RACGP GP Research Project Noticeboard

The roles and responsibilities of rural medical educators

We are conducting a research study about the roles and responsibilities of medical educators in rural environments. We want to understand what it is like for you, personally and professionally, working as a medical educator in a rural area.

Inclusion criteria: We are seeking those employed in formal medical education positions as well as those who teach medical students and vocational trainees as part of their roles in general practice. You must be based in a rural area of Australia.

Time commitment: Taking part in this study will involve completing a short online questionnaire. This will take about 15 minutes to complete.

Note: At the end of the questionnaire you can indicate if you’d like to participate in an individual interview to discuss your thoughts further.

Contact person and details: Dr Christopher Hayward, senior lecturer, University of Sydney School of Rural Health (Orange/Dubbo), E-mail: c.hayward@sydney.edu.au, (02) 5310 4133

Link to survey: https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6zl783XsUmGtIbA

Victorian practitioners: Tell us about managing patients after gestational diabetes - $100 gift card thank you

GooD4Mum aims to optimise the management of people with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). As the trial concludes, we are seeking perspectives from clinicians at general practices that did NOT participate in the GooD4Mum program. Your insights on 'care as usual' for women with a history of GDM will provide valuable comparative data to inform our findings. We invite one GP, Practice Nurse OR Diabetes Educator per practice to share experiences and perspectives.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Victoria or towns bordering Victoria (NSW, SA)

Investigators: Prof Helena Teede - Monash University, Dr Samantha Olenski-Kozica, Dr Anusha Ramani-Chander, A/Prof Emily Callander Prof Dougie Boyle - University of Melbourne, with Dr Rachel Canaway Dr Siew Lim, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University Prof Vincent Versace, Deakin University A/Prof Sharleen O’Reilly, University College Dublin (and Deakin University) Prof Jane Speight, Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes Prof Mark Morgan - Bond University

GP investigator: Dr Mark Morgan
If interested, please submit an EOI: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/4cn2
Other questions can be submitted to Dr Rachel Canaway Email: g4m-project@unimelb.edu.au Department of General Practice & Primary Care, The University of Melbourne

Brief Description of practices:

• One GP, Practice Nurse OR Diabetes Educator per eligible practice
• General practices in Victoria or Victorian border towns (e.g. South Australia or NSW)
• Practice did NOT participate in the GooD4Mum quality improvement collaborative trial

Commencement date of the project: 11/11/2025 12:00:00 AM

Closing date for recruitment: 20/12/2025 12:00:00 AM

Link to survey: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/4cn2

Link to website: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/general-practice-and-primary-care/engagement/primary-care-community/vicren/news-and-events/vicren-news-and-events/tell-us-about-managing-patients-after-gestational-diabetes-$100-gift-card-thank-you

Time involvement of participants: 15-30 minute interview confidential, online interview with a researcher from Monash University. Plus time to read the Plain Language Information Statement, submit an e-consent form, and arrange a time for the interview. All information is accessible through the EOI form.

Compensation offered: $100 gift card

Deprescribing Benzodiazepines: Examining the feasibility of strategies to support GPs through the deprescribing process

We aim to collect some basic information about you, your work as a General Practitioner, and then some questions about your experiences and knowledge with prescribing and deprescribing benzodiazepines and z-drugs (e.g., Zopiclone and Zolpidem) known collectively as benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs).

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Victoria

GP investigators: Dr Catherine Andronis, Dr Marguerite Tracy, Dr Hester Wilson and Dr Steve Trumble

Brief Description of participants or practices: Currently practicing GPs in Victoria, Australia

Link to survey: https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_9tzz4Af0nNWn2sK

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

This projects seeks to investigate the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing effective behaviour change strategies for CALD cancer survivors from the perspective of General Practitioners (GPs) The project uses qualitative methods. GPs are invited to participate in a 30-45 minute interview to discuss their experiences

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: Participants need to be currently practicing GPs

Commencement date of the project: 5/11/2025 12:00:00 AM

Closing date for recruitment: 29/12/2025 12:00:00 AM

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

Shaping Sepsis Care Survey 2

The objective is to undertake a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership within the Australian healthcare setting and identify areas of uncertainty about sepsis from the perspectives of patients, carers, and clinicians. This consultation consists of Survey 1: Collecting unanswered questions (completed, was included on RACGP Project Noticeboard) and Survey 2: selecting the most important questions

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Australia wide

Investigators: Prof Andrew Udy, A/Prof Kimberley Haines, Dr Manoj Saxena, Dr Alex Poole

GP investigator: Dr Li Wan

Contact person and details: Rose Messiha (rose.messiha@monash.edu)

Eligible participants: Adults who have been diagnosed with sepsis; a family member or carer of someone who has had sepsis; a healthcare professional; and who lived/ or live in Australia.

