MetroNet is a metropolitan Detroit primary care practice-based research network (PBRN), sponsored by the Wayne State University (WSU) Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences (DFMPHS).  MetroNet is a collaborative effort of the DFMPHS, its affiliated family medicine residency programs, and community-based primary care physicians who have an interest in providing evidence-based care to their patients, and eliminating health disparities

Developed in 2001, MetroNet received federal HRSA funding for initial infrastructure and development. Subsequently, the network received external funding from NIH, CDC, AHRQ and foundations, such as the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation.  MetroNet's clinical studies have focused on disparities in diagnosis and treatment, for example, diagnosis of sore throat, influenza vaccination uptake, herbal supplement use for menopausal symptoms, and barriers to use of statins among African Americans.  In addition, MetroNet has conducted survey studies on health literacy and on use of the internet and texting capabilities in this urban underserved community.  MetroNet faculty are leaders in the national effort to develop PBRN Good Research Practices to improve research processes for the special conditions of ambulatory research conducted in the busy clinical practice setting.  See the Practice-based Research Network (PBRN) Research Good Practices.

View the MetroNet Bibliography
 

Jinping Xu, M.D. - MetroNet Director
P. 313-577-0244
ak1624@wayne.edu