Who are we and where are we going? Primary care academics in non-clinical posts

MacFarlane, A. and O'Donnell, C. (2014) Who are we and where are we going? Primary care academics in non-clinical posts. Primary Health Care Research and Development, 15(1), pp. 96-103. (doi: 10.1017/S1463423612000540)

Abstract

The development of a high-quality primary healthcare system requires multidisciplinary perspectives and collaborations between clinicians and non-clinicians. Academic primary care departments across the United Kingdom and Ireland employ academics from a range of disciplines. However, questions remain about the parity of opportunity for career progression with a consistent trend to focus more on clinicians than non-clinicians. In this paper, we analyse the employment and careers of non-clinical primary care academics working in Ireland and Scotland. We draw on survey data from the island of Ireland and conference workshop discussions among Irish- and Scottish based academics. We highlight problems with career progression and identify some strategic actions. We argue for a renewed attempt to ensure that all academics who are contributing to the discipline of primary care are appropriately acknowledged and supported to continue their endeavours to develop high-quality primary care health systems.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: O'Donnell, Professor Kate
• Authors: MacFarlane, A., and O'Donnell, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
• Journal Name: Primary Health Care Research and Development
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 1463-4236
• ISSN (Online): 1477-1128