RACGP GP Research Project Noticeboard

National Lung Cancer Screening Program - The GP Perspective

You are invited to take part in a research study being conducted through Griffith University School of Medicine and Dentistry exploring Australian general practitioners’ perspectives on the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.

The study involves completing a short, anonymous online survey (approximately 10–15 minutes). At the end of the survey, you may optionally indicate your interest in participating in a follow-up interview conducted online.

Participation is entirely voluntary. The survey is anonymous, and interview data will be de-identified. This research has received ethics approval from the Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee.

Brief Description of participants or practices (inclusion/exclusion criteria): If you are a currently practising GP or GP registrar in Australia and would like to contribute to research informing future policy and support for lung cancer screening.

Link to survey: https://bit.ly/4vKTct1

Contact Details:
Griffith University School of Medicine and Dentistry
Phone +61 7 5202 3115

Investigators:
Dr Elaine Halcrow (Coordinating Principal Investigator), Email e.halcrow@griffith.edu.au

Dr Thanya Pathirana (Co-Investigator), Email t.pathirana@griffith.edu.au

Dr Bryan Palmer (Co-Investigator), Email b.palmer@griffith.edu.au

Consumers’ preferences for telehealth psychology in rural and remote areas

Monash University are currently investigating how to improve access to telehealth-delivered psychology for people living in rural and remote areas. The project focuses on understanding the barriers to accessing, referring, and delivering telehealth psychology services under the Better Access Scheme, specifically from the perspectives of patients, psychologists, PHN’s and importantly, General Practitioners operating in rural and remote settings.

We’re now entering a co-design phase where the insights and expertise of general practitioners are critical. We’re inviting rural and remote  general practitioners to participate in online co-design workshops to discuss the current challenges they see in their region and help us shape practical, system-level solutions.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from:
Rural and remote locations of Australia

Investigators:
Bernice Hua Ma, Rebecca Smith, Andrew Tan, Ashani Abayasekara, Bridget Bassilios, Caroline Gao, Cathy Butterss, Cathy Mihalopoulos, Darryl Maybery, Heather Morris, Emma Galvin, Jemimah Ride, Jennifer Neil, Kylie Coventry, Long Le, Margaret Deerain, Susanne Tegen, Victoria Palmer

GP investigators:
Jennifer Neil
Jemimah Ride

Contact person and details:
Dr Emma Galvin
Emma.Galvin@monash.edu
Monash University
Health and Social Care Unit - HSCU
553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004

Brief Description of participants or practices:
Must refer patients to telehealth services in rural and remote Australia (classified by the MMM Model).

Commencement date of the project:
14/10/2024

Closing date for recruitment:
15/05/2026

Time involvement of participants:
30 minute interview

Compensation offered:
$150

Crafting GP careers: A choose‑your‑own‑adventure career typology for the next generation of GPs

Short description of the project and method:

This mixed‑methods study aims to better understand how contemporary GP careers are structured by describing a typology of career pathways and portfolio roles undertaken by early‑career general practitioners working in rural and metropolitan Australia. The project recognises that GP careers increasingly involve combinations of clinical work, education, research, leadership, and other roles, rather than a single traditional practice model.

The study will use a two‑stage sequential design. First, a brief national online survey will collect information on current work patterns, career activities, satisfaction, sustainability, and alignment with training among GPs who have completed fellowship within the past 10 years. Second, findings from the survey will inform a series of online focus groups to explore how different career typologies emerge over training and early fellowship, and what factors motivate GPs to pursue and sustain these pathways.

