Research Network BayFoNet

The German Research Practice Networks Initiative (DEGAM-ForNet) brings together more than 1,400 family practice clinics organized into regional networks and linked to university departments of general medicine. The goal is to establish an infrastructure for clinical trials and health services research in the family practice setting. National standards for recruitment, accreditation, and qualification, as well as for data protection and data management, are being implemented. Together with our family practice research clinics, we develop evidence-based solutions and test them in clinical practice. An essential component is the participation of all stakeholders in healthcare. The involvement of a citizens’ advisory board and a GP advisory board ensures that our projects meet the needs of clinical practice.

BayFoNet is the Bavarian research network in general practice. It is supported by general practice clinics and the six Bavarian institutes for general practice (Augsburg, Erlangen, LMU and TU Munich, Regensburg, and Würzburg). More than 160 clinics across Bavaria are already accredited, including about 50 in Erlangen. Approximately 260 practice staff members have been trained in research methodology and study implementation.