We enthusiastically welcome PRiMER’s initiative to publish explanatory methodology papers aimed at expanding the knowledge of trainees and early-career researchers.1 As the trainee voice at the 2022 National Summit on Family Medicine Research, we see this effort as directly aligning with the vision of the National Family Medicine Strategic Plan for Research and its priorities.2
PRiMER’s article type option is an opportunity for novice researchers to better understand research methodologies, making the research process more accessible for trainees and learners. This initiative complements other efforts to build methodological literacy, including the upcoming themed issue in Family Medicine focused on “Unique Methodologies for Family Medicine Educational Research.” For those seeking methodological guidance beyond education-focused research, the Annals of Family Medicine and Family Practice offer additional open-access resources. Notably, many of the methods papers in Family Practice are authored by the Research Methodologies Workgroup of the Council Advancing the Science of Family Medicine (CASFM), a subsidiary of the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG), a key driver of the National Strategic Plan.
PRiMER’s contribution will aid in filling a critical gap in family medicine education research. Collectively, these journals’ efforts to educate readers on foundational and emerging research methods have incredible potential. To maximize their impact, coordination and strategic planning are essential. Avoiding redundancy across publications, or, when repetition is warranted, clearly distinguishing how a methodology is applied in educational versus noneducational contexts will be key to sustaining momentum and relevance.
As a specialty, we would benefit from a centralized repository or curated index of these methodology papers to fully realize the vision set forth in the National Strategic Plan.3 We look forward to PRiMER’s addition of educational research methods and its potential for high impact across the family medicine research training continuum.
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