Commencement date of the project: 3/11/2025 12:00:00 AM

Closing date for recruitment: 12/01/2026 12:00:00 AM

Link to survey: https://redcap.link/shapingsepsis

Link to website: https://www.nccr.au/shaping-sepsis-care

Time involvement of participants: 10 min

Co-designing a breast and ovarian cancer precision prevention intervention (PERSONA) with general practitioners, genetic counsellors and young women

Short description of the project and method: PERSONA has been conceptualised as a cancer precision prevention program that will deliver a multi-factorial breast and ovarian cancer risk assessment, incorporating both monogenic and polygenic information, to younger aged women in the general population. The risk assessment will be delivered using a shared care model between general practitioners and genetic counsellors and facilitate a personalised approach to early detection and cancer prevention.

This co-design study aims to engage end-users (GPs, genetic counsellors, and young women of the general population) in a qualitative and iterative process to examine PERSONA from their perspectives, identify challenges, and make recommendations about the intervention components and resources. Interviews with GPs will involve discussing components of the service model, including the offer to patients, risk assessment process, risk result communication, and collaboration with genetic counsellors. The pre-implementation findings from this study will directly inform the protocol of the next phase feasibility pilot of PERSONA in 2026, where 200 women will be risk assessed through the proposed model of care.

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

Investigators: A/Prof Laura Forrest, Dr Sibel Saya, Dr Michelle Tew, Ms Olivia Braniff

GP investigator: Dr Jane Crowe

Contact person and details: Olivia Braniff, PhD Student, Parkville Familial Cancer Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Email: PERSONA@petermac.org

Brief description of participants:
General practitioners are eligible to participate if they:

• Currently work in a community-based practice as a GP
• Are Fellows of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRUM)
• Currently work in metropolitan and regional areas of Australia

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

Commencement date of the project: 5/11/2025

Closing date for recruitment: 31/01/2026

Time involvement of participants: Telephone or online interview no more than 60 minutes.

Compensation offered: $200 AUD for each participant

If CPD hours applicable: 2 hours of CPD (0.5 hours EA and 1.5 hours RP)

Any other comments: Expressions of interest and consent to participate in a research interview can be provided through the following link: https://redcap.link/PERSONA.codesign.GPs

Earlier recruitment and participation before the end of 2025 is preferred.

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.

Survey of GPs and GP Registrars about knowledge and confidence in Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Workers' Compensation

Aim is to develop an understanding of the needs of GP and GP-trainees specific to occupational and environmental medicine and workers compensation. This information will assist to facilitate further learning by production of teaching modules for the RACGP. Method is via questionnaire survey.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Australia wide

Investigators: Professor Karen Walker-Bone, Dr Elizabeth Ayoola, Dr Jasvin Kaur Josen, Dr Tessa Keegel, Dr Vera Costa

GP investigator: Dr Elizabeth Ayoola and Dr Jasvin Kaur Josen

Contact person and details: Professor Karen Walker-Bone, Monash Centre of Occupational and Environmental Health, Phone: 99030582, E-mail: Karen.Walker-Bone@monash.edu

Inclusion criteria: General practitioner or General practice Registrar.

Exclusion criteria: GPs who are also occupational and environmental physician trainees or consultants.

Commencement date of the project: 21/10/2025

Closing date for recruitment: 20/02/2026

Link to survey: https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_42zlBGuza70GLAy

Digital Scribes in Australian Primary Care: A Mixed Methods Survey of the Views and Experiences of Australian General Practitioners Using AI-Powered Clinical Documentation Tools

This project aims to explore how Australian general practitioners use AI-powered “digital scribes” (i.e. tools that listen to doctor–patient conversations and automatically generate clinical notes). It consists of an online survey (approx. 3–5 minutes) combining quantitative questions (usage, error rates, efficiency, cognitive burden) and qualitative open-ended comments to capture experiences and opinions.

