Research orientation among general practitioners compared to other specialties

Abstract

Objective The volume of research work done by general practitioners (GP) is modest compared to other specialties. In order to find out reasons for this we examined the current situation concerning research orientation and factors relating to them among Finnish GPs compared to other specialists. Design and setting Data from The Physician 2018 Study were used for our research. The study was undertaken in collaboration with all five medical faculties in Finland and the Finnish Medical Association. It compiled information on physicians` social background, work history and career and research plans as well as their views regarding undergraduate and specialist training, values, and professional identity. Subjects The basic study population comprised all Finnish doctors under 70 years of age ( N = 23,131). Questionnaires were sent to doctors born on even-numbered days ( n = 11,336). Altogether 5,214 (45.8%) responded. Responses from GPs ( n = 796) were compared with those of doctors in other specialties ( n = 3,514). Main outcome measures and results The respondents were asked about their current intention to undertake a doctoral degree. Factors associated with this were analysed. Only 7.3% of GPs had completed a doctoral degree. The corresponding figure in other specialties was 32.3% ( p < 0.001). In general practice the current intention to undertake a doctoral degree had only slightly increased over ten years. Most GPs had also decided not to undertake a doctorate. The main factors associated with the current intention to complete a doctoral degree were interest in attaining a senior position (OR 3.43, 95% CI 2.25–5.24), a position in a university hospital district (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.69–4.94) or other sector than primary care (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.18–2.96), one’s father being a doctor (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.09–3.72) and male gender (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.05–2.54). Conclusion Research work in primary health care has been quite sparse. In general practice there is a need to increase teaching and guidance in research work. Key points Research work in primary health care is not very common. Only 7.3% of GPs had completed their doctorate compared to 32.3% in other specialties. A main factor associated with the current intention to complete a doctoral degree was interest in attaining a senior position.

Optimising personal continuity for older patients in general practice: a cluster randomised stepped wedge pragmatic trial

“…A main strength of our study is its low number of loss to follow-up. Only 3/32 practices withdrew from the trial despite a perpetually high GP workload, 59 less engagement in scientific research among GPs 60 and an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 61 This may indicate a high level of commitment of practices to the subject of research.…”

Attitudes of primary healthcare chief physicians towards research in Finland – a national study

“…A recent Finnish study found that PhD education, which endows general practitioners (GPs) with research skills, is quite sparse in primary healthcare compared to other specialties, and the intention to increase it has only slightly increased over ten years. In addition, the GPs did not foresee research in their work in the future [ 18 ]. Government policy in Finland supports the funding of the development of data-intensive research methods in healthcare and the career tracks of clinical researchers, although it does not explicitly suggest PBRN activity [ 19 ].…”

Research Orientation Activity Evaluation: Basis for Action Plan for Improvement

“…Researchers upheld the need to reconceptualize (Kurz et al, 2021) [5], transition (Tamakloe et al, 2021) [10], transform (Cooker et al, 2021) [2], innovate (Arnett & Clayton Institute for Disruptive Innovation (2021) [1], and explore ways and means to create and optimistically address the challenge of the current times, including the holding of training and webinars, such as a Research Orientation. Sumanen et al (2021) [9] saw the need to increase teaching and guidance in research work. Since research and innovation go hand in hand, an orientation and re-orientation on research should be conducted among the students.…”