Establishing family physician research networks in South Africa.

Robert Mash

doi:10.4102/safp.v62i1.5216

Abstract

Practice-based research networks have been an important strategy in many parts of the world to enable primary care research and involve clinicians. The Stellenbosch University Family Physician Research Network (SUFPREN) was established in 2017 to enable family physicians in clinical practice to engage with practical research that addressed key challenges and enhanced clinical governance. It is a collaboration between academic family physicians at the university and clinical family physicians in the district health services. In this article, the establishment of SUFPREN is described – membership of the network, selection of research questions, roles in the research process, communication and coordination, involvement of the Department of Health, types of questions and methods, data management, dissemination of findings and funding. The initial work of SUFPREN is described and a vision for future family physician research networks in South Africa is defined.

Highlights

Practice-based research networks are a key feature of primary care research in many parts of the world, but are not yet established in South Africa.[1]
I describe the implementation of the Stellenbosch University Family Physician Research Network (SUFPREN) as an example of what is possible in our context and in the hope that other Departments of Family Medicine may emulate this model and eventually enable the creation of a South African Family Physician Research Network
Despite the requirement to complete a research project and master the research process as part of their training, few family physicians in clinical practice continue to engage with research as clinician-scientists

Summary

Introduction

Practice-based research networks are a key feature of primary care research in many parts of the world, but are not yet established in South Africa.[1]. The mission was to establish a network of family physicians who can collaborate on practical research projects based on sub-district health needs. The network would be supported by academic family physicians and researchers based in the Division.

Results

Conclusion