EGPRN primary care research at a crossroads advancing research on interprofessional collaboration and on integrated, equitable and complex care. An EGPRN Keynote Paper from the Autumn 2025 Plovdiv Conference
TL;DR
It is argued that strengthening primary care requires a fundamental reorientation of both research agendas and professional education, and a shift towards innovative, theory-informed methodologies capable of capturing how care works in practice, for whom, and under which conditions is proposed.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Primary healthcare is facing unprecedented complexity, driven by multimorbidity, social vulnerability, health inequities, rapid digitalisation, and shifting professional roles. Recommendations: This opinion paper argues that strengthening primary care requires a fundamental reorientation of both research agendas and professional education. We propose a shift towards innovative, theory-informed methodologies capable of capturing how care works in practice, for whom, and under which conditions. Priority research domains include integrated care, interprofessional teamwork, the biopsychosocial health interface, care for vulnerable and superdiverse populations, and the responsible implementation of digital and AI-supported tools. Conclusion: To capture these dynamics, we advocate for innovative methodologies including longitudinal mixed-methods designs, pragmatic cluster trials, realist evaluation, implementation science, network analysis, and complexity science approaches. Participatory and practice-based research models are essential to ensure relevance and reduce research waste. Finally, we emphasise the need to embed research literacy, interprofessional learning, and digital competence within transformative education for future family physicians.