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

Investigators: David Fraile Navarro and Enrico Coiera

GP investigator: David Fraile Navarro

Contact person and details: David Fraile Navarro Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation Level 6, 75 Talavera Road, Macquarie University, 2109, North Ryde, NSW. E-mail: david.frailenavarro@mq.edu.au

Inclusion criteria: Registered general practitioners currently practising in Australian primary care, who have experience using digital scribes for clinical documentation in EHRs.

Exclusion criteria: GPs who have never used digital scribes, or who are not practising in primary care settings.

Commencement date of the project: 16/10/2025

Closing date for recruitment: 31/12/2025

Link to survey: https://gpscribesurvey.getcds.net/

Time involvement of participants: 3-5 minutes

Compensation offered: Entry into a prize draw for one of three $500 gift vouchers

Any other comments: Any GP in Australia using or who has used a digital scribe is encouraged to participate.

"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

What are the optimal models of care for effective and feasible prevention and management of weight gain among breast cancer survivors, particularly in the Australian primary care context

We invite you to provide your expert perspective as a GP in a short interview on models of care for prevention and management of weight gain among breast cancer survivors.

Investigators: This project is led by Ms Lisa Hanlon who is supervised by academic GP A/Prof Carolyn Ee and A/Prof Kate McBride. The project aims to gain insights into current practices, barriers and facilitators in weight management that GPs face with this cohort.

Time involvement of participants: The interview (up to 30 minutes) can be conducted over the telephone or by video conference, according to your preference and at a time that suits you.

Content: We are interested in your expert opinion of the current approach to managing weight gain in breast cancer survivors, how you perceive the roles of GPs and other healthcare professionals in this space, if there are any gaps or overlaps, and any suggestions for policy, training or resource changes to ensure a cohesive model of care for breast cancer survivors. Your contribution will be invaluable in assisting the team to understand the perspectives and needs of GPs, including opportunities and barriers faced in the prevention and management of weight gain in breast cancer survivors.

Compensation: : Participation is completely voluntary, and there are no consequences should you decide not to take part. As a token of our appreciation for your valuable time, we are offering all interview participants a $100 gift voucher.

For more information please see the Participant Information Sheet.

Contact person and details: Lisa Hanlon at 16169539@student.westernsydney.edu.au or Associate Professor Carolyn Ee at C.Ee@westernsydney.edu.au

To provide consent to take part and book a time for an interview: https://redcap.link/3e63ynxp

Chinese migrants’ views and uptake factors in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program

Our study aims to explore clinicians’ views on multifaceted factors that may influence Chinese migrants’ participation of the lung cancer screening program based on your experience of providing health service to this population. The study involves: 1. A short online survey (5-10 minutes); and 2. An online or phone interview (no more than 30 minutes).

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

Investigators: Dr Dan Luo, A/Prof Carolyn Ee (GP), Dr Rachael Dodd, Prof Kate White, Prof Ben Smith, Mr Eric Yeung

GP investigator: A/Prof Carolyn Ee

Contact person and details: Dr Dan Luo dan.luo@sydney.edu.au

Brief Description of participants or practices: Clinicians who meet the criteria below are eligible for our study: 1. Has a role in the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (e.g., general practitioners, nurses, radiologists, respiratory physicians); and 2. Has experience providing health services to Chinese-speaking people, regardless of the patient’s English proficiency. (N.B., Clinicians are NOT required to be able to speak Mandarin or Chinese dialects).

Commencement date of the project: 1/07/2025

Closing date for recruitment: 31/12/2025

Link to survey: https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4UG98pidSsw35cy

Link to website: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7365189667270389761/

Time involvement of participants: 1. The short online survey: 5-10 minutes; 2. The interview: No more than 30 minutes.

Compensation offered: $150 for each clinician participant.

GP management of long-term effects in female breast cancer survivors

A cross-section survey study on the perceptions and practices of general practitioners (GPs) on the delivery of services for female breast cancer survivors with long term effects of diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. The aim of the study is to determine the current practice of general practitioners (GPs) regarding breast cancer survivors, and their collaboration with allied health practitioners. The survey was designed in collaboration with a GP team member.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: National

Investigators: Prof Lynette Mackenzie (Occupational Therapist and consumer) Prof Meredith Markham (GP) A/Prof Zakia Hossain (Breast cancer researcher)

GP investigator: Prof Meredith Markham

Contact person and details: Prof. Lynette Mackenzie Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney Susan Wakil Building, Sydney NSW 2006 Lynette.Mackenzie@sydney.edu.au

Brief Description of participants or practices: Inclusion: Any GP working part time of full time. Note, GPs do not have to specialise in oncology to participate.

