To get involved in the R-Net, e-mail Anna Jenkins, Research Coordinator

Update on TAFP Research Network
Walter L. Calmbach M.D., Chair, Governing Board, TAFP R-Net

TAFP’s R-Net held its third physicians’ workshop at this July’s annual session and research activities are proceeding well.

At the 1999 Annual Session, member physicians chose to study night sweats as their first research project. This study is being performed in cooperation with Dr. Jim Mold and the Oklahoma Practice-based Research Network, and data collection for this study is at the halfway point. Dr. Mark DeHaven, R-Net’s research director, reported that R-Net physicians have collected data on 211 patients and preliminary results from this primary-care population are similar to previous studies among patients in specialty clinics.

Interestingly, the prevalence of night sweats among patients presenting for routine care is about 45 percent and rates of night sweats are more common among patients taking beta-blockers, those reporting hot flashes or panic attacks and those 35-51 years old. R-Net physicians are now involved in the second period of data collection—checking on symptoms of night sweats during warm months.

At the Interim Session in February, 2000, the R-Net physicians decided their next study should examine diabetes care in Texas. After reviewing three different studies at this year’s annual session, the R-Net physicians decided to pursue two complementary studies on the disease in the next year. Designed by Dr. Michael Parchman, the first study slated for this fall examines the relationship of continuity of care with diabetes control.

Member physicians are asked to recruit 20 patients with diabetes and have them complete a two-page survey. Office staff will be asked to record each patient’s blood pressure and most recent hgb-a1C. Dr. Parchman will then examine the data to see if diabetic control correlates with continuity of care, trust and other features of the doctor-patient relationship.

R-Net member physicians are nothing if not ambitious. At the Annual Session they also decided to conduct a second diabetes study in cooperation with Dr. Steve Spann, Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine. In addition to helping their diabetic patients, the R-Net physicians were interested in this opportunity because this study will be among the first of the AAFP national practice-based research network. Dr. Spann is requesting that participating physicians recruit 10 patients with diabetes and collect data about several important features of their care. This study is planned for spring 2001.

TAFP member physicians who wish to take part in R-Net activities should contact the TAFP R-Net coordinator, Anna Jenkins at 512-329-8666 or email her at ajenkins@tafp.org. Anna will help interested physicians get involved in R-Net studies and help train office staff about research requirements. Participating physicians are strongly encouraged to attend R-Net organizational meetings at both the annual and interim sessions of TAFP. Dr. Bill Mygdal, director of the Faculty Development Center in Waco, leads efforts to provide basic research training for R-Net physicians at these meetings. A list-serve hosted by the TAFP is available for R-Net physicians to facilitate communication among TAFP staff, researchers and member physicians.

Prior to the Interim Session next February, TAFP R-Net will distribute a request for proposals soliciting research ideas from member physicians and researchers throughout the state. The best of these proposals will be discussed and voted on by R-Net physicians at the interim session.