Accelerating my career in general practice research and policy: a realist evaluation of relational continuity in UK general practice

My ambition for this award is to build my research portfolio, skills and reputation to launch me into the next stage of my career as a general practice research and policy leader. This proposal includes three key activities to achieve this goal: 1. A realist evaluation of continuity of care in UK general practice to understand why interventions to increase continuity work in some general practices but not others. This involves testing an initial programme theory through fieldwork and realist interviews with general practice staff. This will lead to the development of a final programme theory underpinning what works for whom, in what circumstances and how, to enhance continuity of care and to create transferable insights to take to other practices. 2. A training programme to build my skills and experience in realist methods, health policy analysis and leadership to propel me to the next stage of my career as a future leader in general practice research and policy. 3. A secondment within an independent think tank policy team to gain contacts and experience on synthesising research and analysis to understand how national policies impact on the NHS and general practice, and how my research can inform national policy.