Primary Care Research Team Assessment (PCRTA): development and evaluation

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.