Research in general practice: Why the barriers? A study of doctors' and patients' perceptions

Aim: To explore patients’ and general practitioners’ (GPs) attitudes to participation in research in general practice; to identify barriers to participation; to explore GPs and patients views about how research participation affects the doctor–patient relationship. Methods: Patients and GPs who had participated in a trial examining the effectiveness of a psychological treatment in general practice participated in qualitative interviews. Twenty-eight interviews were conducted. The participants included: 14 GPs and nine patients who participated in the original trial, and were either active or passive participants or withdrew from the original study; three patients with depression and two GPs who did not participate in the trial but had similar profiles to those who entered the trial. Results: Generally informants held a positive view of research in general practice. Concerns raised by the GPs as barriers to participation in research included: lack of time; financial remuneration; lack of training in research methods and conduct of research in general practice; and aspects of research protocols. Issues influencing patient participation included privacy, confidentiality, and the nature of the disease under study. Overall participation in research had a positive impact on the doctor–patient relationship. Conclusions: Research in general practice should be promoted. Possible solutions that were identified as barriers to GP participation included: the use of research nurses and the inclusion of research skills training. Patient barriers should also be addressed. 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia and Wonca