Table 1. Tools to Facilitate Communication in Practice-based Research Network (PBRN) Studies
1. Delineation of duties among researchers and sites (develop an administrative map).
2. Centralized training for the practice teams.
    a. Initial training for study should be done with all team leaders (see #5) and central staff in-person at a central site.
    b. Future training for study, such as moving from usual care to intervention arm, may be completed by telephone or video conferencing.
3. Use video conferencing when feasible to enhance interaction.
    a. Video can be used when reviewing or teaching techniques such as spirometry or use of inhaled medications.
    b. Video allows sites to demonstrate what they have learned.
4. Designate central liaisons to guide each site.
    a. Physician leader: one of study investigators (physicians)
        i. Usually only requires 1 or 2 research physicians to do this
    b. Central liaison: one of central study coordinators
        i. Each coordinator has responsibility for 3 to 15 sites, depending on the complexity of the study
5. Designate physician and nursing practice site leaders as primary contacts.
6. Use weekly FAQ to disseminate uniform information in a simple format based on actual practice questions whenever possible.
7. Hour-long weekly central team meetings
    a. Review issues identified at each site.
        i. Identify and celebrate successes.
        ii. Discuss problems and brainstorm possible solutions.
8. Develop a topic of the week (or month) for each liaison to discuss with their assigned sites.
9. Use a listserv to allow sites to interact with each other.
10. Consider site visits for remedial actions.