Table 1 Description and history of DRTs.

1

Two senior academic GPs, a medical statistician, nursing and GP practice staff from 2 GP practices. A clinical governance lead from a Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Academic general practice at a local university.

Experienced members of the team were researchers who worked well together and used DRT funds to maintain this.

The team had the same constituents throughout the funding.

2

Five GPs from four practices, one district nurse, one operations manager in primary care from social services.

Nursing at a local university.

The team evolved out of a steering group of motivated practitioners looking at health inequalities based in a Health Action Zone (HAZ).

The team members expanded over time, and related to the projects undertaken, working in an interdisciplinary way.

3

GPs and practice staff across two GP surgeries including a range of practitioners (community nurses, health visitors and a nurse practitioner) and a general practice manager.

Academic general practice.

The practitioners had little experience of doing research, but one had gained funds from an NHS research programme for a project developed with the RDSU.

The core parts of the DRT remained the same although another GP joined the group as the nurse practitioner transferred to his surgery, and an attached health visitor transferred to another practice.

4

A uni-professional team of podiatrists, including the head of service, a practice facilitator and a foot care assistant.

Two universities from academic podiatry.

The team were based in an NHS department of podiatry, which was research active.

The team had the same constituents throughout the funding.

5

GP, a clinical psychologist, and a PCT executive manager.

Health service researchers in school of Health and Social Care.

Evolved from a strategy group in the PCT. The PCT aimed to become a Teaching PCT, and to include the building of a research culture as part of their application.

The team members expanded over time, and related to the projects undertaken.

6

Comprised of community pharmacists, a pharmacy project facilitator and a GP.

Academic general practice at a local university.

Evolved from a group of practitioners exploring issues of prescribing in primary care.

The team had the same constituents throughout the funding, although some members did not attend meetings. This team did not complete a research project and DRT funding was withdrawn.