Oak trees from acorns? An evaluation of local bursaries in primary care

Abstract

During the period 1997–2002 ResNET and PRO˜Net, the primary care research networks for Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire respectively, awarded small bursaries to network members to support local research. The bursaries were designed to assist researchers undertaking small, largely unfunded projects. The intention was to encourage research activity that could be shown to lead to evidence-based practice. The bursaries took a broad view of research activity, including enabling projects, skills training and dissemination of findings. A total of £6818 was awarded to 19 applications involving 22 individuals. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 19 of the recipients plus two correspondences via email to explore a wide range of outcomes and the effects on personal and professional development. Tangible outcomes included six published papers to date, six international conference presentations and 10 national presentations with many local presentations or network newsletter articles as well as securing additional external funding of £117500. The awards enable locally based research that contributes to the agenda of linking practice development with the implementation of findings at the local level essential to improving patient care. In addition, there are perceived benefits to individuals in developing their personal and professional skills, which in turn aid recruitment and retention in primary care.