The outcomes will provide a clearer, evidence‑based picture of the range of modern GP careers, with relevance for GP training, workforce planning, and supporting the next generation of GPs across diverse settings.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from (State, or Australia‑wide): Australia‑wide (rural and metropolitan locations)

Investigators:

• A/Prof Matthew McGrail (University of Queensland)
• Prof Belinda O’Sullivan (Monash University)
• Prof Riitta Partanen (University of Queensland)
• Dr Wasana Jayarathne (University of Queensland)

GP investigators:

• Prof Riitta Partanen
• Dr Kim Omond
• Dr Christopher Dickie

Contact person and details: A/Prof Matthew McGrail, University of Queensland. Email: m.mcgrail@uq.edu.au

Brief description of participants or practices (inclusion/exclusion criteria):

Participants are early‑career GPs who have completed fellowship within the past 10 years. GPs working in any geographic location (rural, regional, or metropolitan), including domestically trained and International Medical Graduates, and those working part‑time or full‑time, are eligible.

Commencement date of the project: April 2026

Survey link: https://uniofqueensland.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bjPBRn0dqCKpB6S?Q_CHL=qr

Understanding GP perspectives on abortion provision and referral in NSW

We are conducting a research study about General Practice Fellows’ and Registrars’ experiences in providing abortion-related care in New South Wales. Taking part in this study is voluntary.

Research team: Dr Rebecca Drygala, Dr Keersten Fitzgerald, Professor Melissa Kang, and Professor Kirsten Black.

Inclusion: We are seeking General Practitioners and General Practice Registrars, who are currently practising in New South Wales and have consulted with at least one patient about an unwanted pregnancy and/or abortion care within the past 12 months (including provision of care, referral, or counselling).

Time involvement of participants: This survey is expected to take 10-15mins to complete. You may skip any question you do not wish to answer. Some survey questions require a response; however, these questions include a “Prefer not to say” option if you do not wish to answer.

More information:
When you have read this information, the following researcher will be available to discuss it with you further and answer any questions you may have:
Dr Rebecca Drygala
Email: rebecca.drygala@sydney.edu.au
Survey link: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=LTL9DE4NYA3XEYNM

Exploring General Practitioners’ Perception of Scope of Practice in a Changing Healthcare Landscape

Researchers at UNSW are undertaking a qualitative study to explore how general practitioners (GPs) understand and define their scope of practice within a changing healthcare system. The study aims to examine how GPs perceive their professional roles, the factors influencing decisions to maintain a broad or more specialised scope, and how geographical and policy contexts shape these choices. It will also explore GPs’ perspectives on the expanding roles of non GP health professionals and how these developments affect professional identity and practice. Findings will contribute to understanding the evolving role of general practice and inform future workforce, policy, and training decisions.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Australia wide

Investigators: Mr Isaac Barry fourth year medical student investigator, A/Prof Alexander McColl, Chief Investigator

GP investigator: A/Prof Joel Rhee, supervisor

Please contact the student investigator via email or phone to register your interest in taking part in the research.

Contact person
Name: Isaac Barry
Email: i.barry@student.unsw.edu.au
Phone: 02 9348 2165

Crafting GP careers: A choose-your-own-adventure career typology for the next generation of GPs work

Research team

Lead researcher: A/Prof Matthew McGrail, Head, Regional Training Hub Research, Medical School (RCS), University of Queensland, Rockhampton

Other researchers: Prof Belinda O'Sullivan, Director Research, School of Rural Health, Monash University; Prof Riitta Partanen, Interim Dean UQ's Medical School, University of Queensland; Dr Wasana Jayarathne, lecturer in research at the Rural Clinical School, Medical School, University of Queensland, Toowoomba; Dr Kim Omond, General practitioner in Adelaide; Dr Christopher Dickie General practitioner, Canberra; Dr Emma Friesen: Research Manager, Rural Clinical School, Medical School, University of Queensland, Toowoomba

Research team contact: 
Primary contact - Matthew McGrail m.mcgrail@uq.edu.au
Christopher Dickie; christopher.dickie@anu.edu.au, Kim Omond; kj.omond@gmail.com, Riitta Partanen; r.partanen@uq.edu.au, Belinda O'Sullivan; belinda.osullivan@monash.edu

