[Evaluation of the General Practitioner Scholarship--small seed, rich harvest]

In 1976 the Norwegian Medical Association instituted the General Practitioner Scholarship. A total of 36 scholarship months is granted each year, available for small scientific projects lasting a maximum of six months. This article presents the results of an evaluation based on data from the recipients of the scholarships (n = 107) and from rejected applicants (n = 76) during the period 1986-94, and from the four University Departments of General Practice in Norway. 85 (80%) recipients, involved in 95 projects, responded to a mailed questionnaire. 60 (72%) had published one scientific article or more from their project. 64 (70%) of the projects had evolved from questions raised in the recipients' own daily practice, the main topics being clinical issues and community medicine. More than two thirds of the recipients were still doing scientific work. All informants recognised the importance of the General Practice Scholarship for research and development in Norwegian primary health care.