RACGP GP Research Project Noticeboard

Evaluating AI-powered shared decision making training for Australian general practitioners: A Before-After Study

We are exploring, in a before-after study, how an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered communication training platform can be used to improve the shared decision making skills of GPs, specifically in the context of consultations with patients experiencing self-limited acute infections. The platform being used, SimConverse, uses generative AI to play the role of the patient and respond to questions based on its understanding of language, based on the pre-created patient scenario

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

Investigators: Dr Mina Bakhit, Dr Nimath Malawaraarachchi, Professor Tammy Hoffmann

GP investigator: Dr Nimath Malawaraarachchi

Contact person and details: Dr Mina Bakhit, Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare mbakhit@bond.edu.au

Inclusion criteria: Vocationally or non-vocationally registered General Practitioners (including GP Registrars) who are authorised to practice in Australia.
Participants who have access to their own electronic personal device to access and use the online training platform.

Commencement date of the project: 29/06/2026

Closing date for recruitment: 1/09/2026

Link to access the participant information sheet and consent to participate https://bond.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqhq2CZ1Mtu0Mt0

Link to survey: https://bond.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqhq2CZ1Mtu0Mt0

Time involvement of participants: Completing the questionnaires and working through the two cases, including the provided feedback, will take a maximum of 2 hours (Piloting with GPs has taken them less than 1 hour). This will be split into two sessions that can be completed anytime

Compensation offered: : Participants in the study will receive a $100 gift voucher.

Evaluating the impact of women’s help-seeking for vaginismus on their sense of self (Student)

You are invited to participate in a research study being conducted by Rashmi Pithavadian for her PhD project in the School of Health Sciences at Western Sydney University under the supervision of Prof Tinashe Dune, Dr Vijay Ramanathan, and Dr Sowbhagya Micheal. The research is being undertaken to develop the VG-PAIN healthcare resource for health professionals to better support people with vaginismus when they seek help for the condition.

Inclusion criteria: To be eligible to participate in the study, you must: 1). Currently experience or previously experienced, vaginismus, pain during sex, or vaginal insertion for 6+ months; 2). Be aged 18 years or above; 3). Live in Australia; and 4). Have English proficiency to read and respond to the survey.

GP investigator: Dr Jason Ong

Contact person and details: Rashmi Pithavadian r.pithavadian3@westernsydney.edu.au

Link to survey: https://surveyswesternsydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cuWSk2zhabY6CMK

Sexual Health Anogenital Diagnosis Enhancement through Artificial Intelligence

The SHADE-AI Study (Sexual Health Anogenital Diagnosis Enhancement through Artificial Intelligence) is investigating whether AI assisted clinical decision support can improve clinicians' diagnostic accuracy when assessing anogenital skin conditions.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Australia wide

GP investigator: Dr Ei Aung

Contact person and details: Nyi Nyi Soe, NSoe@mshc.org.au

Brief Description of participants or practices: We are seeking doctors and nurse practitioners currently practising in dermatology, general practice, HIV medicine, sexual health, infectious diseases, venereology, urology, or hospital settings.

Link to survey: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/iva2

Time involvement of participants: Approximately 10 minutes to complete the survey

Commencement date of the project: 22/06/2026

Preparing Primary Care for Precision Diabetes: Stakeholder Perspectives

We are investigating stakeholder perspectives on how precision medicine can enhance type 2 diabetes management and prevention in Australia. Precision diabetes moves beyond a one size fits all approach toward the use of data to personalise and improve clinical decision making at the subgroup and potentially individual level.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Australia wide

Investigators: Dr Rochelle Sleaby, Dr Shaoke Lei, Prof Jo Anne Manski Nankervis, Prof Elif Ekinci, Prof Lena Sanci

GP investigators: Dr Rochelle Sleaby, Prof Jo Anne Manski Nankervis, Prof Lena Sanci

Contact person and details: Dr Rochelle Sleaby, sleabyr@unimelb.edu.au

Brief Description of participants or practices: We are recruiting Australian General Practitioners, Diabetes Educators, Endocrinologists, and people living with type 2 diabetes.

Commencement date of the project: 22/06/2026

Time involvement of participants: A 30 to 60 minute interview

Compensation offered: $100 gift voucher

PRESCRIBE: A cross-country initiative to inform Australian digital health policy using Germany’s DiGA model

In collaboration with the University of Bayreuth, this project explores whether Australia could adopt Germany’s DiGA model, where doctors formally prescribe approved digital health apps as part of patient treatment. Two workshops are being held, one in Germany and one in Melbourne, bringing together stakeholders from policy, practice, research, and digital health to identify key challenges and opportunities for implementing a similar approach in Australian primary care.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Can be Australia-wide, however we seek recruitment for an in-person workshop in Melbourne

Investigators: Dr Feby Savira, Ms Alice Petcopoulos, Ms Alisa Bader, Ms Constanze Betz, Dr Jessica Watterson, Mr Jamie Swann, Ms Jess Franks, A/Prof Kate Huggins, Ms Madison Frith, Dr Magdalena Schellenberg, Prof Dr Marika Haderer, Prof Michael Lauerer, Prof Reiner Hoffman, Prof Suzanne Robinson, Ms Pia Spath

GP investigator: Dr Katherine Graham

Contact person and details: Ms Alice Petcopoulos, alice.petcopoulos@deakin.edu.au

Brief Description of participants or practices: We seek currently practicing General Practitioners who reside in Australia to take part in our half-day workshop in the Melbourne CBD.

