A Day in the Life of a Research Delivery GP: What Does the Role Actually Involve?
Dr Fatima Tahir explains how research delivery fits into general practice, from setting up studies and recruiting patients to clinical oversight, leadership and collaboration across primary care networks.
One of the questions I am frequently asked by fellow GPs is, "What do you actually do during your research sessions?"
The answer is that no two days are necessarily the same!
Unlike traditional clinical GP sessions, research delivery involves a diverse range of responsibilities, from recruiting patients into clinical trials to developing research infrastructure, leading teams and collaborating with research organisations.
What makes this role particularly interesting is that it can look very different depending on the practice, region and types of research being delivered.
What does a Research Delivery GP actually do?
A Research Delivery GP supports the practical implementation of clinical research studies within NHS general practice.
Their day-to-day responsibilities may include:
Identifying research opportunities: Reviewing academic and commercial studies, assessing feasibility and identifying suitable trials for the practice population.
Study set-up: Reviewing protocols, supporting governance arrangements, preparing documentation and ensuring the practice has appropriate infrastructure and trained staff.
Patient recruitment: Identifying eligible patients, discussing research opportunities, obtaining informed consent where appropriately delegated and supporting recruitment.
Clinical trial delivery: Conducting research consultations, screening participants, overseeing study procedures and monitoring participant safety.
Principal Investigator responsibilities: Providing clinical oversight, supervising delegated staff and ensuring studies are conducted according to protocols and Good Clinical Practice.
Training and leadership: Supporting practice nurses, healthcare assistants and other colleagues to develop research delivery skills.
Collaboration and funding: Working with NIHR Research Delivery Networks, universities, commercial sponsors and research organisations to develop opportunities and secure resources.
Why does the role vary between practices?
There is no universal job description for a Research Delivery GP.
In an established research practice, a GP may primarily provide clinical oversight and deliver research clinics alongside dedicated research nurses.
In a practice new to research, the initial focus might be developing infrastructure, training staff and establishing research partnerships.
At Primary Care Network (PCN) level, responsibilities may extend to coordinating research across several practices.
Regional differences in research funding, infrastructure, available studies and workforce support also influence the role.
My own experience
Working across two PCNs in the West Midlands, my responsibilities have evolved from establishing research infrastructure and developing partnerships to delivering academic and commercial studies, undertaking investigator responsibilities and training colleagues.
Some days involve reviewing new trials and meeting research collaborators; others involve recruitment, study documentation or supporting clinical teams.
For me, the variety is one of the most rewarding aspects of this role.
Research delivery offers GPs an opportunity to combine clinical expertise with leadership, innovation and collaboration while contributing to the development of future treatments and healthcare services.
It is a portfolio career that can be shaped around individual interests, practice needs and local research opportunities.
Links:
Here is a link to the RCGP introduction of the role of research delivery GP.