GP Research Foundation relaunches

GPs are urged to bring forward their ‘big ideas to tackle pressing health challenges’, with applications now open for a range of innovation and research grants.
 
The call comes as the Australian General Practice Research Foundation was relaunched in Sydney this week, focusing on innovations to improve patient care and health outcomes. 
 
Major and large grant expressions of interest are now open until 4 April, with the general grants round opening 12 May.
 
The larger grant options include healthcare systems and sustainability, prevention strategies in primary care, health services research in general practice, and therapeutic guidelines research.
 
The Foundation’s patron and incoming Australian Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd described general practice research as ‘underfunded and undervalued’. 
 
‘This Foundation is our chance to change that and ensure that all GPs have access to the evidence-based tools and resources they need to deliver the best possible care to their patients,’ he said.
 
‘I feel privileged to have this opportunity to champion the transformative power of general practice research and its role in helping to create healthier communities across our nation.’


Australian General Practice Research Foundation Chair Sarah Lance and RACGP President Dr Michael Wright at the Foundation’s relaunch. (Image: Jake Pinskier) 

Foundation Committee Chair Sarah Lance said that with general practice currently receiving less than 2% of national medical research funding, the relaunched Foundation aims to bridge that gap.
 
‘We are calling on GPs with big ideas to tackle pressing health challenges, improve patient care and strengthen the future of general practice,’ she said. 
 
‘Through funding and fostering research, we can unlock innovations that will improve care on a scale that benefits every corner of the country.’
 
The Foundation’s general grants cover research topics including diabetes in general practice research, GP wellbeing, Adelaide North East Division of General Practice innovation, family medical care education and research, the Chris Silagy Research Grant, and the RACGP West Australian Faculty Research Grant.
 
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said it is the ‘tireless efforts to support GPs’ which laid the groundwork for the initiative. 
 
Dr Wright is now calling on all political parties to fund a national practice-based research network in Australia, as well as research into multidisciplinary practice teams.
 
‘Practice-based research networks have had great success overseas, including in Canada, where they produce evidence to improve care for prominent health issues including chronic illness, ageing, addiction, and allergies,’ he said.
 
‘These crucial research initiatives, alongside the Foundation, will build a stronger academic GP workforce and research base, improving access to care, reducing hospital admissions and reducing costs for patients.’
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

Australian General Practice Research Foundation general practice research