Ethics approval number: 2025/HE002350

Link to survey: https://uniofqueensland.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bjPBRn0dqCKpB6S

21 years on: The management of depression in Victorian primary care in 2005 versus 2026

We hope to gain insight from GPs into how they usually manage patients with depression. This data will be collected via a 30-45 minute survey that can be done at each GP's convenience. The questions we will ask are based on a similar study conducted in 2005 (as part of the diamond cohort study), and we plan to compare the responses we receive in 2026 to learn about how the landscape of primary mental healthcare has evolved.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Victoria

Investigators: Mr Irfan Hossain Supervised by Dr Alison Flehr and Ms Konstancja Densley Department of General Practice and Primary Care, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne

GP investigator: Dr Michael Theophilos

Contact person
Name: Irfan Hossain
Email: iahossain@student.unimelb.edu.au
Affilitation: Final-year medical student, Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Melbourne

Brief Description of participants or practices: Inclusion criteria - Any Victorian GP who sees patients with depression

Commencement date of the project: 16/04/2026

Closing date for recruitment: 26/05/2026

Link to survey: redcap.link/gpsurvey

Time involvement of participants: 30 minutes

Compensation offered: 1.5 RACGP CPD hours

CPD type: 0.5 hours in each category (measuring outcomes, reviewing performance, and educational activities)
 

Diabetes-related foot complications

You are invited to participate in a research project being conducted by medical students from the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

The research is looking at Australian healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to implementing exercise as part of the management of diabetes-related foot complications.

What’s involved:

• A short, anonymous online survey (estimated 15-20 minutes)
• Open to general practitioners, endocrinologists, podiatrists, dieticians, and diabetes educators with a minimum of one year of clinical experience in diabetes management who have patients with diabetic foot complications (e.g. ulcers, amputations)

Why participate:

• Your input helps fill an important gap in research and may inform future guidelines and clinical practice
• You can opt in to go into a draw to win one of 5 $100 gift cards

Understanding General Practitioners’ Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Effective Behaviour Change Strategies for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Cancer Survivors

The research team is inviting General Practitioners to participate in a qualitative research project exploring the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing effective behaviour change strategies for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) cancer survivors. GPs are invited to take part in a 30–45 minute interview to discuss their experiences and perspectives.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Australia wide

Investigators: Dr Darren Haywood, Professor Nicolas Hart, Dr James Liam Murray, Dr Oscar Lederman, Mr Evan William Dauer, Ms Jennifer Haywood, Mr Gemechu Kumera, Ms Madeleine English, Dr Neil Gibson, Dr Antony Stadnyk, Mr Sam Palmer, Dr Dean Spirou, Dr Inge Gnaatt, Declan Walker, Indika Dissanayake, Dr Chloe Maxwell-Smith

GP investigator: Associate Professor Carolyn Ee

Contact person and details: Evan Dauer evan.dauer@uts.edu.au

Brief description of participants or practices:

• Currently practising General Practitioners in Australia.

Commencement date of the project: 5/11/2025

Link to survey: https://utsau.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6XsdbKzPy2lIB5c

Time involvement of participants: 30–45 minute qualitative interview

Compensation offered: $150 Woolworths gift card

Clinician practices and perspectives on the psychosocial and mental health impact of paediatric atopic dermatitis

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is inviting clinicians to participate in a brief, anonymous 10-minute online survey. The survey aims to gather insights into clinician perspectives and current practices for assessing the psychosocial impact of atopic dermatitis in children. Participation is open to General Practitioners, Paediatricians, Dermatologists, and Immunologists who have completed specialist training and are currently practising in NSW.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: New South Wales

Lead investigator: A/Prof Li-Chuen Wong Associate investigators: Dr Michael Tran, Dr Gloria Fong, Dr Kelvin Truong, Mr Paul Sun Woo Kim

GP investigator: Dr Michael Tran (FRACGP)

Contact person and details: Mr Paul Sun Woo Kim pkim5984@uni.sydney.edu.au Final-Year Medical Student at the University of Sydney (conducting this research under supervision of A/Prof Li-Chuen Wong)

Inclusion criteria:

• GPs, Dermatologists, Paediatricians, and Immunologists practising in New South Wales.
• Currently involved in the clinical care of children and adolescents (aged 0-18 years) with atopic dermatitis.
• English language proficiency to understand and complete an online survey
• Capacity to consent

Exclusion criteria:

• Doctors in training (e.g. residents, registrars).

