAPCReN) aim to support and elevate research that is important, relevant and timely for family medicine and primary care. We have moved to a central intake to streamline research-related requests, including:
- recruitment support or study promotion
- research collaborations
- data access requests (eg. CPCSSN data, EMR and/or administrative datasets)
- research project supports (eg., project staffing, data analysis, methods and protocol development)
- Department Head signoff for REB applications (DFM Faculty only), and
- general inquiries
If you require research support or have questions related to research, please submit a request through dfmresearch@ucalgary.ca.
Research Finance and HR FAQs
Useful research links
Funding Agencies
- Alberta Innovates Health Solutions (AIHS)
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research - ResearchNet (CIHR)
- MSI Foundation
- Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research
- Canadian Foundation for Women's Health
- Medical Council of Canada
More information
- WONCA Global Family Doctor
- UCalgary Research
- UCalgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB)
- UCalgary Institutional Research Information Services Solution (IRISS)
- UCalgary Research Services Office
- UCalgary Health Sciences Library
- North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG)
- Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN)
- Southern Alberta Primary Care Research Network (SAPCReN)
- Northern Alberta Primary Care Research Network (NAPCReN)
- International Committee of Medical Journal Editors' Recommendations for Scholarly Work in Medical Journals