General Questions
What is a Practice-Based Learning and Research Network (PBLRN)?
Practice-based learning and research networks (PBLRNs) are not-for-profit research networks that are usually based within a university. PBLRNs work with primary care practices to better understand and help improve care in Ontario. There are seven PBLRNs in Ontario; several have been collecting and analyzing primary care EMR data for well over a decade. These PBLRNs have come together to form POPLAR so that their work can be more efficient and impactful.
What is Primary Care?
Primary care is the regular care you get from a family physician, nurse practitioner, or a team at your family practice. Primary care providers may also connect you with specialists or other kinds of care. It is the foundation of our health system and the main way most people will access health care throughout their lives.
How did POPLAR come to be?
PBLRNs began in Canada about 25 years ago. In 2008, a national collaboration between PBLRNs, called the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) was initiated. PBLRNs started collecting and forwarding primary care data to the CPCSSN to create a national primary care database. In 2021, the 7 regional PBLRNs in Ontario came together to create POPLAR, the Primary Care Ontario Practice-based Learning and Research Network.
The 7 regional PBLRNs are:
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Northern Ontario School of Medicine Research Toward Health Hub (NORTHH)
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Ottawa Practice Enhancement Network (OPEN), University of Ottawa
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Eastern Ontario Network (EON), Queen’s University
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McMaster University Sentinel and Information Collaboration (MUSIC)
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University of Toronto Practice-Based Learning and Research Network (UPLEARN)
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Southwestern Ontario Network (SWON), Western University
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Equity, Performance, Improvement and Change (EPIC), The Alliance for Healthier Communities
Please visit our Networks page to learn more​
What is CPCSSN?
​CPCSSN (pronounced “SIP-SIN”) is the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network. CPCSSN is Canada’s first system set up to collect and monitor information about multiple diseases experienced by patients across Canada. CPCSSN is a network of 12 practice-based learning and research networks in 8 provinces and 1 territory. Currently, over 2 million patients and 1500 primary care clinicians participate in CPCSSN.