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Determining arrangements for supporting research in primary and community care

A discussion paper, Determining arrangements for supporting research in primary and community care, has been published. The paper aims to support…

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

A discussion paper, Determining arrangements for supporting research in primary and community care, has been published. The paper aims to support local organisations, in collaboration with local networks, to consider how to achieve a smooth transfer of capability within the changing NHS for supporting primary and community care research.

In future, independent contractors in primary care will decide of their own accord to participate in research, like other providers in acute, community and mental health care, though they will likely need advice in taking this decision. Clinical commissioning groups, which have legal duties to promote research and the use of evidence to support commissioning, may also wish to seek advice and support in these roles.

Local health communities, in planning how functions are transferring between organisations as part of the transition, will wish to review any locally based primary care trust research services. They are encouraged to consider retaining and finding a suitable host for skilled teams that can offer supportive services to primary care providers and to NHS commissioners with their future duties and activities.

Such teams could be independent or they may be hosted, for example:

To date, primary care trusts have led on support for research involving independent primary care contractors such as GPs and dentists, and some have had research related advice to support commissioning. Therefore, safe transfer into the new system is highly important to ensure that primary care research can continue.

Determining arrangements for supporting research in primary and community care - updated January 2013

For any queries, contact R&D@dh.gsi.gov.uk

Updates to this page

Published 18 December 2012