ABSTRACT
The Medical Research Council (MRC) General Practice Research Framework (GPRF) is an organisation of around 900 general practices throughout the UK involved in epidemiological and health services research. The activities of the GPRF are coordinated by the MRC Epidemiology and Medical Care Unit (EMCU). Over 900 general practices throughout the UK, just over 8" of the total, are now associated with the Framework and together they access almost 11" of the UK population. The flexibility of working within the Framework ensures that the extra hours fit easily with practice and personal commitments, and the two roles constantly intertwine. The effects on the practice have been less tangible as the responsibility for the work falls mainly on one nurse and one doctor. The development of primary care research is being actively encouraged, and it is going to be very important for the Framework to communicate with the newer networks.
