Decision making process and factors contributing to research participation among general practitioners: A grounded theory study

Tong, Seng Fah and Ng, Chirk Jenn and Lee, Verna Kar Mun and Lee, Ping Yein and Ismail, Irmi Zarina and Khoo, Ee Ming and Tahir, Noor Azizah and Idris, Iliza and Ismail, Mastura and Abdullah, Adina (2018) Decision making process and factors contributing to research participation among general practitioners: A grounded theory study. PLoS ONE, 13 (4). e0196379. ISSN 1932-6203, DOI https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0196379.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0196379

Abstract

Introduction The participation of general practitioners (GPs) in primary care research is variable and often poor. We aimed to develop a substantive and empirical theoretical framework to explain GPs’ decision-making process to participate in research. Methods We used the grounded theory approach to construct a substantive theory to explain the decision-making process of GPs to participate in research activities. Five in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted among 21 GPs. Purposeful sampling followed by theoretical sampling were used to attempt saturation of the core category. Data were collected using semi-structured open-ended questions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and checked prior to analysis. Open line-by-line coding followed by focus coding were used to arrive at a substantive theory. Memoing was used to help bring concepts to higher abstract levels. Results The GPs’ decision to participate in research was attributed to their inner drive and appreciation for primary care research and their confidence in managing their social and research environments. The drive and appreciation for research motivated the GPs to undergo research training to enhance their research knowledge, skills and confidence. However, the critical step in the GPs’ decision to participate in research was their ability to align their research agenda with priorities in their social environment, which included personal life goals, clinical practice and organisational culture. Perceived support for research, such as funding and technical expertise, facilitated the GPs’ participation in research. In addition, prior experiences participating in research also influenced the GPs’ confidence in taking part in future research. Conclusions The key to GPs deciding to participate in research is whether the research agenda aligns with the priorities in their social environment. Therefore, research training is important, but should be included in further measures and should comply with GPs’ social environments and research support.

Item Type: Article
Funders: Malaysian Medical Association Foundation: MMAF RG/05/2012, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Fundamental Research Grant: FF-313-2012
Uncontrolled Keywords: Adult; Aged; Decision Making; Focus Groups; General Practitioners; Grounded Theory; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Middle Aged; Organizational Culture; Primary Health Care; Social Environment
Subjects: R Medicine
Divisions: Faculty of Medicine
Depositing User: Ms. Juhaida Abd Rahim
Date Deposited: 22 Feb 2019 09:03
Last Modified: 22 Feb 2019 09:03
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/20457

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