2018, Evaluation and Achievements

The results presented in this annual report attest to the leading role of the Institut Universitari de Recerca en Atenció Primària de la Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol) in primary healthcare research. The IDIAPJGol is also the only institute that investigates primary health issues in Catalonia. The accomplishments shown are made possible thanks to the efforts of our researchers and all the health professionals that support their work. The new format of this annual report aims to highlight the work undertaken by each of our research groups. Notably, 44% of our research groups are led by women.

To continue to achieve our goals, it is crucial that we follow the Strategic Plan, initiated in 2017 with the cooperation of all researchers of the IDIAPJGol and the Catalan Institute of Health.

We would like to underscore some significant milestones. Firstly, the accreditation of the European Commission Human Resources Excellence in Research Award (HRS4R), obtained in June 2018. This award certifies the capacity to attract talent, to create a positive work environment, to encourage research and promote the career of researchers within the European framework.

Secondly, we should highlight the joint organization of the 10th Research Meeting of the Catalan Institute of Health and 11th Research Meeting of the IDIAPJGol, centered around the use of big clinical databases in health research. This meeting brought to the fore the enormous potential of databases to conduct research aimed at improving the health of the population.

Thirdly, we should mention the increase in the translation, dissemination and activities to explain our research to patients and to the general public, with the participation of our researchers in events like the Festival Barcelona Ciència, the European Researcher's Night and the Marató de TV3. The new format of this report also reflects our desire to make it more accurate and more accessible to the public.

Finally, in 2018 we have started the accreditation process to become a CERCA Centre, a crucial step toward becoming a recognised centre of excellence within the Catalan Institute of Health. Since primary health care is the first port of call for most patients and constitutes a strategic priority for the Health Ministry of Catalonia, we consider imperative to achieve this accreditation.

Research in primary care is defined by proximity to the patient, continuity of care and transversality. We can determine the needs, investigate methods for improvement and analyse the implementation of new procedures into clinical practice. Our major aim is to conduct translational research to benefit health and quality of life. This report detailing the research output of the IDIAPJGol should contribute to the recognition of our work by professionals and institutions.

Concepció Violan, Executive Manager