Commencement date of the project: 6/01/2026

Closing date for recruitment: 31/12/2026

Link to survey: https://redcap.ohmr.health.nsw.gov.au/surveys/?s=NLAL8DC3DLXFFW8M

Time involvement of participants: 10-15 minutes

Any other comments: The survey may close before 31 December 2026 if a sufficient number of responses is received.

General Practitioners Experiences and Perceptions of Physical Activity among Females in the Menopausal Transition

Short description of the project and method: This study explores barriers and enablers GPs face regarding Physical Activity among Females in the Menopausal Transition. In light of recent MBS updates and increased focus on menopause care, findings will inform strategies to support PA engagement and improve outcomes. Participation involves a 10–15 minute online survey. Insights may guide future initiatives to enhance GP-led lifestyle advice and patient care.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Australia-wide

Investigators: Dr Mandy Hagstrom, UNSW Dalya Jankelowitz, UNSW Dr Kemi Wright, UNSW Dr Jade Obrien-Smith, UNSW Dr Kelly Teagle, WellFemme. Professor Anne Tiedemann, USYD

GP investigator: Dr Kelly Teagle, General Practioner. WellFemme, General Practioner

Contact person and details: Dalya Jankelowitz, d.jankelowitz@student.unsw.edu.au

Brief description of participants:
Inclusion criteria: General Practitioner (GP) in Australia. Registered with AHPRA Exclusion criteria: Anyone who is not a GP registered in Australia.

GPs employed exclusively in a non-primary care setting will be excluded from this study.

Commencement date of the project: 21/08/2025

Closing date for recruitment: 1/06/2026

Link to survey: https://unsw.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2i81T1ekxVTTlGu

Time involvement of participants: 15 minutes maximum via online survey.

"How Far is Too Far? " Creating an evidence base to support safe provision of medication abortion for people living far from emergency services

This project asks the question 'How far from emergency services can first trimester medication abortion be safely provided?', a critical gap in abortion guidelines worldwide. This portion of the larger mixed methods study is looking for General Practitioners to investigate their perspectives, approaches, and experiences of providing abortion care for remote/rural residents.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Australia-wide

Investigators: Professor Danielle Mazza, Monash University Dr. Maira Sohail, Monash University

GP investigator: Professor Danielle Mazza, Monash University

Contact person and details: Dr Maira Sohail, E-mail: maira.sohail@monash.edu, Telephone 03 9903 9384, Address 530B, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004

Brief Description of participants or practices: English-speaking GPs (from major cities, remote, or rural regions) that have experience with providing abortion care to residents of remote/rural.

Commencement date of the project: 1/09/2025 12:00:00 AM

Closing date for recruitment: 30/06/2026 12:00:00 AM

Time involvement of participants: An hour/interview

Compensation offered: : $200 AUD

Bridging the gap in physical activity and diet support for breast cancer survivors: an NHMRC-funded randomised controlled trial in primary care (EMPOWER SMS-GP) 

Evaluate if a lifestyle-focused text message program can improve breast cancer survivors’ outcomes and be beneficial for patients and GPs. Feedback from >500 patients found a similar program useful and motivating but wanted it from their GP. Trial setup is easy and fast (~1-hour). Your team will: 1. Search for eligible patients (no data leaves the practice) 2. Send 1 text message with a link to the study information sheet and e-consent

Compensation offered: $200 per practice and CPD hours (details on website)

