All GPs use evidence derived from research in their daily clinical practice.
There are many different ways that GPs can be involved in research, for example:
- leading research projects
- actively engaging in the research process as a co-investigator
- recruiting patients for projects undertaken by others
- joining a journal club to further develop your critical analysis skills and research capacity
- conducting some forms of QI and audits in their practices.
To learn more, or to apply for an RACGP research grant, award or scholarship
Email: research@racgp.org.au or telephone (03) 8699 0497
There are a range of opportunities to help you find the right level of research for you during your general practice training. For example, you can:
- Become involved in a project by contacting your university department of general practice.
- Undertake a PhD or higher degree in research alongside your clinical training
- Apply for an Academic Post under the AGPT pathway and work part-time in a university department concurrently with your clinical training
Involvement in research will equip you with skills that you will be able to utilise throughout your medical career. For more information, visit the Research During Training webpage.
The RACGP runs many
educational webinars, including the GP Research Webinar series 2020-2021 and other related GP research content. These are available for free to members and are also on-demand.
What is a PBRN and what are the benefits of participating?
A PBRN is a network of primary care practitioners that collaborate to identify and explore research questions relevant to their work and the community they serve, with the aim of creating new knowledge that can be translated into practice (Source: Pearce K, et al. How and why to study the practice content of a practice-based research network. Annals of Family Medicine 2004 2(5):425-28). PBRNs produce evidence that not only enhances clinical practice but can also support policy to underpin best practice (Source: Prof Meredith Temple-Smith, RACGP PBRN Webinar, 29 April 2021).
Active Australian PBRN’s include:
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ASPREN (Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network)
University of Adelaide
Contact:
Prof Nigel Stocks
nigel.stocks@adelaide.edu.au
ASPREN Coordinator:
monique.chilver@adelaide.edu.au
tel: (08) 8313 3463 or fax 08 8313 3511
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PracNet
Australian National University
Contact:
Prof Kirsty Douglas or Dr Katelyn Barnes
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GoldNet Research
Bond University and Griffith University
Contact:
Prof Nick Zwar
www.goldnetresearch.com.au
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Illawarra and Southern Practice Research Network (ISPRN)
University of Wollongong
Contact:
ISPRN
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North Queensland Practice-Based Research Network
James Cook University
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Monash Research Network (MonRen)
Monash University
Contact:
MonReN
MonReN is a Practice-Based Research Network (MonReN) providing formal collaborations between clinicians in general practice, consumers, policy makers and academics that are dedicated to working together on relevant research questions to translate new knowledge into practice.
This peer-to-peer PBRN supports general practice to engage in research and education to improve health outcomes.
Our Vision
Our vision is for MonReN to be nationally and internationally recognised as a leading practice based research network engaging in high quality academic endeavour that improves patient health outcomes and advances the discipline of general practice.
Our Mission
Improving patient outcomes through partnership with practices in our region
Outcomes
MonReN seeks to:
Build capacity in general practice
Facilitate peer connection and networking
Support self-improvement and learning amongst participants
Develop a culture of quality improvement in general practice
Drive innovation and excellence in general practice research and education
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Network of Research General Practice (NRGP)
The University of Newcastle
Contact:
Prof Dimity Pond
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New England GP Research Network
University of New England
The New England General Practice Research Network (NEGPRN) is a practice-based research network in the New England and North West region of NSW. The NEGPRN is funded by NSW Regional Health Partners in collaboration with the University of New England and University of Newcastle.
Contact:
Assoc/ Professor Michelle Guppy
(02) 6773 3579
Catherine Brabrook (Network Coordinator)
(02) 6773 4463
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UNSW electronic Practice-Based Research Network
University of New South Wales
Contact:
Dr Jitendra Jonnagaddala
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University of Queensland GP Research
Contact:
uqgpresearch@uq.edu.au
UQGP Research is a practice-based research network supported by The University of Queensland enabling general practices and university- based researchers to work together building the evidence base to improve primary care for all.
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Victorian Primary Care Research and Education Network
University of Melbourne
Contact:
vicren-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
VicREN, established in 2007, is a practice-based research network (PBRN) managed by the Department of General Practice at The University of Melbourne that enables collaboration between community-based health care practices, community members and academic institutions in advancing the evidence base of primary health care.
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Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group (PC4)
University of Melbourne
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General Practice Teaching and Research Network
Western Sydney University
Contact:
j.reath@westernsydney.edu.au
p.abbott@westernsydney.edu.au
Western Sydney University Department of General Practice supports a network of GP Supervisors mostly based in the Western Sydney region. We are keen to promote and support research through this network and to hear from GPs who are interested in joining. Our research interests and experience are described at: Western Sydney University.
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The RACGP Foundation provides grants and awards to GPs undertaking research in general practice.
You can learn more about what is happening in general practice, including the latest research findings at newsGP, the RACGP’s news hub, designed and developed for members, to keep you informed of news relevant to Australian general practice.
If you are interested in participating in a research project or survey, visit the RACGP GP Research Project Noticeboard. This noticeboard lists opportunities for GPs to participate in a variety of different research projects.