RACGP GP Research Project Noticeboard

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.

Barriers and Enablers for General Practitioners Referring Workers with Psychological Injury to Exercise Physiology Services

This study aims to understand the factors influencing General Practitioner referrals for workers with psychological injuries and identify ways to improve access to exercise physiology services in Australia.

Participation Details: General Practitioners currently practicing in Australia

Compensation offered: At the end of the survey, you can enter the draw to win one of five $50 gift cards. If you would like to enter the draw, please record your details using the separate link which will be provided at the end of the main survey.

Time involvement of participants: Approx 10 minutes to complete an online survey Link to survey:

https://redcap.link/GPWC

Investigators: Dr Annie Jeffries (School of Health Sciences, Faculty Medicine and Health, UNSW), Dr Emily Cox (School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle), Professor Rohan Walker (School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle), Associate Professor Samantha Ashby (School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle), Dr Damien Walker (Jewells Medical Centre) and Mr Jason Korotkich (Uplift Exercise Physiology.

GP investigator: Dr Damien Whittaker (Jewells Medical Centre)

Contact person and details: Dr Annie Jeffries at a.jeffries@unsw.edu.au

Closing date for recruitment: 14/04/2026

Management practices for patients of reproductive age taking antiseizure medications

Antiseizure medications (ASMs) (which include, but are not limited to, sodium valproate, carbamazepine, topiramate, pregabalin, gabapentin) are required for treatment of several conditions, including epilepsy and psychiatric conditions. We are aiming to determine practices across Australia and New Zealand around management of patients of childbearing age taking ASMs for any indication.

There is a limited knowledge base to guide clinicians who care for patients taking antiseizure medications for any indication during pregnancy. This means that optimal counselling and prescribing approaches are unclear.

We aim to capture a snapshot of current practices, as taken by different types of clinicians, caring for females and males of reproductive potential in the Australasia region. This information may be used for future guidelines and will lay a foundation for future research.

Geographic location: Australia-wide

Time involvement: 5-10 minutes

Survey link: https://redcap.unimelb.edu.au/surveys/?s=9YL9TPRNCXX89NXA

Investigators: This research is part of a PhD for Dr Alexander Berry-Noronha and is being undertaken in conjunction with Professors Tomas Kalincik, Emilio Perucca, Piero Perucca, Dr Vincent Gallichio (FRACGP) and Frank Vajda.

GP investigator: Dr Vincent Gallichio

Contact Person: Dr Alex Berry-Noronha, aberrynoronh@student.unimelb.edu.au  or Professor Piero Perucca, piero.perucca@unimelb.edu.au

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

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

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

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

"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

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
 

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

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