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Physician attitudes toward research study participation: a focus group
M B Plane1, J W Beasley, P Wiesen
1University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine, Madison, USA.
Summary
Primary care physicians value research but face significant barriers. To increase participation in practice-based research, academic researchers must minimize practice burdens and offer practical, engaging projects.
Area of Science:
- Primary Care Research
- Medical Practice Management
Background:
- Primary care physicians (PCPs) express philosophical support for research.
- However, research is often a low priority within their practice organizations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore primary care physicians' attitudes toward conducting research within their practices.
- To identify barriers and facilitators for practice-based research.
Main Methods:
- A focus group was conducted, sponsored by the Wisconsin Research Network (WReN) and UW Health Education And Research Trial (HEART).
- Participants included physicians from various practice groups.
Main Results:
- Physicians are hesitant to commit to further research due to practical constraints.
- Key concerns include the cost of physician and staff time and diversion from patient care.
- Academic researchers must understand practice realities, propose practical and interesting research, provide feedback, and minimize their own workload on practices.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the practical and logistical challenges is crucial for engaging PCPs in research.
- Collaboration requires academic researchers to adapt to primary care settings and reduce impositions on practices.