Conference Report

Meeting report: ‘How do I incorporate research into my family practice?’: Reflections on experiences of and solutions for young family doctors

Kenneth Yakubu, Maria C. Colon-Gonzalez, Kyle Hoedebecke, Vasiliki Gkarmiri, Nagwa N. Hegazy, Olugbemi O. Popoola
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine | Vol 10, No 1 | a1640 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v10i1.1640 | © 2018 Kenneth Yakubu, Maria C. Colon-Gonzalez, Kyle Hoedebecke, Gkarmiri Vasiliki, Nagwa N. Hegazy, Olugbemi O. Popoola | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 30 September 2017 | Published: 12 April 2018

About the author(s)

Kenneth Yakubu, Department of Family Medicine, University of Jos and Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria; AfriWon Renaissance, WONCA, Young Doctor Movement for Africa, Nigeria
Maria C. Colon-Gonzalez, UT Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Harlingen, United States; WONCA Polaris, WONCA, Young Doctor Movement for North America, United States
Kyle Hoedebecke, WONCA Polaris, WONCA, Young Doctor Movement for North America; Department of Family Medicine, Uniformed Services University, United States
Vasiliki Gkarmiri, National Health Service, Primary Health Care Post of Koukkos, Pieria, Greece
Nagwa N. Hegazy, Family Medicine Department, Menoufia University, Egypt; Al Razi, WONCA, Young Doctor Movement for Eastern Mediterranean, Egypt
Olugbemi O. Popoola, AfriWon Renaissance, WONCA, Young Doctor Movement for Africa; Department of Family Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Family doctors (FDs) focus on biopsychosocial components of health during consultations. However, much of the evidence employed by these doctors is produced by researchers who are not routinely involved in family practice. Family doctors competent in both clinical practice and research are essential to addressing this gap. With the growing recognition of family medicine as the specialty of choice for many young doctors, there is a scarcity of literature that describes their experiences in combining research and daily family practice.
Aim: Members from Young Doctor Movements (YDMs) under the auspices of the World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA) sought to address this knowledge gap by reflecting on their experiences towards becoming researchers. With the assistance of senior doctors, they explored solutions that can help young FDs incorporate research into their family practice.
Methods: Following an online YDM meeting, a summary of the experiences of young FDs as well as strategies useful for incorporating research into their everyday practice as FDs was prepared.
Result: Nine thematic areas were derived, including experiences and motivation towards regular research, culture and environment of practice, relevance and gains of research, teamwork and mentorship.
Conclusion: Family practices can incorporate research by promoting a personal and organisational research culture, highlighting gains and relevance of making it part of the profession and fostering teamwork, supportive networks and mentorship while making it enjoyable.

Keywords

Family practice; Research; Mentors; Motivation

Metrics

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Crossref Citations

1. Exploring gaps, strategies and solutions for primary care research mentorship in the African context: A workshop report
Chelsea M. McGuire, Kenneth Yakubu, Nana K. Ayisi-Boateng, Keneilwe Motlhatlhedi, Pius Ameh, Bola B. Fatusin, Martha Makwero, Louis S. Jenkins
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine  vol: 12  issue: 1  year: 2020  
doi: 10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2320