Abstract
Background The Primary care Academic CollaboraTive (PACT) is an initiative which aims to build capacity of UK academic primary care through engagement of over 800 frontline primary care professionals (PACT members) in high-quality research to improve patient care. PACT has engaged members from across the UK and delivered two PACT research projects (Why Test and CHIP) which have received national recognition.
Aim This study aimed to understand views of PACT members to inform the future direction of this exciting initiative.
Method A survey was created which included responder characteristics (for example, role, employment and research experience), previous engagement with PACT, factors impacting engagement, and future priorities.
Results The 103 responders (14% response rate) were broadly spread across primary care roles and UK regions. The majority were early career (<10 years) with some research experience. Primary reasons for engagement were gaining research experience and improving patient care. The majority had not taken part in previous PACT projects. Clinical priorities for future research were multimorbidity, prevention, medications and mental health, in keeping with national priorities. The other main priority was workforce and workload. Most responders expressed interest in future PACT projects, with main motivators being research experience, improving patient care, their chosen research topic, and barrier being time.
Conclusion The results will inform the future direction of PACT, and influence researchers and policy makers on the factors which support research engagement of frontline primary care professionals. The results have already informed the next PACT study focusing on hidden workload in general practice.
