How primary care research can be improved in clinical practice? An Italian case study

BACKGROUND: Primary care is considered essential for the sustainability of the Health System. Practice-Based Re- search Networks (PBRN) play a strategic role in translation of primary care research into practice. Research Capacity Building in primary care requires a improvement and development strategy and well-developed research infrastructures to support physicians. METHODS: We used the system development methodology referring to the Lean Thinking to create and support a re-search team in primary and pediatric care. In particular a “cascade” deployment model and the X-Matrix, a framework used in management studies to support strategy definition and management process. RESULTS: A research unit in primary and pediatric care has been created, by sharing vision, mission, core values, long-term strategies. The definition of a annual planning led to monitoring actions to guarantee the expected goals. CONCLUSIONS: Lean methodology is useful to adapt to various managerial and operational contexts, including health-care. In our case it allowed team members to spread the culture of research, its importance and role to improve the health of patients, thank to the organizational support of a hospital IR, the Research and Innovation Department.