One in eight GP practices across the UK will now be involved in primary care research.
The practices signed up to the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) ‘Research Ready’ campaign.
The online self-assessment has been completed by 1,006 GP practices. The self-assessment highlights practices’ responsibilities to both themselves and their patients when they get involved in research.
During accreditation, a clinician is identified as the practice’s research lead, but all members of the practice team can incorporate research into their work. In some cases, patients can also be directly involved in research projects.
Dr Matt Hoghton, medical lead for the RCGP Clinical Innovation and Research Centre, said he is “delighted” that so many practices have signed up. According to Dr Houghton, this demonstrates that practices are committed to innovation in interests of patient care.
“Research is an essential part of primary care; it helps GPs and other team members keep up to date with emerging protocols, initiatives and mindsets, and it gives our patients the confidence that they are receiving cutting edge care,” he said.
Harvey Ward, chair of the RCGP patient participation group, said: “Patients want to know that their GP practice is looking into new, more efficient, ways of providing care and that the care they receive is good quality and tailored to the needs of the local community.
“The Research Ready self-assessment tool is an excellent resource and patients can be confident that any research taking place in their practice is being undertaken correctly.”
