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Developing Research Capacity and Collaboration in Primary Care and Social Care

Recent research provides evidence of collaboration between health and social care agencies in the UK, but without specifically discussing research capacity. Shared concerns include critiques of the dominant hierarchy of methods in healthcare research, and of simplistic approaches to the research-practice relationship. A study carried out in 2000-1 found evidence of poor research infrastructure within social services. However, there is also evidence of innovative developments, utilizing specific expertise in user involvement and action research. Study participants welcomed joint health and social care research training; barriers to participating in research included lack of confidence, limited time or training for research, low recognition for research activity and uneven supervision. We describe the initiatives that have developed in response to the study, and comment on developments in research governance. These present opportunities for increased collaboration at the primary health care/social care interface, although there is a need to maintain a pluralistic approach.