Research

The Primary Health Network partners with key research institutions and universities within our region to focus on research that will make the greatest impact locally. The types of research support offered by the PHN are as follows:

• Letter of support
• Provision and collation of data
• PHN staff subject matter experts to provide direct input into research
• Research networking and promotion
• Collaborative grant application support
• Research facilitation support

Completion of the Research Proposal Request Application Form will generate an assessment process against set criteria considering the relevance, quality, governance, and feasibility of the proposed research project opportunity. To ensure a prompt response to submissions please ensure questions are answered thoroughly covering all topics under inclusions.

We will endeavour to respond to all submissions within four (4) weeks. If you require an urgent response please indicate your deadline in additional information in this form and we will do the upmost to accommodate the request.

For any questions in regard to the application process please contact the PHN by email to researchPHN@thephn.com.au

Complete Research Proposal Request Application Form

2023 Publications

2022 Publications

2019 - 2021 Publications

2016 - 2018 Publications

At the PHN we gather information about health needs and issues in our region by talking to people and communities, consulting experts and health care providers, looking at research, and from data we gather from many sources, such as the census, general practices and hospitals and other sources.

We have created a range of resources to assist with health planning in our region, integrating, analysing and summarising information and data from many sources.

View and download our current health planning resources

Research title: Residential Aged Care: Tell us your research priorities

Research organisation: Monash University, School of Primary and Allied Health Care

Description: The National Centre for Healthy Ageing Residential Aged Care Research Network (RACReN), wants to hear what you think are the most important areas to research in residential aged care. This information will be shared with aged care researchers to make sure they are researching what matters most to everyone involved in residential aged care. We want to hear from you if you: have a family member or friend that is living, or has lived, in a residential aged care home; Live in a residential aged care home; OR Work in or with a residential aged care home - this includes PCAs, nurses, cleaners, cooks, and visiting allied health and primary care clinicians.

Research tool(s): Participation involves completing 1-2 short surveys (10-20 minutes) over the next 6 months. Participants go into the draw to win one of 10 x $100 eGift Cards. To learn more and start the survey, click HERE.

Closing date: 20/12/2023

Contact details: Dr. Katrina Long: ncha.racren@monash.edu (03) 9904 4822

Research title: Australian Clinicians' experience with bacterial skin infections

Research organisation: Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, ACT

Description: Bacterial skin infections, especially impetigo, are rising concerns in Australia, with one in four Australians affected. The Faculty of Health at the University of Canberra is delving into treatment strategies, revealing gaps in effective treatments. Our recent survey highlighted family challenges, including school exclusions and treatment dissatisfaction. Yet, the perspective of healthcare professionals remains uncharted. We're initiating discussions and interviews to understand clinicians' experiences and strategies.

Research tool(s): We invite General Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, and Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners to participate in the following online survey - https://uoc.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eK7E5feeWUMffsq

Also, please register your email address for an interview or a focused group discussion through https://uoc.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6rqSixesTs87aHI )

Closing date: 26.01.2024

Contact details: Dhakshila Niyangoda, PhD student, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, ACT 2617 ( dhakshila.niyangoda@canberra.edu.au , 0493097004 )

Research title: Transcending individual blame and weight stigma for preconception women living in larger bodies from the perspectives of healthcare.

Research organisation: Monash University

Description: The preconception period has been identified as an opportunity to promote favourable maternal and infant outcomes, before, during and after pregnancy. Important preconception care include ensuring women are up to date on vaccinations, cessation of alcohol and smoking, folic acid supplementation and management of co-morbidities (e.g., asthma, diabetes). Despite the well-established benefits of preconception care, the uptake remains low, with one possible reason being the high prevalence of weight stigma within the healthcare setting. Our research team at Monash University are exploring GPs views on factors that influence care for preconception women living with overweight or obesity (ethical approval project ID: 38475). Eligible participants include any GP (currently working or has worked as a GP within the past five years), who care for preconception women. Upon completion of the survey participants can enter the draw to win one of four $100 gift vouchers. Recruitment flyer. Information Sheet for GPs.

