Where to go for help
Although the arguments for conducting research are powerful and attractive, many GPs are daunted by the thought of actually taking the plunge and undertaking a study.
Some of the perceived barriers primary care workers see when faced with the idea of doing research include lack of:
- time,
- support,
- resources,
- research skills, and
- training.
Many of these barriers can be overcome, with help and advice from specialists.
There are a number of organisations that can advise and support health services researchers at all stages of the research process.
Research and Development Support Units (RDSUs)
In the South Region, the Department of Health has developed a network of local centres of expertise, which provide advice and support on a geographical basis across the boundaries of community, primary and secondary care.
The main aim of the RDSUs is to support high quality health services research.
This is achieved through three core functions:
- offering personal advice on all aspects of the research process including research design, data collection and analysis, writing a protocol, and finding funding;
- providing information through newsletters, information releases, web sites, and dissemination of national R & D information;
- presenting training courses and workshops on a wide range of subjects related to research methodology.
The RDSU serving Bath & North East Somerset, North, West and East Wiltshire, is based in the Wolfson Centre at the Royal United Hospital, http://www.bath.ac.uk/health/rdsu/index.html
Contact by 'phone (01225 824116) or email mpscf@bath.ac.uk.
For information on other RDSUs, go to: http://www.bath.ac.uk/med-sci/rdsu/websites.htm
Research Networks
With the growing interest in research in the primary care sector, a number of networks have developed.
These provide a platform for discussion and sharing of news, views, and difficulties.
They help to overcome the dilemma of professional isolation that members of the primary care community sometimes feel.
These networks vary in their activities; they may be based in academic departments, or may operate from a NHS organisation.
In Wiltshire, the local network is the Wessex Primary Care Research Network (WreN), which can be found at : http://www.soton.ac.uk/~wren/research.htm
For a complete list of primary care research networks, go to: http://www.rcgp.org.uk/research/resources/primary.asp
Funding
Most research projects will require external funding, even if it is of modest proportions.
There are a number of sources of funding available to researchers in the primary care sector, which may be large, small, general or specific in their aims.
The most comprehensive source of information on funding is found at: http://www.rdinfo.org.uk/ which allows you to search for funding opportunities specific to your requirements.
The support agencies mentioned above can also help.
Who else to involve
Going it alone is not easy. Nor is it, in most cases, desirable.
Most research benefits from a team of multidisciplinary professionals working together, exchanging ideas, and moving forward in a way that one person alone could not achieve.
Consider including representatives from: other clinical areas, nursing, allied health professionals, management, statistics, epidemiology, sociology, psychology, etc.
Talk about your idea to anyone who will listen and glean as much feedback as possible.
Next page: Hoops and Hurdles
Study guide collated by: Sandra Hollinghurst, Vicky Wood (Bath RDSU) and Michael Harris 
Last updated: 01 October 2006