What happens next? Evaluation of a scheme to support primary care practitioners with a fledgling interest in research.

Introduction. Various initiatives have been implemented in recent years to support primary care practitioners new to research. We describe the evaluation of one particular scheme, the NHS Eastern Region Primary Care R&D Enterprise Award Scheme, and discuss the implications of the results for future policy. Methods. Representatives from both the funders (NHS R&D) and the award holders were involved in the design of an evaluation questionnaire and in the interpretation of the results. Results and Discussion. The evaluation demonstrated value in relation to traditional research outcomes and also, notably, in relation to professional contribution. Future policies may need to address: the indicators used in measuring the success of such schemes; the relationship between what individuals choose to do and its context within national policy on research and development; and the sustainability of involvement in research.