RCGP publishes first Research Roadmap for UK general practice

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has published its first dedicated research strategy, setting out a roadmap to strengthen research in and for general practice.

The roadmap sets out a shared vision for embedding research, scholarship and evidence-informed practice at the heart of the profession. It describes how the College will work with members and partners to strengthen research culture, support clinical academic careers, increase opportunities to participate in research, and maximise the impact of research on patient care, education and health policy.

Research plays a vital role in improving patient care, informing health policy and supporting innovation across the NHS. The roadmap also highlights the contribution research can make to reducing health inequalities, supporting workforce sustainability and ensuring new models of care are grounded in robust evidence.

The roadmap sets out four strategic priorities:

• Embedding research culture and capability across the profession. 
• Maximising the impact and influence of general practice research. 
• Building and sustaining clinical academic careers in general practice. 
• Supporting high-quality, sustainable research delivery across primary care. 

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the RCGP, said:

"General practice is built on curiosity, judgement and lifelong learning. Every consultation presents an opportunity not only to care for an individual patient, but also to deepen our understanding of health, illness and the communities we serve.

“Our first dedicated research strategy reflects that ambition. It recognises that research is not separate from clinical practice, but grows from the questions we encounter every day and helps us find solutions that improve care for patients, communities and the wider health system.

“Building on the excellent work already taking place across the College and with our partners, we hope this roadmap will strengthen research culture across the profession, support the next generation of clinical academic GPs, and help ensure that curiosity, scholarship and research remain at the heart of high-quality general practice."

Professor Philip Evans, National Associate Director for Health and Care Research, NIHR Research Delivery Network said:

"The NIHR warmly welcomes the RCGP Research Roadmap and the commitment to embed research into routine care within general practice. We wholeheartedly agree with the objective to support and expand high-quality multidisciplinary research delivery. And we look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship with the College to further step up inclusive and impactful research in general practice for the benefit of patients and the public.”

Professor Gary Abel, Chair at Society for Academic Primary Care (SAPC), said: “The SAPC has worked with the RCGP for many years to align our research and education activities. It is fantastic to see the College launching its research roadmap. Initiatives to strengthen academic primary care in the UK are very welcome, recognising the importance of research set in, or about, general practice and primary care.” 

The full Research Roadmap can be read here 

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659

press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.