The changing primary care research landscape
In this latest SAPC Hot Topic article, Sarah Mosedale and Paul Wallace consider what the extensive English NHS reforms mean for primary care research.
With so much change going on, how can we make sure that the voice of our discipline is heard? And continues to influence the future direction of change?
Sarah and Paul argue that we must first keep up to date with what is happening, in order that we can identify the opportunities to influence.
The new NHS Constitution includes a commitment to both use research, and a pledge to invite patients to participate in research... all good news for those involved in the field. CCGs have new powers and duties to promote research. And there is clear scope to widen the remit of research to cover any aspect of the work of the Health Service.
The authors acknowledge the risks associated with major upheaval too. With both the risk of losing existing experience, and the challenges of engaging a multitude of new partners in the work.
But Sarah and Paul encourage us to see this as an opportunity - to make our voice heard and to influence the active changes afoot.
You can read the full article here (scroll down to the Networking articles). And send your comments to Paul, or to SAPC.