Getting research underway in primary care may seem a difficult task, says Alison Wilson, but it is urgently needed and can be a rewarding experience for nurses

DURING THE LAST FEW YEARS, THERE HAVE been many changes in primary care organisation and clinical practice, but one of the most significant developments has been the shift in health service culture as a consequence of recent NHS reforms. The quality assurance agenda and emphasis on clinical governance are persuasive and there is a noticeable difference in the way we view our work and the role the patient plays in influencing our decisions.