ABSTRACT
The era of primary care research networks in the UK was heralded by the Northern Primary Care Research Network (NoReN) and the Wessex Primary Care Research Network (WReN) in the early 1990s. Prominent networks in the UK now include the South Thames Research and Implementation Network (STaRNet), the Trent Focus and the Midlands Research Network (MidReN). The early networks have contributed to the reassessment of the role of primary care professionals in research, and, with the newer ones, now provide structures through which change can be effected. NoReN's multidisciplinary steering group is drawn from its membership and consists mainly of practice-based individuals and academics from local universities. The membership includes district nurses, practice nurses, health visitors, speech therapists, physiotherapists, counsellors, and staff from audit groups. The vision behind STaRNet came from a growing recognition that the research base of general practice needed strengthening to support the development of the primary care-led NHS.
