Improving the Reporting of Primary Care Research: An International Survey of Researchers

Phillips, William R; Sturgiss, Elizabeth; Hunik, Liesbeth; Glasziou, Paul P.; olde Hartman, Tim; Orkin, Aaron; Reeve, Joanne; Russell, Grant M; van Weel, Chris

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess opportunities to improve reporting of primary care (PC) research to better meet the needs of its varied users. METHODS: International, interprofessional online survey of PC researchers and users, 2018 to 2019. Respondents used Likert scales to rate frequency of difficulties in interpreting, synthesizing, and applying PC research reports. Free-text short answers were categorized by template analysis to record experiences, concerns, and suggestions. Areas of need were checked across existing reporting guidelines. RESULTS: Survey yielded 255 respondents across 24 nations, including 138 women (54.1%), 169 physicians (60%), 32 scientists (11%), 20 educators (7%), and 18 public health professionals (6%). Overall, 37.4% indicated difficulties using PC research reports "50% or more of the time." The most common problems were synthesizing findings (58%) and assessing generalizability (42%). Difficulty was reported by 49% for qualitative, 46% for mixed methods, and 38% for observational research. Most users wanted richer reporting of theoretical foundation (53.7%); teams, roles, and organization of care (53.4%); and patient involvement in the research process (52.7%). Few reported difficulties with ethics or disclosure of funding or conflicts. Free-text answers described special challenges in reporting PC research: context of clinical care and setting; practical details of interventions; patient-clinician and team relationships; and generalizability, applicability and impact in the great variety of PC settings. Cross-check showed that few current reporting guidelines focus on these needs. CONCLUSIONS: Opportunities exist to improve the reporting of PC research to make it more useful for its many users, suggesting a role for a PC research reporting guideline.

Citation

Phillips, W. R., Sturgiss, E., Hunik, L., Glasziou, P. P., olde Hartman, T., Orkin, A., Reeve, J., Russell, G. M., & van Weel, C. (2021). Improving the Reporting of Primary Care Research: An International Survey of Researchers. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 34(1), 12-21. https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2021.01.200266

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 31, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jan 15, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Deposit Date: Oct 20, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 21, 2021
• Journal: Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM
• Print ISSN: 1557-2625
• Publisher: American Board of Family Medicine
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 34
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 12-21
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2021.01.200266
• Keywords: Evidence-based medicine; Faculty; Family medicine; General practice; Health communication; Primary health care. Research design; Research report; Scholarly communication; Surveys and questionnaires;Translational medical research
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3558937
• Publisher URL: https://www.jabfm.org/content/34/1/12