Closing date for recruitment: 7/07/2026

Link to survey: https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_5BCaDxiMyz1n3h4

Time involvement of participants: Our workshop will run for approximately 4 hours (10am to 2pm).

Compensation offered: We will be compensating GPs $500 for their time and contribution with a pre-paid debit gift card.

Microvascular Modulation in Endometriosis (MMEND Study)

Researchers at Curtin are investigating a new intervention that may provide endometriosis pain relief. The intervention consists of a vasoactive, anti-inflammatory nutraceutical with or without a semi-essential amino acid.

Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from: Western Australia

Investigators: Professor John Mamo, Dr Virginie Lam, Ms Emily Redwood, A/Prof Ryu Takuchi, Dr Mauro Vaccarezza, Dr Johanna Costigan

GP investigator: Dr Johanna Costigan

Contact person and details: Ms Emily Redwood, MMEND@curtin.edu.au, 0415 121 435

Inclusion criteria:

• Age 18–45
• Diagnosed with endometriosis
• Experiencing moderate–severe pelvic pain

Exclusion criteria:

• Pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy in the next 14 months
• Endometriosis surgery within the last 6 months
• Changes to hormonal contraception or pain medication within the last 3 months

Link to survey: bit.ly/mmend

Time involvement of participants: Participants complete a weekly electronic pain questionnaire for 56 weeks, and take oral capsules once a day for 32 weeks. There are 4 in-person visits conducted at Curtin University over the course of the study.

Supporting GPs to address the social determinants of diabetes

People who are struggling with social factors such as poverty, unemployment or isolation are more likely to develop diabetes and are also more likely to find it difficult to control their diabetes. We want to learn about your experience of screening for and helping to manage social factors in diabetes care in your daily practice, what things help or make it more difficult and how we can equip primary care staff to support their patients in these challenges.

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

Investigators: Associate Professor Hannah Woodall, Associate Professor Janani Pinidiyapathirage, Dr Sherrilyn Walters, Associate Professor Robert Heffernan, Dr Gaayathrri Balakrishnan

GP investigator: Associate Professor Hannah Woodall, Associate Professor Robert Heffernan, Dr Gaayathrri Balakrishnan

Contact person and details: Hannah Woodall, hannah.woodall@ruralmeded.org.au

Brief Description of participants or practices: Any staff member working in an Australian General Practice setting who is involved in care of patients with diabetes. This may include but is not limited to; GPs, registrars, nurses, health workers / practitioners, administrative staff and diabetes educators.

Closing date for recruitment: 30/11/2026

Link to survey: https://griffithuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38xndWtZ7i76Nvg

Time involvement of participants: Approximately 20 minutes for the online survey. Participants may also elect to take part in an in-person or online interview with a member of the research team.

Compensation offered: Not applicable for survey. Participants who elect to take part in an interview will receive a $50 gift voucher.

Nurse practitioners in child development

This study is being conducted as part of a PhD at Flinders University and aims to better understand South Australian health professionals perceptions of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) working in child development. Insights from health professionals working in this field are critical to ensuring the findings meaningfully reflect contemporary practice and inform future workforce, service, and policy directions.

• Complete a short online survey
• The survey will take approximately 15 minutes
• Participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time
• Your responses will be anonymous and confidential
• At the end of the survey, you will be invited to take part in a follow-up interview.

Link to survey: https://qualtrics.flinders.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_enit8kGRA8eEcOq

Investigators: Alicia Bell, PhD Candidate

GP investigator: Dr Tim Jones

Ethics: The project has been approved by Flinders University's Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC Project Number 9209).

Australian primary healthcare practitioner survey on IUD insertion Assessment and Management of Pain (IUD-AMP)

This is a national study to better understand current practices and support needs of Australian primary healthcare practitioners in assessing and managing pain during intra uterine device (IUD) insertion. Your insights will help inform the development of evidence based training and resources to better support.

