What is OPEN?

The Ottawa Practice Enhancement Network (OPEN) is the University of Ottawa Department of Family Medicine's learning network of like-minded family practitioners in the region who have come together to expand their knowledge of, and share their experience with, strategies to advance primary care. OPEN supports a culture of enquiry and action-oriented scholarship that is responsive to regional needs.

Simone Dahrouge, PhD, OPEN Director

OPEN is one of 13 Canadian Networks that are members of the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN).

OPEN and the six other provincial Primary Care Research and Leaning Networks (PBRLNs) have coalesced to enhance our efficiency and potential for impact. Together, we form the Primary Care Ontario Learning and Research (POPLAR) Network. And soon, the electronic medical record (EMR) data of over 1.5 million patients of primary care providers participating in these networks will be merged in POPLAR to allow for very meaningful evaluations of primary care for the purpose of research, quality improvement, and planning.
EMR data is always de-identified, securely stored and its access is highly controlled. Request for accessing EMR data for research, involves a rigorous evaluation process of the project, including vetting its ethical merit.

POPLAR has received the OCFP and OMA endorsement, and is working with the CPSO to ensure our practices have the support they need to succeed.