Summary of methods and research questions
| Study phase | Description | Research questions (RQs) |
| Rapid evidence assessment | An overview of published evidence to distil prior learning and inform the development of propositions to be tested through comparative case studies of new PCNs | RQ1 and RQ2 |
| Stakeholder workshop | A workshop led by members of the study team for relevant stakeholders (eg, academic and policy experts in the field, patient and public involvement representatives). The aim of this workshop was to clarify evidence gaps and evaluation questions of particular relevance to emerging policy on primary care networks and thus inform next steps. | RQ1 and RQ2 |
| Comparative case studies of four primary care networks | Interviews with those involved in the conceptual design, implementation of primary care networks in their respective sites and exploration of relationship with any prior GP collaboration in the case study site; analysis of key documentation (both internal and publicly shared); non-participant observation of strategic meetings; and an online survey to collate information on challenges associated with collaborative working and measuring early impact. | RQ1, RQ2, RQ3 and RQ4 |
| Analysis of findings from case studies to develop a nuanced understanding of the development of primary care networks in the NHS in England | Share and discuss findings generated from data collection from case studies. | RQ1, RQ2, RQ3 and RQ4 |
GP, general practitioner; NHS, National Health Service; PCN, Primary Care Network; RQ, research question.