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General practice research--does gender affect the decision to participate?
Kay M Jones1, Maureen E Dixon, John B Dixon
1Department of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. kay.jones@monash.edu
Australian Family Physician
|June 8, 2012
Summary
General practitioners (GPs) face research recruitment challenges. Women GPs show distinct concerns regarding research participation, highlighting the need for systemic changes in general practice research to improve engagement.
Area of Science:
- General Practice Research
- Medical Workforce Demographics
Background:
- Recruitment of general practitioners (GPs) for research in Australia presents significant challenges.
- Understanding GP demographics and research experience is crucial for improving participation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore general practice demographics and recent research experience.
- To identify factors influencing research attitudes, enablers, and inhibitors for GP participation.
Main Methods:
- A survey was developed and distributed to GPs in Melbourne, Victoria.
- Data were collected from 215 GPs, representing a 28% response rate.
Main Results:
- 50% of respondents were women, and 51% had prior research experience.
- Significant gender differences emerged in participation factors; women expressed greater concerns about time commitment, paperwork, recruitment criteria, and methodological complexity.
- Women were more inclined to work as a group and inhibited by presenting findings to peers.
Conclusions:
- The feminization of the GP workforce and reduced research interest pose challenges for future general practice research.
- Systemic changes are necessary to address these issues and enhance GP research participation.
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