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Primary Care Research Team Assessment (PCRTA): development and evaluation
Yvonne H Carter1, Sara Shaw, Fraser Macfarlane
1Department of General Practice and Primary Care Barts and London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS.
Summary
A pilot accreditation scheme for UK general practices undertaking primary care research and development (R&D) was successful. Recommendations were made to progress to a national scheme, enhancing support and consistency for research practices.
Area of Science:
- Primary Care Research
- Health Services Research
- Research Governance
Background:
- The UK Department of Health has promoted research and development (R&D) in the National Health Service (NHS) since the early 1990s.
- Primary care professionals are uniquely positioned to conduct research, enhancing the evidence base for clinical decision-making.
- Growing opportunities and support infrastructure are improving research capacity in primary care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate nationally accepted quality standards and accreditation for primary care research practices.
- To pilot an assessment scheme for UK general practices engaged in primary care R&D.
Main Methods:
- A pilot project funded by the NHS Executive South and West and the London Research and Development Directorate.
- Development of an assessment schedule with two levels: Collaborative Research Practice (Level I) and Established Research Practice (Level II).
- Assessment involved written documentation review and a half-day visit by a multidisciplinary team.
Main Results:
- A pilot involving 15 practices demonstrated a positive reception to the Primary Care Research Team Assessment (PCRTA) scheme.
- Level II practices showed a stronger research team ethos and strategic thinking compared to Level I practices.
- Areas for development included research strategy, communication, patient involvement, and methodology training.
Conclusions:
- The pilot project was successful, leading to recommendations for a national accreditation scheme.
- The scheme will be refined with enhanced support, mentoring, and assessor training.
- The accreditation scheme is recognized as a key component of the future primary care R&D agenda, aiding in research governance and alignment with health improvement priorities.