Commencement date of the project: 3/09/2025

Closing date for recruitment: 31/12/2025

Link to website: https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0qCokdPjsgXQZjU

Time involvement of participants: About 10 minutes

If CPD hours applicable, the CPD type (Measuring outcomes, Reviewing performance, Educational activities): No CPD hours

Any other comments: We are focusing on breast cancer to start with as this is a very common condition that will be treated in primary care, and one that has a range of long term effects after the medical interventions are complete. Findings will assist in the design of future projects that may assist GPs and allied health practitioners to offer more focused services for breast cancer survivors, and GPs are integral to this.

The willingness to accept braIn iMaging evaluation for the optimisAtion of anticoaGulation managEment among people with Atrial Fibrillation and low-to-intermediate stroke risk (IMAGE-AF) (Stream I)

Silent brain infarction (SBI) found on brain imaging only – affects 1 in 3 people with atrial fibrillation (AF) and doubles the future stroke risk. Through an online survey and focus group discussions, IMAGE-AF (Stream I) seeks input from clinicians on: 1) current anticoagulation practices in people with AF and low-to-intermediate stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VA score <2); 2) knowledge and awareness of SBI; and 3) attitudes toward brain imaging-guided stroke prevention in this AF population.

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

Investigators: Drs Zien Zhou, Menglu Ouyang, and Faraidoon Haghdoost (The George Institute for Global Health); A Prof Jennifer Yu (Prince of Wales Hospital); A Prof Danielle Ni Chroinin and Dr James Xu (Liverpool Hospital); Prof Charlotte Hespe (The University of Notre Dame); Prof Gregory Lip (The University of Liverpool, UK)

GP investigator: Prof Charlotte Hespe, The University of Notre Dame

Contact person and details: Drs Zien Zhou (zzhou@georgeinstitute.org.au) and Menglu Ouyang (menglu.ouyang@unsw.edu.au) or the study team (imageaf@georgeinstitute.org.au)

Brief Description of participants or practices: Registered clinicians in Australia whose daily work involving anticoagulation decisions and/or anticoagulant prescription for people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who have not experienced a stroke, including GPs, cardiologists, geriatricians, neurologists, etc. (Non-valvular AF refers to AF in the absence of moderate-to-severe heart valve disorder or a mechanical heart valve.)

Commencement date of the project: 1/08/2025

Closing date for recruitment: 31/01/2026

Link to survey: https://redcap.link/vxwpi6a2 (please sign up for the survey)

Link to website: https://strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/research/research-projects/image-af-willingness-to-accept-brain-imaging-evaluation-for-the-optimisation-of-anticoagulation-management-among-people-with-atrial-fibrillation-and-low-to-intermediate-stroke-risk

Time involvement of participants: An online survey – participants can choose to complete a short version that takes 5–7 minutes, or a full version that takes 8–13 minutes to complete. Focus group discussion (optional) – 20-30 minutes.

Compensation offered: $20 e-voucher for completing the simplified survey and $40 e-voucher for completing the full survey at our invitation. $100 e-voucher if attending the focus group discussion (20-30 minutes) at our invitation
 

Anonymous survey for GPs: Ordering Herpes Simplex Virus serology

Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre and the University of Sydney are seeking to better understand General Practitioner (GP) knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding ordering HSV serology. Internationally, guidelines differ in their recommendations in this area and clinical practice may vary accordingly. Your responses will greatly assist us in facilitating GP education and training opportunities and in working with partnering organisations in the sexual health sector to improve genital herpes case management and patient education.

Link to survey: https://redcap.ohmr.health.nsw.gov.au/surveys/?s=RC7JX4A43C3FLPY8

Time involvement of participants: 10 minutes

CPD points: Reviewing Performance

Contact person and details: Dr Nicholas Comninos at Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre: nicholas.comninos@health.nsw.gov.a / Tel: 02 98433124

Commencement date of the project: 16/06/2025

How are the experiences of part-time (PT) Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) registrars influenced by clinical and program factors? 

