Internationally, there is an increasing recognition of the central role of primary care in the healthcare system. Primary care research is necessary to advance scientific knowledge, clinical care and care delivery in the community. However, conducting research in primary care is not without its challenges. The thoughtful design of research studies that takes into consideration the distinctive features of the primary care context, infrastructure and ecosystem will optimize the conduct and success of research in busy primary care practices.

This workshop aims to introduce to participants principles and frameworks to be considered in the design of research in the primary care setting. Ways to address the various challenges encountered when conducting research in primary care will be discussed.

Activities during the workshop include interactive lectures, group work and presentations.

Workshop programme:
1. Introduction (10min)
2. Research conceptualisation (10min)
3. Data collection and methodological approach (10min)
4. Logistical and operational considerations (10min)
5. Small group case-based learning activity (25 min)
6. Group presentations & discussions (20min)
7. Close (5min)

The learning objectives of this workshop are:
1. Understanding the success factors in conducting research in primary care
2. Understanding approaches in designing research in primary care
3. Introduction to a framework for designing research for primary care

Background:
Public and patient involvement in research is recognised as part of good research practice that enhances the research relevance and implementability. While there are many PPI activities across the world, especially in the West, engaging public and patients in the research process remain uncommon in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region. In Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, while the understanding and participation in research in primary care vary within and across the countries, the need for PPI is increasingly recognised by policy makers, research leaders and patient advocacy groups as important for charting research direction and part of good research governance.

Aim:
The aim of this forum is to present the PPI initiatives and activities in each of the three SEA countries, share the challenges and lesson learned, and highlight the opportunities for research and education for both public and patients, as well as the research community.

Methods:
The forum will showcase:
(1) the Malaysian PPI initiative with asthma patients, drawing on the RESPIRE collaboration between Malaysia and UK in establishing partnership with patients living with asthma, schools, health clinics, universities, NGOs and Ministry of Health
(2) the Singapore PRAGMATIC PPI group which meet regularly to provide constructive feedback to researchers conducting research on a wide-ranging topics relevant to primary care. The group uses self-developed tools to facilitate communication between PPI members and researchers.
(3) the current perspectives and practices of PPI in research in Thailand.

Format:
The moderated forum comprises:
(1) Introduction 5 min
(2) Presentations 40 min
(3) Q&A 10min
(3) Key messages 5min

The forum will provide opportunities for audience to raise questions, share experiences and facilitate collaborations.

1. compare the public and patient involvement activities within and across Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand
2. identify the challenges and enablers of PPI in the respective country
3. plan PPI activities systematically across different primary care settings