Research activity and quality indicators in primary care - An explorative qualitative interview study

Abstract

BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests that research activity improves healthcare performance in secondary care. Staff who contribute and participate in research studies, tend to have a greater understanding, and use, of current evidence and guidelines. The engagement in research in primary care and correlation with quality indicators (QIs) is unclear.AimThe aim of this study is exploring the link between research activity and quality indicators in primary care.Method4 GPs and 4 practice managers consented and participated in semi-structured interviews conducted in spring 2017. A purposive sampling strategy was adopted until data saturation was achieved. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic framework analysis.ResultsPractices with a GP research champion were more likely to undertake research. Staff directly participating in the recruitment and follow-up and the research teams adopting a participatory and active research methodology is more likely to lead to improvement in quality. Including research as Enhanced Service may influence increased participation. The QOF is most likely to reflect improvement related to research, but opinions were mixed.ConclusionClinical Commissioning Groups and NHS England should be encouraged to develop QIs for research. As the landscape changes with the creation of Accountable Care Systems, there is an opportunity address the inclusion of research into practice contracts. This paper is the first to explore this topic in primary care and the findings will contribute towards developing quantitative research to expand the findings of this exploratory study.