This project has received an RACGP Education Research Grant to look at the effect of part time training on AGPT registrars. This part of the study is a qualitative semistructured interview study with new fellows of the AGPT program that have previously trained part time. p

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

Investigators: Dr Jenna Lyttle, FRACGP, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Medicine, Deakin University Dr Talia Follett, FRACGP, Senior Local Medical Officer for the RACGP Prof Gary Rogers, Dean of Medicine, Deakin University Prof Steve Trumble, General Practice and Curriculum Workforce, Deakin University Prof Parker Magin, Senior Research Unit Academic Advisor and ReCEnT Chief Investigator, RACGP Dr Angelo D'Amore, Research Manager, RACGP

GP investigator: Dr Jenna Lyttle & Dr Talia Follett

Compensation offered: $150 gift card

Contact person and details: Dr Jenna Lyttle E-mail: Jenna.Lyttle@deakin.edu.au or Dr Talia Follett E-mail: Talia.Follett@racgp.org.au

Brief Description of participants or practices: GP's Australia wide who have fellowed in the last 5 years & who completed at least 75% of their training part time.

Commencement date of the project: 4/04/2025

Closing date for recruitment: 15/12/2025

Time involvement of participants: Semi- structured interviews of 45-60 mins duration, either in person, on zoom or on the phone

BREATHE SMART – Breathlessness Rapid Evaluation And THErapy – Screening, Management And IntegRated Technology 

The BREATHE study is an MRFF-funded trial improving early detection of chronic breathlessness in general practice. Patients complete a short digital screening tool via mobile phone, and the results are sent to the GP’s eMR. 50% of practices will additionally receive decision support prompts. The study is low-burden, integrates into usual care, and aims to improve timely diagnosis and management of conditions like COPD, asthma, and heart failure.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: : Australia-wide but based in NSW

Investigators: Joint CIA Professor Christine Jenkins, CI Professor Ben Freedman, CI Dr Anthony Paulo Sunjaya, and AI Dr Nicole Lowres

GP investigator: Joint CIA Professor Charlotte Hespe, CI Dr Katrina Giskes, CI Dr Andrew Kiight, CI Dr John Fardy, CI A/Professor Ralph Audehm, AI Dr Ai-vee Chua, AI Dr Michael Tam, AI Dr Michael Wright, AI Dr Christopher Pearce, and AI Dr Kerry Hancock

Contact details: Professor Charlotte Hespe charlotte.hespe@nd.edu.au GP Clinician, Glebe Family Medical Practice Head of GP and Primary Care Research UNDA Sydney School of Medicine

Brief Description of participants sought: Participating general practices must use the Best Practice electronic medical record system and have a patient population exceeding 1000 active individuals. Eligible patients are those aged 18 years or older who are scheduled to see a GP. Patients with physical or intellectual disabilities that prevent them from completing the self-screening questionnaire independently will be excluded from participation.

Commencement date of the project: 22/05/2025

Closing date for recruitment: 31/12/2025

Time involvement of participants: The study runs for 12 months. GPs attend a 15-minute training session, review digital screening results during usual consultations, and conduct brief follow-ups (3, 6, 12 months) for ~10 patients. Practice staff attend 30-minute training and support admin tasks like updating logs, coordinating follow-ups, de-identifying documents, and mailing forms (~1–2 hrs/month). The workflow integrates easily into routine practice.

Compensation offered: Practice Remuneration Participating practices will receive financial compensation to acknowledge the staff time and administrative support required to participate in the study. The amount varies depending on the study arm to which the practice is randomised: Up to AUD $5,000 for practices in the BREATHE SMART arm Up to AUD $9,500 for practices in the BREATHE SMART + CDSS arm This remuneration covers activities such as IT setup, baseline data extraction, and patient recruitment.

If CPD hours applicable, the CPD type (Measuring outcomes, Reviewing performance, Educational activities): GP participants will qualify for CPD in all 3 areas - Measuring outcomes, Reviewing performance, educational activities. We will provide certificates of participation including your time taken to do the activities.

Clinical trial registration, if applicable: BREATHE SMART has been registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12624001451594 BREATHE CDSS has been registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12624001455550

OUTPOST Study 

The OUTPOST study is a research project led by investigators based at the Department of General Practice and Primary Care, and the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, and the Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales. It is funded by The Department of Health and Aged Care via the APPRISE network.

