In 2009 the Primary Care Research Network (PCRN) started working on the Evaluation of Intermediate Care Clinics for Diabetes (ICCD) study. This was a Diabetes Research Network (DRN) study running in primary care and was the first opportunity I had had to meet colleagues in the DRN.

Diabetes is a long term condition and one that is increasingly treated in primary care, so offered an ideal opportunity for close collaborative work between the networks. The study progressed well, thanks to the very close collaboration existing between the two networks, with the PCRN research nurses helping to provide cover for the recruitment and follow-up clinics.

The Co-operative Approach

From working together on the ICCD study Penny Parsons, DRN research nurse, and I came to appreciate the many mutual benefits that would arise from sharing our wide range of different contacts and working relationships, and so we agreed to work more closely on diabetes studies running in primary care. This relationship continues to this day with other DRN colleagues who benefit as we do from sharing studies and contacts within primary care.

The DRN started a scheme where practices with an interest in diabetes could be contacted about new studies. In PCRN we appreciated the value of this approach and used this idea when developing our own incentive scheme for practices wishing to take on any primary care research study.

Efficiency, Streamlined Working and Industry Studies

Working together also allows for streamlining of contact with practices. Previously a practice might have been approached by both the DRN and the PCRN about a particular study. Now when we are aware of a study that may involve both networks we agree at the outset who will make contact with the practice and who will take the lead. For our industry studies this has worked particularly well with a single approach direct from the DRN, and with full PCRN involvement from the outset facilitating a targeted response to practices, bringing about the swift responses and turn-around times demanded in an ever more competitive international environment.

Co-operative Working – Stronger Together

Building network links leads to ever closer co-operation and better working relationships. Although the range of studies available will inevitably favour the relationship with some networks over others, PCRN is always keen to work with our colleagues across all networks and organisations and is always interested in hearing from others.

For further information, please contact Sue Elwell, research manager telephone 02476 575 854 email s.elwell@warwick.ac.uk