The role of general practitioner based research in the development of national policy: case studies from Ireland and Australia

Jane E. Pirkis , Grant A. Blashki , Andrew W. Murphy , Ian B. Hickie and Lisa Ciechomski describe the influence of GP-based research on the development of two specific policy initiatives, the Heartwatch Programme in Ireland and the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care initiative in Australia. They explore the extent to which relevant GP-based research shaped these initiatives.