The OUTPOST study will establish the first primary care-based Australian prospective cohort study of individuals with acute COVID-19/Influenza/RSV infection followed-up to 48 weeks for any persistent health symptoms. The overarching aim of OUTPOST is to estimate the 12-week point prevalence of Long COVID/Flu/RSV compared to noninfected controls and the disease burden up to 48 weeks post infection.

OUTPOST is linked to primary care from the outset to match the requirement of the funder of improving the detection and management of Long COVID at the level of general practices. This is because most patients with acute respiratory infections are likely to seek care from their GPs.

OUTPOST plans to recruit 1500 participants with acute COVID/Flu/RSV and 500 non-infected participants Australia-wide over an 18-month period. The study started accrual in August 2024. It is expected that up to 150 infected individuals (10%) may develop persistent symptoms consistent with Long COVID or the equivalent after Flu/RSV at 12-weeks versus 5% in the non-infected group (N=25). Each participant is reimbursed up to $110 for completing surveys at baseline, 6-weeks, 12-weeks, 24weeks and 48-weeks.

Throughout the study period, participating general practices are supported by a dedicated state-based study coordinator. Practices receive an incentive payment in recognition of their time and contribution.

In addition to recruitment through general practices, participants are also being recruited via pharmacies located near the participating practices, as well as through a nationwide social media campaign.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from (State, or Australia-wide):
Australia- wide

Investigators:
Prof Lena Sanci, Prof Andrew Lloyd, Prof Jon Emery, A/Prof Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis, A/Prof Patty Chondros, Dr Miranda Smith, Prof Douglas Boyle, Ms Maria Stambas, Dr Ruby Biezen, A/Prof. Lucette Cysique, Mrs Hayley Ivanusic, Ms Oonagh Macken

GP investigator:
Lena Sanci | Head / Professor MBBS., PhD., FRACGP
Department of General Practice and Primary Care | Melbourne Medical School
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences
MP: (+61) 0429417504
P: (61) +3 8344 9010 E: l.sanci@unimelb.edu.au

Contact person and details (Name, email address, etc):
Ruby Biezen BSc, MAppSc, PhD
Senior Research Fellow - Lead, Infectious Disease Surveillance and Stewardship in Primary Care
Department of General Practice and Primary Care | Melbourne Medical School
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Science
The University of Melbourne
W: +61 3 9035 4886| M: +61 417 149 974
E: ruby.biezen@unimelb.edu.au
F: +61 3 9347 6136 | W: http://www.gp.unimelb.edu.au/

Brief Description of participants or practices (inclusion/exclusion criteria, or a hyperlink to this):

The study aims to recruit participants who have experienced acute respiratory symptoms within the past 7 days. However, participants do not need to be symptomatic at the time of registration.

Participants invited through general practice must meet the following criteria:

Active patients, as defined by RACGP standards
12 years of age or older
Have a mobile phone number recorded in their file

Time involvement of participants:
Enrolled participants will be asked to complete online surveys at five time points over almost a year: baseline (week 0), week 6, week 12, week 24, and week 48. Each survey is estimated to take 30–40 minutes to complete.

Compensation offered:
Eligible participants receive a free TOUCH Bio RAT kit.
Enrolled participants receive $20 or $30 gift vouchers upon completion of each survey. In total, they may receive up to $110 in gift vouchers for completing the entire study.

Commencement date of the project:
1/08/2024

Closing date for recruitment:
31/12/2025

Link to survey:
https://redcap.unimelb.edu.au/surveys/?s=3F9J378YHM4TNDAH

Link to website:
bit.ly/outpost-study

Note:
Please share this opportunity with your colleagues and patients.
The study aims to recruit participants who have experienced acute respiratory symptoms within the past 7 days. However, participants do not need to be symptomatic at the time of registration or eligibility screening.
Eligible participants may choose to receive a TOUCH Bio RAT kit either by express post or by collecting it from a local participating clinic or pharmacy, as listed on the study website.
Participants who test positive for Flu A/B, RSV, or COVID-19 may enrol in the study.
Asymptomatic participants may register in advance and retain the TOUCH Bio RAT kit for future use if they develop symptoms. Alternatively, they may be recruited into the control group of the study through age and gender-matching if they remain asymptomatic.

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