A reflection on ten years experience of providing qualitative research training in primary care

Featherstone, VA; Barbour, RS; Garner, J

Abstract

Aims: To gain structured feedback on a qualitative research methods training programme
delivered to primary care researchers over a period of ten years. To examine
dilemmas and challenges and how these had been resolved. To examine how the programme
could be further developed. Background: The Wolds Primary Care Research
Network’s (WoReN) qualitative research methods training programme was developed
and evolved in response to the needs of primary care practitioners and researchers
and the NHS Research Agenda. Methods: Information on participants’ professional
backgrounds: which workshops they attended; their evaluation sheets, comments; and
personal appraisals were collected from 1996 to 2006. Structured telephone conversations
with a number of participants and ongoing informal feedback from participants
added to this information. Numbers and ranges of professionals attending workshops
were ascertained, how far they travelled to workshops and further degrees obtained by
them, within the decade, was also noted. Findings: We found a lack of similar training
elsewhere. A wide range of people attended workshops, especially general practitioners
(GP) and academic researchers. Other practitioners were a significant presence
however, and included nurses, pharmacists, health visitors and professions allied to
medicine. Participants were prepared to attend extended workshops and to travel significant
distances to them. Participants preferred a continuous cycle of workshops
rather than discreet sessions, in order for them to consolidate their learning and to
develop at their own pace. Practical exercises reflecting the qualitative research
process were considered very conducive to learning and participants also appreciated
one-to-one consultations about their work and longer-term, ongoing support as they
progressed through their projects. Workshop design needed to continually reflect the
changing requirements of participants, employers, funders, potential trainers and
national NHS requirements. A new audience for training was identified in supervisors
not versed in the qualitative paradigm.

Citation

Featherstone, V., Barbour, R., & Garner, J. (2007). A reflection on ten years experience of providing qualitative research training in primary care. Primary Health Care Research and Development, 8(3), 198-206. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1463423607000242

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2007
• Deposit Date: Aug 17, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Journal: Primary Health Care Research & Development
• Print ISSN: 1463-4236
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 198-206
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1463423607000242
• Keywords: primary health care; qualitative research; teaching methods; training of trainers
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1463423607000242