The RACGP Research Strategy 2025–2029 outlines a comprehensive plan for fostering high-quality general practice research in Australia.
Aim
To build a supportive environment and infrastructure for ethical and high-quality general practice research and translation – enhancing education, policy and practice, and strengthening the profession.
Context
High-quality research in general practice is critical for effective education, policy, and healthcare delivery in Australia. However, general practice research is underfunded and under-resourced compared to other specialties.
The RACGP is committed to research as a core aspect of general practice.
The RACGP Expert Committee – Research has developed a research strategy for the RACGP. The strategy will help create a culture and systems that support the development of general practice research in Australia, advancing the discipline and leading to more informed policy and practice, and improved health.
Role of RACGP
The RACGP will take a leadership role by working closely with our stakeholders to progress general practice research. We will do this by strengthening research and research culture, and using findings to inform RACGP advocacy, policy, guidelines, education, resources and programs. We will also support the translation of research findings into actionable practice.
Strategic alignment
In line with the RACGP Strategy 2025-2029, the overarching goal is to ‘ensure a strong general practice profession that keeps Australia healthy.’ It aligns with the priority to cultivate and lead a culture of research in general practice, with the result that members will value the growth in research that is relevant and directly translates back to innovation in general practice.
Research – General practice research output is increased
Translation – Research is translated into practice within RACGP and across general practice
Enablers
- Funding – increased for general practice research and translation
- Culture – values and supports research and translation is built and sustained within the RACGP and across the profession
- Data and Infrastructure – National approach is developed and maintained to support general practice research and translation
- Policy setting – established that enable the growth of general practice research and translation
- Education and training – builds research literacy and translation skills
- Capacity – GPs and practices are supported to lead, contribute to and translate general practice research
RACGP support
This strategy also defines the internal supports needed to deliver this work, including RACGP resources, advocacy and research priorities.
Values
The strategy is grounded in nine values that guide our activity and decision-making: person-centredness, ethical research, cultural safety, strategic alignment, GP leadership, collaboration, equitable research and processes, community benefit, and innovation.
Implementation
The RACGP will deliver this strategy in partnership with the RACGP Expert Committee – Research, supported by teams across the organisation. Progress and impact will be reported regularly to the RACGP Board.