New RCGP tool to aid GP research
15.04.07
A unique assessment tool designed
to make it easier, simpler and quicker for GP practices to carry
out research is being launched by the Royal College of General
Practitioners (RCGP).
The RCGP has developed Research
Ready to encourage more GPs and practices to carry out
studies.
The scheme is a web-based programme
which helps GP practices assess their ability to carry out quality
research including making sure the practice is aware of its
responsibilities when conducting studies.
Dr Nigel Mathers, Chair of Research
at the RCGP, said: “GPs are uniquely placed to carry out a
wide-scope of research as they treat cross sections of society, but
the College was concerned that not enough research is being carried
out in this setting. Research Ready, which has been
extensively piloted, will encourage more and more practices to
become involved. Research in general practice not only
benefits society as a whole but is also a very rewarding process
for the GP and the practice team.
“The database of research should
also prove invaluable as it stops any danger of practices
‘reinventing the wheel’ or beginning research which, unbeknown to
them, is also being conducted elsewhere.”
General practice has produced lots
of important research in the past. Dr Edgar Hope Simpson’s
work established the link between shingles and chicken pox[i], the
work of Dr Michael Balint reinforced the importance of the
doctor-patient relationship[ii] and Dr Julian Tudor Hart captured
the imagination of generations of GPs with his formulation of the
Inverse Care Law in which he showed how patients with the greatest
need tend to receive the poorest health care iii.
The Research Ready tool can be
viewed on the
RCGP website
Ends
Press contact: Heather Whitney RCGP Press Office Tel: 020 7344
3137 press@rcgp.org.uk
Notes to editors
Research Ready is based on five core competencies
Core Competency 1
Do all the partners agree and do they have the support of the
practice team in taking part in research studies?
Core Competency 2
Does the practice have identified space and facilities to host
research?
Core Competency 3
Can searches of the practice database be carried out?
Core Competency 4
Does the practice know what is required of them and individual
members of staff with reference to research governance?
Core Competency 5
Is the practice aware of their responsibilities that they have to
their patients and staff if they are participating in research
studies?
Within these Core Competencies there are criteria specifying the
knowledge and skills needed. The RCGP has identified areas
which are specific to clinical trials, and so there are extra
criteria for practices who wish to take part in clinical
trials. More information on these core competencies, on the
research criteria and on its relevance to Research governance can
be viewed on the RCGP website.
The Royal College of General Practitioners is the largest
membership organisation in the United Kingdom solely for GPs. It
aims to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general
medical practice and to act as the “voice” of GPs on issues
concerned with education; training; research; and clinical
standards. Founded in 1952, the RCGP has over 35,000 members who
are committed to improving patient care, developing their own
skills and promoting general practice as a discipline.
Promoting excellence in family medicine http://www.rcgp.org.uk/
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[i] Dr Edgar Hope Simpson The Nature of Herpes Zoster: A Long
Term Study and a New Hypothesis published in the Journal of the
Royal Society of Medicine in 1965
[ii] Dr Michael Balint - more information is available on
the RCGP website
http://www.rcgp.org.uk/services/history_heritage__archives/heritage/historic_books_-_intro_c17th-/michael_balint.aspx
iii Dr Julian Tudor Hart – more information can be viewed on the
RCGP website
http://www.rcgp.org.uk/news__events/news_room/archived_news_releases/all_this_years_press_releases/2006_discovery_prize.aspx