Mental health research in general practice.
OBJECTIVE
To explore problems in carrying out a mental health research project in the general practice setting.


METHODS
Open-ended interviews were conducted with general practice stakeholders, focusing on impediments to the conduct of mental health research in general practice and possible means for improving the participation of general practitioners in such research. Participants in the consultations were members of five divisions of general practice, senior staff within an academic department of general practice, four general practitioners and a research group engaged with general practice research. The discussions were recorded in detailed interview notes, and key issues and themes emerging from consultations were derived by the researchers.


RESULTS
Three main themes summarized most of the issues reported through the consultations, including structural issues (e.g. disruption of practice, time limitations and lack of remuneration), process issues (e.g. researcher-general practice communication, researcher-imposed issues and need for partnerships) and content issues (e.g. study design, study procedures and methods).


CONCLUSIONS
The consultations revealed similar findings to previously published reports concerning general practice research, with an emphasis on the need for partnerships between researchers and general practice organizations in the conduct of such research.
Minas
Harry
H
Centre for International Mental Health, School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Vic., Australia. h.minas@unimelb.edu.au
Klimidis
Steven
S
Kokanovic
Renata
R
D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010819:Physician's Role; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012107:Research Design