Research in general practice. Sources of advice

Area of Science:

• General Practice
• Primary Care Research
• Medical Education

Background:

• General practitioners (GPs) require support for research activities.
• The availability and nature of research advice sources for GPs are not well understood.
• The demands on existing research support structures need evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the sources of research advice for GPs in the UK.
• To assess the capacity and limitations of these advice sources.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for GP research participation.

Main Methods:

• A semistructured questionnaire was administered to key stakeholders.
• Respondents included regional advisers, faculty secretaries, and heads of academic departments.
• The study focused on the United Kingdom context.

Main Results:

• University departments of general practice are the primary source of research advice.
• These departments face insufficient resources and limited capacity to stimulate research.
• Regional advisers and faculty secretaries show complacency regarding research engagement.
• Existing structures struggle to meet the demand for research support.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced resources are crucial for developing research capability in general practice.
• Creating academic training posts is essential for capacity building.
• Fostering a greater spirit of inquiry in vocational training is needed.
• This includes promoting both audit and research among GPs.