RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Impact of research activity on performance of general practices: a qualitative study
JF BJGP Open
JO BJGP Open
FD Royal College of General Practitioners
SP BJGPO.2024.0073
DO 10.3399/BJGPO.2024.0073
VO 8
IS 3
A1 Kenning, Cassandra
A1 Usher-Smith, Juliet A
A1 Jamison, James
A1 Jones, Jennifer
A1 Boaz, Annette
A1 Little, Paul
A1 Mallen, Christian
A1 Bower, Peter
A1 Park, Sophie
YR 2024
UL http://bjgpopen.org/content/8/3/BJGPO.2024.0073.abstract
AB Background There is evidence that engaging in research is directly associated with better performance. If this relationship is to be strengthened, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms that might underlie that relationship.Aim To explore the perspectives of staff and wider stakeholders about mechanisms by which research activity may impact on the performance of general practices.Design & setting Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with general practice professionals and wider stakeholders in England.Method Individual interviews with 41 purposively sampled staff in ‘research-ready’ or ‘research-active’ general practices, and 21 other stakeholders. Interviews were independently coded by three researchers using a framework approach.Results Participants described potential ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ impacts on their work. ‘Direct’ impacts included improved knowledge and skills that could change practice work (for example, additional records searches for particular conditions); bringing in additional resources (for example, access to investigations or staff); and improving relationships with patients. ‘Indirect’ impacts included job satisfaction (for example, perception of practice as a centre of excellence and innovation, and the variety afforded by research activity reducing burnout); and staff recruitment (increasing the attractiveness of the practice as a place to work). Responders identified few negative impacts.Conclusion Staff and stakeholders identified a range of potential impacts of research activity on practice performance, with impacts on their working lives most salient. Negative impacts were not generally raised. Nevertheless, responders generally discussed potential impacts rather than providing specific examples of those impacts. This may reflect the type of research activity conducted in general practice, often led by external collaborators.