A Research Strategy for EGPRW
Van Royen Paul, Belgium
Griffith Frances, U.K.
Lionis Christos , Greece
Rethans Jan-Joost, The Netherlands
Sandholzer Hagen, Germany
GalÍ Ferran, Spain
Aims
The EGPRW research strategy has been developed to promote research in general practice. The aims correspond with the overall aims of EGPRW and are as follows:
- To encourage the exchange of theory, methods and results of research in Europe, including both junior and senior researchers, individuals and research groups. In sharing research attention is focused on the research ideas and questions and their relevance to general practice. Multinational, collaborative research and research between different academic disciplines is encouraged.
- To encourage research in and on general practice by
- developing, supporting and assessing research proposals
- developing a strategic plan for research that is regularly reviewed and updated by the RSC
- helping individuals to publish research papers in international journals
EGPRW regularly organises international courses on research methods. It was agreed at the Gottingen meeting that an education strategy committee would develop a strategy for developing this activity.
Stepwise development
In order to promote research in general practice, a stepwise strategy is suggested:
+ ideas for small projects
+ proposals for small research projects
+ collaborative research (involving two or three countries)
+ multinational (European) projects
Projects that do not yet have the gravitas associated with a collaborative study will be encouraged. Young researchers and researchers from countries where general practice is developing as a scientific discipline, will be encouraged to perform good research.
Researchers with ideas for small projects can present them in a one-slide five-minute presentation. Following the workshop discussion, the idea can be developed into a research proposal, and perhaps a pilot study undertaken. This can then be presented during the next workshop.
Where research has been done on a local level, and the conclusions could be interesting if the research was undertaken in a wider context, the local results can be presented at EGPRW with a proposal for a collaborative project involving two or three countries. Some projects may go on to develop into Europe-wide projects.
Each project can come to EGPRW at any of the different steps. However, the further forward a project is on the steps, the more the researchers should be involved in EGPRW.
At several stages in the stepwise progression, EGPRW may provide funding, or support the researcher in seeking funding. This may include co-funding on a European level including special projects funding from the European Society of General Practice and funding from the European Community.
Proposals for collaborative research, supported by EGPRW, could be recommended to the ESGP by the RSC, in agreement with the applicant. The RSC will communicate with the ESGP to discuss this, including how we would select proposals and how EGPRW can advise the ESGP review committee.
Criteria for research proposals seeking funding from EGPRW
The following criteria have been agreed for any research proposal seeking funding from EGPRW.- There should be a written abstract selected for and presented to an EGPRW meeting
- The research proposal should be submitted within 2 years of the presentation to EGPRW
The application (maximum 4 pages) should contain the following sections:
- introduction, background (e.g. relevant literature)
- aims/ objectives of the project
- plan for the research including methods to be used
- how the success of the project will be evaluated
- dissemination of the results and further development
- budget plan
- time table
- why is the researcher asking for EGPRW money
- identity of project leader and co-applicants/investigators (the selection committee can ask for a C.V.)
- if the research is to be carried out in several countries, a letter of agreement from an applicant in each country is required
- letter of approval by ethical committee or details of stage in process of gaining ethical advice (if necessary)
Timetable for applying for research funding
Proposals should be submitted to the EGPRW secretariat before 15th of July or 15th of December. The applications for project funding will be reviewed, by a selection committee, in January and July/August. A decision will be reached by 15th of February or 15th of September. For each proposal an EGPRW member with expertise in the research methodology and/or the research topic will be asked to review the proposal and advise the selection committee.
Criteria for selection will include:
- feasibility of the project
- quality of research proposal
- interest for general practice / family medicine
The selection committee can:
- reject the proposal- suggest revision and resubmission
- approve the proposal for financing
The Research Strategy Committee may also encourage people to apply for other European funds.
It will be a condition of funding for any project that the results are presented at an EGPRW meeting.
Amount and use of funding
For the small projects up to 5000 Euros will be available.
For collaborative studies up to 8000 Euros will be available.
The funding can be used for the following:
- payment of a locum to free time
- secretarial support
- literature review
- translation
- materials, laboratory costs, software
- travel expenses
- meeting costs
- personnel costs and fees
- other items approved in project budgets |
