Formulating outputs from a mixed-methods study of access to general practice: a series of collaborative stakeholder workshops.

Abstract

Background: Access to general practice is a concern for policy-makers, politicians, service providers and the public. We conducted a study to examine what happens in the long term to general practices that have introduced innovations designed to improve access to appointments. Recognising the importance of ensuring research findings are transferable to those using them, we used collaborative workshops to aid the development of our study outputs.

Methods: We held three sequential interactive workshops. These covered (1) early findings of the study, (2) what evidence-based resources attendees use and (3) what resources they would like to see produced. We sought to include 6-12 people from staff from practices participating in the wider research study, from primary care networks, from partnership boards of integrated care systems, clinical commissioners, professional bodies, National Health Service bodies and independent think tanks. The first two workshops were online, the final was in-person. Workshops were facilitated by the research team, including the patient and public involvement lead. A research team member took detailed notes.

Results: Workshop 1 had 12 attendees; workshop 2 had 9 attendees, of which 7 were also at the previous workshop; workshop 3 had 7 attendees, of whom 6 had attended a previous workshop. From these workshops, we gained insights that helped us to validate our interpretation of the study data. We observed the competing interests and needs of different groups, who have different perspectives on the value of research evidence. Outputs that are brief, written in lay terms and widely publicised appear to be of especial value.

Limitations: The range of stakeholders included was less varied than intended; this was in part due to the commitment involved in attending, and this may limit the inclusivity of the findings.

Future work: This approach could be used in future studies to ensure that stakeholder interests are included in study dissemination plans.

Funding: This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme as award number NIHR133620.