The main theme of the 85th European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN) Conference, which is taking place in Dublin from today, 19th October until Saturday 21st October, is 'Mental Health in Primary Care' and 'Increasing Public and Patient Involvement in Health Research.'
The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) is hosting this year's EGPRN event in conjunction with UCD Academic General Practice. Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities, Finian McGrath TD will open the conference, which is being held in the Croke Park Conference Centre.
The international keynote speech will be given by Professor Amanda Howe, President, World Organisation of Family Doctors, (WONCA).
Commenting on the significance of the conference, Dr Claire Collins, Director of Research ICGP said, "The conference further highlights the central role of primary care in the field of mental health. Policy makers are actively encouraging primary care to take a lead role in developing and delivering mental health services.
"There is much more we need to do to ensure robust data for the effective management of mental health in primary care. This is to ensure that services can be targeted and are appropriate for patient needs. Both the ICGP and UCD have a track record of service programmes and research projects in the area of mental health and related areas. This conference advances our commitment to ensuring best practice throughout general practice for patients with mental health needs."
The European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN) promotes research excellence and supports researchers in general practice and family medicine. The EGPRN Conference provides a suitable setting in which to discuss and develop research in primary care, to foster and coordinate multinational studies, to exchange experiences and to develop a validated scientific basis for general practice. In addition, EGPRN enables local and international research collaboration.
On the first day (19th), there will be two optional pre-conference workshops to share knowledge and advance the skills of GP researchers. The conference will then take place on the Friday and Saturday (20th-21st) with keynote speeches from Prof Amanda Howe, UEA, and President of WONCA World (20th); and Prof Andrew Murphy, NUI Galway (21st); and research presentations from delegates.
See www.icgp.ie/egprn2017 for more information.
Aileen O'Meara, Communications Consultant, ICGP
Tel:087 2239830
Email: icgp.news@gmail.com