Table 1 Extraordinary potential of primary care research
From: Leaders, leadership and future primary care clinical research
Innovative and pragmatic study designs and topics | Examples |
|---|---|
Ground breaking observational research | Discovering the infective nature incubation period of Hepatitis A [31] |
"Stable" prospective cohort studies | Screening for Hypertension [32] |
"Stable" retrospective cohort studies | Natural history of Hypertension[33] |
Large cross-sectional databases | Developing a cardiovascular risk assessment tool that is more relevant for the UK population [34] |
"Pragmatic" Cluster randomised controlled trials | Secondary prevention of CHD [35] |
"Pragmatic" systematic reviews | Effect of guidelines on clinical practice [36] ; Usage of computers in consultations [37]; Role of antibiotics in sore throat [38] |
"Pragmatic" factorial design | Laboratory test reminders [39] |
Primary qualitative research | Chronic care models in primary care [40]; Experience of acute illness [41] |
Secondary qualitative research: meta-synthesis | Perception of family history in chronic disease [42]; diabetes and diabetes care [43] |
Robust economic evaluation alongside trials | |
Process evaluation of randomised trials and complex interventions | Self management of inflammatory bowel disease [46]; Integrated heart care [47] |
Complexity theory in understanding chronic illness | Lived experience of diabetes in the community [48] |
Guideline evaluation & implementation; translational research | Trial of asthma guidelines [49]; Critical features of the implementation of clinical guidelines [50] |
Tackling inequalities | Tuberculosis screening [51] |
Evaluating primary prevention | Exercise program in primary care [52] |
Early intervention in the natural history of medical conditions |