About Clinical Research
Primary care is often the first point of contact people have with the healthcare system. Research helps us understand what works, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop new approaches that better meet the needs of patients, providers, and communities.
Clinical research includes many different types of studies, from surveys and observational research to quality improvement initiatives and clinical trials. While clinical trials are an important part of clinical research, they represent just one of many ways researchers work to improve care.
Why it Matters
Better Care
Research helps improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of primary care.
Better Decisions
Evidence generated through research informs healthcare policies, clinical practice, and future innovation.
Better Outcomes
Patients, clinicians, researchers, and communities work together to create healthcare that better reflects real-world needs.
The Research Journey
A simple horizontal timeline:
1
Learn
Explore opportunities to participate and understand what a study involves.
2
Express Interest
Complete a short form or contact the research team.
3
Screening
Researchers determine whether you’re eligible for a particular study.
4
Participate
Take part in the research, which may involve surveys, interviews, appointments, or clinical trials depending on the study.
5
Make an Impact
Your participation helps improve primary care for future patients and communities.
Clinical Trails
Clinical trials are one type of clinical research used to evaluate new treatments, interventions, or approaches to care. Alongside other forms of research, they help improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare.
CPCRC works closely with partners across Canada, including the Canadian Primary Care Trials Network (CPCTN) (link out to them), to strengthen clinical research capacity and support meaningful collaboration.
Get Involved
There are many ways to contribute to primary care research, whether you’re interested in participating in a study, sharing your lived experience, or partnering with researchers to help shape future healthcare.
