Research at the Irish College of GPs

The main aim of the research unit atthe Irish College of GPs is to develop and support research and audits in general practice in a structured format. The Irish College of GPs Research Committee supports the programme through the provision of advice and direction. We aim to contribute to the knowledge base of general practice and to support evidence-based practice.

The Irish College of GPs Strategic Plan - Beyond 2020 - highlights the importance of research to its mandate and specifies the strategic aim to "actively support leadership, innovation and research." The associated action plan outlines the following activities:

• Support the development of research skills, capacity and infrastructure in general practice
• Develop a planned programme of primary-care based research

• In response to our members' request, the Irish College of GPs does not provide access to its membership database to any external organisation/individual for research or any other purpose. The college only sends out Irish College of GPs surveys or those we are in collaboration with to our members.
• The policy and usage terms of the online Find a GP service is clearly stated on our website and as such this list should not be used for research purposes unless the recipients have agreed in advance to receive the specific material.
• If you have been approached to participate in a research project or external audit and wish to check if it has been approved by the Irish College of GPs Research Ethics Committee, you can do so by contacting research@icgp.ie

• Academic Lead, Research, Policy and Information Department: Dr Aileen Barrett
• Clinical Lead (Research Hub), Research, Policy and Information Department: Dr Mike O'Callaghan
• Administrative Head, Research, Policy & Information Department: Ms Gillian Doran
• Chair of Irish College of GPs Research Ethics Committee: Dr Aileen Barrett (Interim Chair)
• Data Analyst: Dr Fintan Stanley
• Research Officer: Ms Ivana Keenan
• Research Administrator: Ms Emma Smith
• Assistant Librarian: Ms Patricia Patton

Please direct all research enquiries (including research ethics and research and education foundation grants) to research@icgp.ie.