The productivity of primary care research networks

Primary care research networks are being publicly funded in the United King dom to promote a culture of research and development in primary care. This paper discusses the organisational form of these networks and how their pro ductivity can be evaluated, drawing on evidence from management science. An evaluation of a research network has to take account of the complexity of the organisation, the influence of its local context, and its stage of deve lopment. Output measures, such as number of research papers, and process me asures, such as number of research meetings, may contribute to an evaluatio n. However, as networking relies on the development of informal, trust-base d relationships, the quality of interactions within a network is of paramou nt importance for its success. Networks can audit and reflect on their succ ess in promoting such relationships and a more formal qualitative evaluatio n by an independent observer can document their success to those responsibl e for funding.