• primary healthcare practitioners, and
• women seeking contraception counselling and IUD insertion services

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

Investigators: Dr Sharon James, Dept of General Practice, Monash University Prof Deborah Bateson AM, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney Dr Freya Davies, Wales Centre for Primary and Emergency Care research (PRIME Centre Wales), Cardiff University Dr John Reynolds-Wright, Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh Dr Sara Whitburn, Sexual Health Victoria

GP investigator: Prof Danielle Mazza AM, Dept of General Practice, Monash University

Contact person and details: Dr Nadia Lusis Department of General Practice Monash University, nadia.lusis@monash.edu.au

Brief Description of participants or practices: All healthcare practitioners working in primary healthcare who provide IUD insertion services, including GPs, nurse practitioners, midwives, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, and other AHPRA-registered practitioners.

Commencement date of the project: 20/05/2026

Link to survey: https://redcap.helix.monash.edu/surveys/?s=PHDRFTFN3E9PRPYY

Time involvement: 10 - 15 minutes

Understanding Gambling Screening in Health Care and Social Assistance Settings

This University of Sydney research study examines factors influencing whether health and social service professionals implement and refer a digital gambling harm-minimisation tool in routine practice. Participants will complete an online survey assessing professional background, perceptions of the tool, implementation-related factors, and referral intentions. Participants may also choose to complete a brief follow-up survey approximately four weeks later regarding referral-related behaviours.

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

Investigators: • Professor Sally Gainsbury, Chief Investigator, Gambling Treatment & Research Clinic • Lydia (Lillie) Brewer, School of Psychology Honours student • Dr Robert Heirene, Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic • Dr Dilushi Chandrakumar, Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic • Teejay Santos, Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic • Fergus Lyons, Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic

GP investigator: This project is being conducted as part of an Honours in Psychology thesis at The University of Sydney by student researcher Lydia (Lillie) Brewer under the supervision of Professor Sally Gainsbury, School of Psychology, University of Sydney.

Contact person and details: Lillie Brewer, lbre0300@uni.sydney.edu.au

Brief Description of participants: We are seeking professionals who work or volunteer directly with clients/patients/consumers in a medical, mental health, or social work settings to participate in our study. This includes General Practitioners, Specialist Medical Practitioners, Gambling Counsellors, Mental Health Counsellors, and Social Service workers among others. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in our study. Participants from any country are welcome to participate.

Commencement date of the project: 1/06/2026

Closing date for recruitment: 1/08/2026

Link to survey: The link to the survey will be available shortly once recruitment opens.

Time involvement of participants: The online survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Participants will have the option to consent to receiving a brief follow-up survey emailed to them 30 days after the completion of the first survey. This will take approximately 2 minutes to complete.

Compensation offered: For every person who completes this study, one $10 grocery gift card will be donated to CatholicCare to support individuals and families experiencing financial difficulties. This will be capped such that the maximum amount donated will be $250

Clinical decision support tool for medication adherence in CVD prevention

This project recruits practising GPs across Australia to co-design a clinical decision support tool to improve cardiovascular medication adherence. Participants will complete 3 to 4 short surveys reviewing interventions targeting barriers such as cost, side effects and routine challenges. A key feature is the BRIDGE risk prediction model, which identifies medication use trajectories including persistent adherence and early discontinuation. The next survey will assess usability in primary care.

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

Investigators:

Chief Investigators: Dr Stella Talic, Professor Zanfina Ademi, Professor Danny Liew, Professor J Simon Bell, Professor Christopher Reid, Professor Sally Green, Associate Professor Jenni Ilomaki, Dr Ella Zomer, Dr Danielle Berkovic & Mr Sean Lybrand. PhD investigator: Miss Caroline Trin Research Fellow: Dr Harvey Jia Wei Koh
GP investigator: Dr Daniel Xu
Chief investigator: Dr Stella Talic, Stella.talic@monash.edu
PhD investigator: Miss Caroline Trin, Caroline.trin@monash.edu

Brief Description of participants or practices: General practitioners currently practising in Australia Experience prescribing cardiovascular related medications Fluent in English

Commencement date of the project: 13/05/2026

Closing date for recruitment: 1/10/2026

Link to survey: https://monash.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1NtOO5AFDs1YqtU

Link to website: https://www.monash.edu/medicine/sphpm/pharmacoepidemiology-research-group/projects-and-research-areas

Time involvement of participants: Each survey round will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Participants may be required to take part in 3 to 4 rounds over a 4-month period until consensus is reached. If you complete the first round, please ensure you have the capacity to participate in subsequent rounds, as ongoing engagement throughout the process is important.

Compensation offered: Participants will receive a $50 e-voucher upon completion of all survey rounds and once consensus has been reached. GPs will also be invited to receive exclusive early access to the tool for future pilot testing, evaluation and feedback. All participants who complete the study will be invited to be co-authors on a research manuscript, provided they meet the ICMJE authorship criteria.

Other links: The BRIDGE risk prediction model pre-print manuscript will provide further insight into the development and purpose of the tool. URL: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.21.26351387v1

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

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

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

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.

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