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Australia-wide

Investigators: Prof Julie Redfern - Bond University Dr Anna Singleton - University of Sydney (GP) A/Prof Carolyn Ee - Western Sydney University/Flinders University Dr Stephanie Partridge- University of Sydney Prof Raymond Chan - Flinders University Dr Kirsty Stuart - University of Sydney A/Prof Elisabeth Elder - University of Sydney Dr Nashid Hafiz - University of Sydney Dr Karice Hyun - University of Sydney A/Prof Jennifer McIntosh – University of Melbourne

GP investigator: A/Prof Carolyn Ee - Western Sydney University/Flinders University

Practices sought: any practice that can search for eligible patients and send 1 text message using the system of your choice. The process is faster and easier if your practice has PenCAT.

Patients sought: people who finished active breast cancer treatment (surgery and/or chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy) within the past 3 years and attended at least 1 GP appointment in the past 2 years.

Link to website: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=H4RK4RJLTFPFFK8W

Contact person and details: Dr Anna Singleton (anna.singleton@sydney.edu.au)

Time involvement of participants: Patients: 2-years. The patients receive a 6-month lifestyle-focused text message program at the start or end of the trial, which provides evidence-based tips for managing health and weblinks to free resources and services. Patients also fill in short surveys (5-10mins) every 6-months for 2-years. Practice: 2-years. However, the University of Sydney team manages the patients’ participation (no additional work for your practice).

If CPD hours applicable, the CPD type: Measuring Outcomes, Reviewing Performance and Educational Activities CPD hours are available over the 2-3 years that your practice is involved. GPs can self-claim CPD hours. We provide a guide for maximum and minimum hours, but these are flexible, and GPs can self-judge.

Commencement date of the project: 28/04/2023

Closing date for recruitment: 31/12/2026

We're very keen to collaborate! Please reach out to me if you have any questions (anna.singleton@sydney.edu.au).

Our published trial protocol is here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39663171/

Duloxetine for the treatment of chronic sciatica (DREAM) The DREAM STUDY 

Sciatica is a debilitating condition. The DREAM trial is a randomised, superiority, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, triple-blinded trial investigating the efficacy and safety of duloxetine in participants with chronic sciatica of at least 3 months duration and will include patients seen in general practices, specialist outpatient clinics, hospital emergency departments or from hospital in-patient wards.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Australia-wide

Investigators: Doctor Giovanni Ferreira, Professor Christopher Maher, Professor Christine Lin (University of Sydney), Professor Laurent Billot The George Institute for Global Health, Professor Richard Day (UNSW), Professor Rowena Ivers UOW (GP), Professor Martin Underwood Warwick University, UK, Professor Andrew McLachlan University of Sydney (Sydney School of Pharmacy), Doctor Bethan Richards Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Professor Nanna Finnerup Aarhus University, Denmark

Contact details: dream_trial@sydney.edu.au. Level 10N, King George V Building Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (C39) PO Box M179, Missenden Road NSW 2050 AUSTRALIA T: +61 2 8627 6447

Inclusions criteria: Adults (18 years old and above) with radiating pain into one leg in a dermatomal distribution, for at least 3 months of moderate intensity pain, an adequate understanding of English

Exclusion criteria: Known or suspected specific pathologies in the spine, malignancy, spinal surgery or other interventional procedure in the preceding 6 months/ scheduled, pregnant, breastfeeding. (see PIS for full exclusions list)

Commencement date of the project: 21/11/2024

Closing date for recruitment: 30/06/2027

Time involvement of participants: Baseline survey, 10-minute survey will completed online or by phone 6 times over the next year (at week 4, 8, 12, 16, 26 and 52). Daily SMS asking participants to record a pain score, time to take study medication for up to 14 weeks.

Compensation offered: Study participants receive the study medication free of charge. Participants receive gift voucher/s of up to $150 in total over the 1-year study period after reaching certain trial milestones.

Availability of CPD points: Self logging