Promoting Participatory Research by Family Physicians

Ann C. Macaulay

doi:10.1370/afm.755

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When the family doctor is the researcher: ensuring true consent of participating patients
Carol P Herbert

Published on: 19 February 2008

Published on: (19 February 2008)
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When the family doctor is the researcher: ensuring true consent of participating patients
Carol P Herbert, London, Canada
Macaulay's article on Promoting Participatory Research by Family Physicians is an excellent summary of the principles of the approach as well as the challenges.
I agree with the author that family doctors are well suited to encourage and to engage in participatory research projects in their communities of practice. However,her caution that patients must not be pressured into participating in research needs to...
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Macaulay's article on Promoting Participatory Research by Family Physicians is an excellent summary of the principles of the approach as well as the challenges.
I agree with the author that family doctors are well suited to encourage and to engage in participatory research projects in their communities of practice. However,her caution that patients must not be pressured into participating in research needs to be highlighted. It is preferable that consent be obtained by an individual other than the treating family physician since there is implied reciprocity in the patient-doctor relationship, i.e., 'I should participate in the research in exchange for the care provided by my family doctor'. Because of the powerful connection that exists between family doctors and their patients, it is especially important that the boundaries between care and research are respected, and made explicit.
Competing interests: None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.