[Clinical research in family practices. A site management organisation for general practitioners: a unique experience...

As a general practitioner, taking part in clinical research is an improvement regarding his professional activities. It brings an extra value in the continuing education, relationship with patients and helps learning rigour. He is involved in the improvement of the quality of medical care and the valorisation of the general practice. Before committing himself with clinical research, he has to be aware of the constraints linked to this activity. An appropriate training is essential. He will have to submit to the specific rules of the sector such as the " Good Clinical Practices", respect ethic and legal requirements. The commitment in terms of time is sizeable. The administrative burden is heavy. All this should not make him forget his first concern, the interest of his patient. Belgium benefits from a well-established reputation in clinical research. However, the family practice remains the poor relation, but it is essential because the conditions of the trials in family practice are the closest to reality. After analyzing the weaknesses of clinical research in general medicine, the authors suggest a solution: a structured network recruiting, training and managing the GP Investigators.