Barriers and facilitators to primary care research: views of GP trainees and trainers

Primary care plays an important role in the conception and delivery of transformational research but GP engagement is lacking, prompting calls for the promotion of academic opportunities in primary care.

To identify potential barriers and facilitators among GP trainees and trainers in primary care research to inform support given by Local Clinical Research Networks (LCRNs).

A cross-sectional online survey was developed and distributed by the CRN to GP trainees and trainers in the North East and North West.

The survey covered areas including demographics, career intentions, current and potential engagement with research, as well as their general understanding of research in primary care, which included barriers and facilitators to primary care research.

Trainees had low intentionality to pursue research and half of trainees did not engage with any research activity. Despite one in five trainees reporting intentions to include research in their career, only 1% would undertake a solely academic career. Medical school region was the only strongly associated factor with academic career intention. Just under 30% of trainers reported engagement in research, but far fewer (8.6%) were interested in contributing to research, and only 10% felt prepared to mentor in research.

Among trainees, there is limited engagement in and intentionality to pursue research, and this was crucially reflected by responses from trainers. This study identified the need for LCRNs to assist with training in research mentoring and skills, funding opportunities, and to develop resources to promote research in primary care.