Research in primary care: extent of involvement and perceived determinantsamong practitioners from one English region

The lack of research evidence relevant to and generated by general practiti oners (GPs) has been a concern in the context of a putative primary care-le d National Health Service (NHS). However, very little has been published on the current extent or determinants of research activity among United Kingd om primary care doctors. We surveyed all (n = 2770) service GPs in the West Midlands Region in order to quantify their research involvement and to exp lore determinants of this. The response rate was 49% (n = 1351). A total of 84% of responders reported participating in research or audit, with 16% ha ving initiated their own research; 9% of GPs had been published in a peer-r eviewed journal; 6% had generated research funding; and 3% had held a resea rch training fellowship. The characteristics positively associated with ini tiating research included an involvement in teaching, having research-activ e partners, the availability of protected time, and working in a larger pra ctice. The most commonly perceived barriers to undertaking research were la ck of time (92%), lack of staff to collect data (73%), and a lack of fundin g (71%). In all, 41% of responders reported no interest in research. Overal l, the extent of research activity among responding GPs appears to be great er than is often assumed. Recent NHS research and development proposals to strengthen and develop research in primary care are, therefore, relevant in highlighting changes to address these issues.