MUSIC: A practice-based research and learning network

The McMaster University Sentinel and Information Collaboration (MUSIC) is a practice-based research and learning network (PBRLN) composed of 4 clinical sites that are located in Hamilton and the surrounding area. One of MUSIC’s central activities is the collection and curation of deidentified data that describes patient encounters among those attached to participating providers. This deidentified database is used in relevant, ethically sound primary care research and quality improvement projects. Topics of drug prescribing, frailty, socioeconomic status, and pandemic effects on primary care practice and patients have been studied using MUSIC data. The MUSIC Network is one seven PBRLNs that have collaborated to form the Primary Care Ontario Practice-Based Learning and Research (POPLAR) Network, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health. POPLAR aims to build a central data platform with key engagement by local PBRLNs to support primary care research, and innovation. MUSIC has also been a long-standing member of the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) and its pan-Canadian aim of supporting a national primary care data infrastructure for surveillance, research, and quality improvement.