Working with primary care teams on mental health research projects: Motivation and facilitation

Abstract

This paper presents a procedural model of research in mental health in partnership with primary care teams. The model is based upon the processes of motivation and facilitation. It analyses research procedures in partnership with primary care professionals in terms of the recursive operation of these processes, with examples drawn from two recent projects. The authors contend that researchers cannot successfully manage research with primary care professionals as full participants without relying on stakeholders in a project steering group. Applying the model to the problem of managing research with primary care teams, recommendations are made on the mechanisms of recruitment and retention of stakeholders and participants. It is hoped that this paper will assist other researchers in developing projects in partnership with primary care professionals and also stimulate them to reflect upon their own procedures so that a protocol of good practice in community mental health research can evolve.