Adaptive research practices in a pandemic: what have we learned during COVID-19?

Background: Real world research has long required adaptability and flexibility to respond to the challenges and changing contexts in which we operate. But, how can we adapt when a global pandemic interrupts usual strategies and contingency planning? Aim/Objectives: The aim of this critical review was to examine strategies that effectively support the delivery of successful research projects in primary care during the pandemic. Method(s): Using a pragmatic case review approach, we examined three projects undertaken by our team during the first two years of the covid-19 pandemic. Content analysis of project documentation and progress reports was undertaken, examining timelines and impacts of events on research strategy. Robust debrief sessions were held with project staff, examining project-specific risks, strengths and weaknesses of strategies attempted/used, and project outcomes. Finding(s): Common issues for the three projects related to timely and effective consultation with participants when face-to-face contact was either impossible or severely restricted. Challenges included: delivering interventions through repeated lockdowns;recruiting patients in clinical practice;relocating classroom environment to online;and mitigating ethical risks to participants during video recording. Strategies successfully applied included moving co-design in-person sessions to a zoom environment mid-project;open and timely consultation and genuine collaborative practice with participants, stakeholders, staff and governing bodies;utilisation of networks;and the availability of online communication and research tools. Factors facilitating success included strong relationships established with research participants;agile and skilled research team;digital literacy of participants;and a shared belief in the importance of the projects. Implications: Use of technology for research has increased substantially since the beginning of the pandemic, enhancing the responsiveness of researchers to changing circumstances. However, the effectiveness of technology to support research in a rapidly changing and unstable environment is dependent on the ability of researchers to communicate effectively with research participants, stakeholders and team members.

Preparing the public for COVID-19 vaccines: How can general practitioners build vaccine confidence and optimise uptake for themselves and their patients?

BACKGROUND: The availability of a COVID-19 vaccine is being heralded as the solution to control the current COVID-19 pandemic, reduce the number of infections and deaths and facilitate resumption of our previous way of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide a framework for primary care of what will be needed to optimise COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake in Australia once the vaccine prioritisation schedule and key target groups are known. DISCUSSION: While a number of vaccines are currently under development, with at least seven undergoing phase III trials (28 August 2020), it is hoped that an effective COVID-19 vaccine will become available to the public in 2021. Ensuring public confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness will be crucial to facilitate uptake. General practitioners are at the forefront of public health, and one of the most trusted sources for patients. In this article, the authors discuss the expedited vaccine development process for COVID-19 vaccines;the likely vaccine prioritisation schedule and anticipated key target groups;the behavioural and social drivers of vaccination acceptance, including the work required to facilitate this;and the implications for general practice.