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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Care | Research article

Recruiting general practitioners for palliative care research in primary care: real-life barriers explained

Authors: B. Leysen, B. Van den Eynden, A. Janssens, J. Wens

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

The implementation of early palliative care within a primary care setting is a recent academic topic. Recruiting General Practitioners (GPs) to participate in a palliative care study can be challenging. The pro-Spinoza project implemented a Care Pathway for Primary Palliative Care in 5 areas in Belgium. During this project, the feasibility of the recruitment of GPs and palliative care patients was evaluated.

Methods

The recruitment process was recorded in detail via an electronic logbook combining quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative recordings included the contact types and the number of contacts with eligible GPs and were analysed descriptively. Qualitative recordings included field notes with feedback from the GPs and other stakeholders and were thematically analysed starting from the Grol and Wensing framework for professional behaviour change.

Results

Of 4065 eligible GPs working in 5 areas under research, 787 GPs (19%) were contacted individually, 398 GPs (9,8%) were contacted face-to-face and most of these 398 GPs showed high interest in the topic. 112 GPs (2,8%) signed the collaboration agreement, but finally only 65 GPs (1,6%) delivered at least a completed baseline-questionnaire. Despite the initial interest in participating, the unpredictable and busy daily workloads of the GPs, as well as inexperience with research protocols, impeded the ability of the GPs to fully engage in the study. This resulted in the high dropout rate. Participating GPs reported that they had underestimated the effort required to effectively participate in the project.

Conclusions

Recruitment of GPs to palliative care research is challenging. Primary care is a vital service to engage in palliative care research however the practical limitations reduce the ability of the service to effectively engage in the research. More research is needed to determine how GPs might be better supported in research.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02266069, Registered 16th October 2014, retrospectively registered.

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Title: Recruiting general practitioners for palliative care research in primary care: real-life barriers explained
Authors: B. Leysen
B. Van den Eynden
A. Janssens
J. Wens
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-019-0930-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Recruiting general practitioners for palliative care research in primary care: real-life barriers explained

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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