RESEARCH CLUSTERS IN PRIMARY CARE What? Why?

What are they? Networks of practices Clinical leadership Peer support and mentoring Collaborations Opportunity for embedding research

Why? Poor engagement Poor recruitment Time pressures Cost pressures Disruptive innovation – doing something different

Landscape in Redbridge 1 research active practice in redbridge 20 recruits per annum Multiple attempts made to engage other practices Offer of the RSI scheme – v little impact

How Started in April 2014 Business case submitted prior 5 local motivated practices invited Cluster co-ordinator recruited Monthly meetings with the practices Liaising with research nurses, research officers, study teams

Cluster co-ordinator role “The Glue” Administrator BUT MUCH MORE! Support practices Organise meetings Collate data Engage with study teams Liaise with research nurses and research officers

Benefits and challenges Raises profile of research – targeted approach Collective leadership Peer support and motivation Greater engagement Builds infrastructure and skills in primary care Getting started Maintaining motivation Getting the throughput of studies and the right types of studies

The future… Build on the cluster model Encourage cross borough working Explore working with federations ANY QUESTIONS?