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RACGP research grants to help uncover pandemic impact on GPs


Anastasia Tsirtsakis


16/04/2020 3:13:12 PM

Expressions of interest are now open for high-quality research projects relating to COVID-19 and general practice.

Coronavirus
The RACGP Foundation is offering funding to GPs for research projects related to COVID-19 and general practice.

‘It is important to understand the impact of this pandemic on general practice.’
 
RACGP President Dr Harry Nespolon recognises the fact the coronavirus pandemic has presented an unprecedented challenge to GPs.
 
While playing a central role on the frontline of care, GPs are continuing to manage the needs of their patients and adapting to new ways of consulting. 
 
To better support them and understand the full impact of the current health crisis, the RACGP Foundation, with the support of the HCF Research Foundation, is offering COVID-19 research grants to GPs. 
 
Examples of possible research projects include those looking into the use of telehealth and telehealth item numbers, as well as the evaluation of COVID-19 clinics.
 
Projects that are time-sensitive and require data collection during the pandemic phase are preferred. Current research projects that can be adapted to include COVID-19 are also eligible.
 
Dr Nespolon said general practice research is essential to continue to advance the health of the nation.
 
‘For too long research in general practice has been shockingly undervalued,’ he said.
 
‘If we want to maintain a world-class health system and solve the major health problems Australia faces, we need much more support for general practice research.’
 
To be eligible for the grant, the principal investigator must be a GP.
 
Applications will be assessed according to:

  • quality of the proposed methodology
  • importance of the research, including the need for it to be undertaken during the pandemic and its relevance to general practice
  • potential of the research to be translated into improved policy or practice, and/or inform responses to, and develop best practice approaches for, future pandemics
  • track record of the research team
  • feasibility.
Applicants will be required to indicate the budget required to undertake the project, up to $50,000.
 
The number and value of grants awarded by the RACGP Foundation will be determined as part of the review and ranking process.
 
‘We know many GPs who are conducting research are doing so while practising and have to fit it in around caring for their patients, without the recognition or compensation they deserve,’ Dr Nespolon said.
 
‘When GP research is supported, doctors are able to discover new ways to improve general practice and patient care – and people all over Australia stand to gain in improved health and wellbeing.’
 
Applications for the RACGP Foundation COVID-19 research grants close on Friday 24 April 2020. More information is available on the RACGP website.
 
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