Fit for purpose – a regional case study in primary care research partnerships

Abstract

Aims: To describe the context, mechanisms and outputs of a regional primary care partnership for research facilitation over a three-year period, and evaluate factors which were likely to be worth replicating in the new UK Clinical Research Network (UKCRN) structures. Background: The revision of NHS research and development structures into the UKCRN has presented organizational challenges to pre-existing partnerships. This raises questions of whether pre-existing arrangements had already delivered effective research facilitation in NHS settings, and makes evaluation of successful practice a crucial part of organizational learning for the current management of research delivery in the UK. Methods: A mixed methods case study in one R&D consortium (Norfolk and Waveney, England). Using a model of realistic evaluation, we analysed context, mechanisms, working practices, and outcomes for research delivery in the primary care context – covering key priorities of research governance and ethics, hosting and recruiting to studies, and training and support approaches. Findings: From January 2005 to December 2007, 35 general practices opted into a host practice research network, each hosting an average of 10 studies over that period, with 278 projects being active overall. By the last year, an extension of network activity to all practices in Norfolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney had led to 96% of all practices delivering at least one study, and a turnaround, from application to commencement of approved studies, of 28 days for 74% of studies. This level of activity can act as a baseline for future UKPCRN activities, and the factors associated with it may be helpful for others seeking to provide an effective networking structure. The larger structures of the new UKCRN regional networks will be able to draw on extensive good practice in some areas, and should be sure to preserve these, as they may already be fulfilling the important goals for which UKCRN was created. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)