Creating an Interest in Research and Development as a Means of Reducing the Gap between Theory and Practice in Primary Care: An Interventional Study Based on Strategic Communication

Abstract

Today, healthcare professionals are faced with the challenge of implementing research results in an optimal way. It is therefore important to create a climate that is conducive to research and development (R&D). For this reason, new strategies are required to enhance healthcare professionals’ interest in innovative thinking and R&D. Strategic communication with roots in sociology, psychology and political science was employed as a means of achieving long-term behavioural change. The aim of this study was to describe, follow up and evaluate a primary care intervention based on strategic communication intended to increase healthcare professionals’ interest in R&D over time. An interventional cohort study comprising all staff members (N = 1276) in a Swedish primary care area was initiated in 1997 and continued for 12 years. The intention to engage in R&D was measured on two occasions; at 7 and 12 years. Both descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were employed. The results demonstrated that the positive attitude to R&D increased over time, representing a first step towards new thinking and willingness to change work practices for the benefit of the patient. Strategic communication has not been previously employed as a scientific tool to create a long-term interest in R&D within primary care.

Challenges and strategies for conducting research in primary health care practice: an integrative review

“… Professionals from 5 Primary Care Clinics ( n =17) Qualitative study Mold et al [ 32 ] 2012 USA Discuss the potentials of a coordinating center for multiregional PBRN studies based on 2 recent studies. Coordinating centers for research based on primary care practice ( n =NR) Observational description Morténius [ 33 ] 2014 Sweden Describe, accompany and evaluate a primary care campaign based on strategic communication designed to increase health professionals’ interest in R&D over time. Members of the PHC team (nurse, medical secretary, admin staff, midwife, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dentist, psychologist, physician) ( n =846) Cohort study Nagykaldi et al [ 34 ] 2008 USA Describe how the technology Access Grid (AG) was used by a PBRN.…”

Motivators and barriers to research among doctors in the Indian medical scenario: A cross-sectional study from Karnataka, India

“…where oral [seminars, conferences] written [research bulletins, scientific reports] and digital media evoked a significant interest in research and development among healthcare professionals at a primary healthcare center). [ 14 ] Furthermore, the responsibility each individual bears towards research together with its significance and benefits should be emphasized early on in the researcher's career.…”

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