The Global Primary & Community Care (GPACC) Research Group addresses global health challenges in a local context. We use systems-thinking and human-centred approaches to involve communities and community health workers in the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions and models of care that improve population health. Central to our work is reducing health inequity and improving access to high-quality healthcare, through community empowerment.
Our Team
Dr Shobhana Nagraj
Assistant Professor in Primary & Community Care and Group Lead
Members
Gemma Whyatt
Natasha O ‘Sullivan
Hanan Abukmail
Collaborators
Dr Nagraj works in partnership with Dr Tom Bashford and their Team at the International Health Systems Group, Department of Engineering.
Dr Nagraj also collaborates with Professor Mike English and the Health Systems Collaborative group at the Centre for Global Health Research, University of Oxford.
Recent news in the Global Primary & Community Care group
ELFT-Cambridge Implementation research hub launches in Luton
On September 27th 2024, the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) - University of Cambridge Implementation research Hub in Luton, Bedfordshire was launched. The Hub is led by Dr Shobhana (Shobi) Nagraj, Assistant Professor in Primary & Community Care, Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, in partnership with the team at ELFT.
Public perception of the physician associate profession in the UK: a systematic review
Dr Shobhana Nagraj has co-led a recent article in BMC Health Services Research examining public perceptions of the physician associate (PA) role in the UK. Amid ongoing scrutiny of PAs’ responsibilities and prescribing rights, the study reviewed 15 studies and highlighted significant public confusion about the role, with many mistaking PAs for doctors. Despite this, patients reported largely positive experiences and expressed a willingness to see PAs again. The study emphasised the need for clearer public communication about PAs’ scope of practice and their place within the healthcare system.