What do GPs get out of participating in research? Experience of the LEAP trial

Background: Maximising the health of our communities requires a strong foundation of clinical research. Undertaking community based clinical research requires an understanding of what motivates practitioners to participate in research and how they experience the process. It has been suggested that a primary care sector with a strong research culture and evidence base is crucial to getting evidence into practice, yet general practice research has been criticised for ignoring clinical research. This article examines why a group of general practitioners took part in clinical research. Methods: Participants completed surveys before and after involvement in the Live, Eat and Play (LEAP) study, a randomised controlled trial to reduce childhood overweight. Results: Thirty-four GPs enrolled in LEAP and completed the baseline survey; 30 delivered the intervention and 28 completed all surveys. Sixty-one percent (17) of the GPs agreed that their expectations of their participation in the project had been met. Twenty-eight of 28 GPs stated they would participate in similar research if asked again. Responses to open ended questions indicated that the most highly valued reason for participating in research was to learn new clinical skills, update knowledge and reflect on practice. Discussion: General practitioners were driven to participate in research by altruism, the desire to update their knowledge and clinical skills, and the opportunity to reflect on their practice rather than the promise of 'rewards' such as quality assurance and continuing medical education points.