SAPCReN

How does primary care research happen?

With the right connections and support.

SAPCReN helps bring together clinicians, researchers, and clinics to make primary care research possible.

We support the development of research ideas, help clinics participate in studies, and assist with coordination so research can happen in real-world primary care settings.

By reducing barriers and supporting collaboration, we help ensure research is practical, relevant, and meaningful.

At SAPCReN, we are committed to strengthening primary care through research across Southern Alberta.

Learn more about how to get involved by visiting our website.

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When does primary care research happen?

Primary care research often starts with a simple question.

Clinicians may notice patterns in care, challenges without clear solutions, or gaps in existing research. Communities may also identify health concerns that deserve further study.

These questions can lead to research that helps improve care in primary care clinics and communities.

At SAPCReN, we support research that begins with real questions from clinicians and communities across Southern Alberta.

By connecting clinics and researchers, we help turn everyday questions into research that improves primary care.

Learn more about primary care research by visiting our website.

Where does primary care research happen?

Primary care research takes place in the same places people receive healthcare every day — community clinics, family medicine practices, and primary care networks.

Studying care in these real-world settings helps researchers understand how healthcare is delivered and how it can improve for patients and communities.

At SAPCReN, we connect clinics, researchers, and communities across Southern Alberta to support primary care research.

When research reflects real practice, it leads to solutions that are practical, meaningful, and relevant to the people it serves.

Learn more about primary care research by visiting our website.

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*Brain Awareness Week Research Spotlight*
Dementia Dyad Study

Dementia affects not only the person living with the condition, but also the caregivers who support them every day.

Most research studies look at patients or caregivers separately. This project studies both together as a pair, or “dyad,” to better understand how dementia affects their lives over time.

Using de-identified electronic medical record data from the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN), researchers are building a national system to track dementia patterns across Canada. This research will help improve care planning, strengthen support for caregivers, and guide better dementia care in the future.

Learn more: SAPCReN.ca
📧 [email protected]

The 5 Ws and H of Primary Care Research — Part 3: Who

Who is primary care research for?

More people than you might think.

Primary care research brings together:
• Clinicians who see real challenges in everyday practice
• Researchers studying how care can improve
• Patients and communities whose experiences help shape better healthcare

When these perspectives come together, research becomes more practical and more meaningful for the people it’s meant to serve.

At SAPCReN, we support collaboration between clinics, researchers, and communities to strengthen primary care across Southern Alberta.

Because when research reflects real experiences, it leads to better care for everyone.

Learn more about how you can get involved by visiting our website.

The 5 Ws and H of Primary Care Research — Part 2: Why

Why does primary care research matter?

Most healthcare begins in primary care. It’s where prevention happens, chronic conditions are managed, and long-term relationships between patients and providers are built.

Primary care research studies the real challenges that arise in everyday clinics and helps turn them into practical solutions that improve care.

When research reflects real-world practice, it produces evidence that clinicians can use and communities can benefit from.

At SAPCReN, we support research that strengthens primary care across Southern Alberta.

Stronger primary care leads to healthier communities. Visit us at sapcren.ca

The 5 Ws and H of Primary Care Research
Starting with: What

So, what is primary care research?

It’s research that studies how healthcare is delivered in real community clinics — where most of us receive our care.

It’s shaped by the experiences of patients, families, and providers to make sure research reflects real-life needs. The goal is to improve access, quality, equity, and patient-centred care across Alberta.

At SAPCReN, we support research that is practical, local, and grounded in community experience.

Follow our series as we explore the Who, When, Where, Why, and How of primary care research.

Learn more at SAPCReN.ca.

February is Heart Health Month ❤️ The research article “Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease” looks into how social, economic, and environmental factors shape heart health and how understanding these factors can help create healthier communities.

Busting myths, one fact at a time! 💥 Research isn’t just for universities or big hospitals - primary care research happens where people live, work, and receive care. Real communities, real clinics, real impact.

New year, same purpose ✨ Supporting research that matters in primary care! Visit https://sapcren.ca to learn more.

Meet Himasara, one of our research associates!

Her research interests include chronic disease epidemiology and public health!

Her work explores how data and the environment shape population health and disease prevention.