Advancing collaboration in Health Professions Education in the General Practice domain, developing a national research agenda

Background: Health professions education (HPE) research in the general practice domain (GP-HPE) is vital for high-quality healthcare. Collaboration among GP-HPE researchers is crucial but challenging. Formulating a research agenda, involving stakeholders, and fostering inter-institutional collaboration can address these challenges and connect educational research and practice. Methods: We used Q-methodology to explore participants' perspectives from all Dutch postgraduate GP training institutes on GP-HPE research. Participants individually sorted statements based on the relevance of future GP-HPE research for educational practice. Data analysis comprised inverted factor analysis, rotation, and interpretation. The National Meeting on Educational Research took a participatory approach that was crucial in decision-making and aligning the results. Results: We included 73 participants with diverse involvement in GP-HPE research. We identified five distinct perspectives, each representing a research focus area for developing and innovating GP education: the clinician scientist, the socially engaged GP, the specific GP identity, the GP as an entrepreneur, and the GP engaged in lifelong learning. Discussion: The resulting five perspectives align with the general practice hallmarks. Q-methodology and a participatory approach facilitated collaboration and consensus among stakeholders. Successful inter-institutional collaboration requires a common goal, neutral leadership, participant commitment, regular meetings, audit trail support, process transparency, and reflexivity. Future research should focus on addressing evidence gaps within these perspectives. Conclusion: In the Netherlands, we developed a national research agenda for GP-HPE research using Q-methodology, focusing on inter-institutional collaboration, which provides a potential model for HPE researchers worldwide.