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Table 2 Strategies used in working with FPs

From: Strategies for working across Canadian practice-based research and learning networks (PBRLNs) in primary care: focus on frailty

Network (n = FPs recruited)

Strategies used in working with FPs to complete CFS

Stakeholders involved in strategies

British Columbia (n = 5)

∙ Provided complete lists of eligible patients to FPs; FPs determined which patients he/she was most comfortable in providing accurate assessments

∙ Research Assistant met with FPs in person to provide instructions and answer any questions

∙ Reminders and follow-ups via email and in-person bi-weekly

Co-investigator

Research assistant

Medical office assistants

Alberta (n = 52)

∙ Provided lists of 15 eligible patients to FPs

∙ Department of Family Medicine administrative personnel was associated with the clinic and thus provided continuous reminders to facilitate data collection

∙ Reminders and follow-ups were unnecessary; a research team member dropped into clinics during FPs’ spare time with lists of patients that needed to be assessed

Co-investigator

Department of Family Medicine (Head of department and administrative personnel)

Manitoba (n = 10)

∙ FPs were familiar with preparing a search query of their patients who met eligibility criteria using the EMR

∙ Physicians at each site supported other physicians at their clinic by preparing a search query for them to review

∙ Reminders and follow-ups via email every 4-6 weeks. A phone call was arranged at the beginning of each site’s activity to confirm the query content and discuss approach with each participating physician.

Co-investigator

Research coordinator

Physician participants

Nova Scotia (n = 5)

∙ Mailed out packages with all required information, including lists of 100 eligible patients to FPs

∙ Reminders and follow-ups via email bi-weekly

Co-investigator

Data manager

Ontario (n = 37)

∙ Discussion to assess interest and discuss value of study to family practice prior to network agreeing to study participation

∙ Hand-delivered complete lists of eligible patients to FPs extracted from MUSIC dataset; FPs determined which patients he/she was most comfortable in providing accurate assessments

∙ Co-I attended usual practice meetings with FPs and clinic management staff to explain study and study processes.

∙ Initial ask was timed to avoid other major local shifts in models of care delivery that took time and attention, and would have made this project burden and de-prioritised attention to project.

∙ Reminders and follow-ups in-person monthly

Co-investigator

Research assistant