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Objective: To compare the demographics of general practitioners in two practice-based research networks (PBRNs) and to explore the generalisability of research findings from these PBRNs. Design, setting and participants: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of two geographically-based PBRNs - Hunter New England Central Coast Network of Research General Practices (NRGP) and Primary Healthcare Research Network-General Practice (PHReNet-GP) - during August-September 2010. All 183 GP members of both PBRNs were invited to participate; of these, 140 (77%) participated. Main outcome measures: GPs' demographics, use of languages other than English in consultations, and previous participation in research. Practices' use of practice nurses. Socioeconomic status and rurality or urbanicity of practice location. Results: Compared with PHReNet-GP GPs, NRGP GPs were more likely to work in a practice employing a practice nurse (100% v 53.8%; 95% CI for difference, 30.5%-61.8%; P < 0.001), worked in larger practices (2.9 more full-time-equivalent GPs per practice; 95% CI, 2.1-3.6; P< 0.001), and were less likely to work in a major city (33.7% v 89.7%; 95% CI for difference, 42.8%-69.3%; P< 0.001). NRGP GPs also worked in practices with a different spectrum of socioeconomic disadvantage, and were less likely to have been involved in research as a researcher (35.4% v 76.9%; 95% CI for difference, 25.3%-57.8%; P< 0.001). Fewer NRGP GPs consulted in languages other than English (8.9% v 64.1%; 95% CI for difference, 39.1%-71.2%; P< 0.001). There were also differences between these and national general practice statistics. Conclusions: These results suggest possible lack of generalisability of findings from some types of studies conducted in single PBRNs. In such circumstances, collaboration of PBRNs may produce more generalisable results.

Objective: To compare the demographics of general practitioners in two practice-based research networks (PBRNs) and to explore the generalisability of research findings from these PBRNs. Design, setting and participants: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of two geographically-based PBRNs - Hunter New England Central Coast Network of Research General Practices (NRGP) and Primary Healthcare Research Network-General Practice (PHReNet-GP) - during August-September 2010. All 183 GP members of both PBRNs were invited to participate; of these, 140 (77%) participated. Main outcome measures: GPs' demographics, use of languages other than English in consultations, and previous participation in research. Practices' use of practice nurses. Socioeconomic status and rurality or urbanicity of practice location. Results: Compared with PHReNet-GP GPs, NRGP GPs were more likely to work in a practice employing a practice nurse (100% v 53.8%; 95% CI for difference, 30.5%-61.8%; P < 0.001), worked in larger practices (2.9 more full-time-equivalent GPs per practice; 95% CI, 2.1-3.6; P< 0.001), and were less likely to work in a major city (33.7% v 89.7%; 95% CI for difference, 42.8%-69.3%; P< 0.001). NRGP GPs also worked in practices with a different spectrum of socioeconomic disadvantage, and were less likely to have been involved in research as a researcher (35.4% v 76.9%; 95% CI for difference, 25.3%-57.8%; P< 0.001). Fewer NRGP GPs consulted in languages other than English (8.9% v 64.1%; 95% CI for difference, 39.1%-71.2%; P< 0.001). There were also differences between these and national general practice statistics. Conclusions: These results suggest possible lack of generalisability of findings from some types of studies conducted in single PBRNs. In such circumstances, collaboration of PBRNs may produce more generalisable results.

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: Why is there undiagnosed and untreated asthma in older people in the community and in general practice? What patient, general practitioner and organisational factors contribute to this? Are current best practice guidelines appropriate for older people with asthma? WHAT WE NEED TO DO: Undertake broad community and general practice screening to identify characteristics of older people with undiagnosed asthma. Analyse GPs' perspectives and decision-making processes for older people with dyspnoea. Undertake targeted research in general practice, trialling decision-making frameworks for older patients with dyspnoea. Undertake appropriate and relevant community and GP awareness campaigns about the prevalence of asthma in older people. Analyse current best practice management of asthma, including self-management and the Asthma 3+ Visit Plan, in older people.