General practice registrars and research - attitudes toward participation.

BACKGROUND

Early exposure of general practitioners to research is recommended to increase family medicine research capacity. However, vocational training programs encounter difficulties in engaging general practice registrars in research projects. The authors investigated registrars' opinions of research and their participation in research in daily practice.

METHODS

Sixty-seven Dutch general practice registrars participated in a trial concerning patients with emotional symptoms. The authors assessed the registrars' participation and opinions through observation and a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Response rate was 82%. Registrars recruited 208 patients. The participants liked learning a new skill and participating in research. Obligatory participation, lack of time and difficulties with patient recruitment were important barriers to participation.

DISCUSSION

Registrars report that participation in research during vocational training is interesting but that it should not be compulsory, and that they prefer to choose their own research subjects. The authors recommend implementing an attractive research program during vocational training.