Research tool(s): 15-minute online survey

Closing date: End of June 2024 or until we reach the desired sample size

Contact details: Chloe Tran - 0450 075 494 - chloe.tran@monash.edu

Research title: Brain enhancement study (BES): Can optimising biochemical parameters (targets) via participation in a multi-modal lifestyle-based intervention improve cognition in amnestic MCI

Research organisation: Australasian Health Research Institute at Avondale University and Sydney Adventist Hospital

Description: This study will investigate the effectiveness of a 6 month personalised multi-modal intervention program to improve cognition, behavioural function and mood, in individuals who have mild but measurable declines in memory (i.e. who have mild cognitive impairment; MCI). We are seeking individuals, aged 65 to 85 years, who suspect they have MCI, or who have been diagnosed with MCI, to consider taking part in this 6 month, personalised, lifestyle based, multi-modal intervention. The program is designed to help each participant to adopt brain healthy behaviours (with the support of their companion). These, include Nutrition, Cognitive activity, Physical movement and Optimised biorhythms. The progress of each individual will be closely monitored throughout the program and their program adjusted as needed to ensure each participant has the best chance of making the biochemical and physiological changes consistent with positive improvements in their brain health. Project flyer

Research tool(s): Participants will be asked to participate (with their study companion) in a 5 day intensive/immersive lifestyle program and study entry, and again at 3 and 6 months. Information statement

Closing date: November 2024

Contact details: Chief Investigators: A/Prof Ross Grant, Email: rossg@sah.org.au Ph: 61 2 94809602 and Dr Jade Berg, Email: jade.berg@sah.org.au Ph: 61 2 94809601

Research title: Investigating HIV prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices: informing PrEP access for ‘at risk’ young people in Australia

Research organisation: The University of Queensland

Description: This research aims to identify and explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of young people (16-24 years) in relation to their knowledge, access, and usage of PrEP, along with the attitudes and experience of Healthcare and service providers who provide and recommend PrEP to young people in Australia. This research will provide critical insights into specific barriers and facilitators to PrEP access and initiation for young Australians, with outcomes used to inform development of appropriate, acceptable and focused models of PrEP education and provision for young people with a particular focus on young people under the age of 18 in Australia.

Research tool(s): Healthcare provider online survey I Project Flyer I Project Information Sheet

Closing date: March 2024

Contact details: Sarah Warzywoda E: s.warzywoda@uq.edu.au

Research title: Clinical Observation, Management, and Function of low back pain Relief Therapies

Research organisation: The University of Sydney

Description: We are inviting GP practices to participate in the NHMRC-funded COMFORT clinical trial, which will evaluate a care model for low back pain. GPs will receive CPD points and reimbursement per patient enrolled. If you are a GP interested in participating, please contact the study team at COMFORT@sydney.edu.au to join us in advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes.

Research tool(s): Practice GP Letter, Participant Information Statement

Closing date: 14 December 2026 (possible HREC extension)

Contact details: Sarah Diprose | Research Assistant | sarah.diprose@sydney.edu.au

Research title: Pregnancy Intention, Contraception and Obstetric Outcomes in Women Who Use Alcohol and Other Drugs in Pregnancy: A qualitative study of health care workers.

Research organisation: University of Sydney

Description: This project involves interviews of clinicians (including GPs, obstetricians, addiction medicine specialists, registered nurses/midwives, pharmacists, drug and alcohol case workers, counsellors, social workers) who regularly care for women in the pre-conception period, during pregnancy, or post-partum period and care for women on the Central Coast. Clinicians are not required to have expertise in caring for women with alcohol and other drug use. The project focuses on clinician perspectives about recognition of alcohol and other drug use in pregnancy, and unplanned pregnancy and access to contraception for women who use alcohol and other drugs. The interviews will take about 30 minutes and can be conducted on Zoom. Registration takes about 5 minutes and can be completed via the links or QR code on the research fliers. A researcher will be in contact to arrange an interview time.

Research tool(s): Interviews

Closing date: November 30^th 2023.

Contact details: Kelly McNamara, kmcn6256@uni.sydney.edu.au

Research title: Supporting Choice for Cervical Screening

Research organisation: University of Melbourne

Description: Supporting Choice for Cervical Screening is a national project which aims to generate evidence about how the choice for self-collection can be implemented in different services and settings, to ensure equitable access and increased participation for people who currently experience barriers to cervical screening. The project is co-led by the University of Melbourne and the Daffodil Centre, a joint venture between Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney. Participants can take part in an interview as an individual (up to 60 minutes) or as part of a group with colleagues (up to 1.5 hours). The interview will be held online via Zoom or Teams.

To indicate your interest in an interview please click- https://melbourneuni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Nqgv801HaiGFV4

Research tool(s): Interview Information Statement

Closing date: 04/09/2023

Contact details: Dr Tessa Saunders, tessa.saunders@unimelb.edu.au

Research title: A formative evaluation of a peer-facilitated, online, perinatal education and support program for first-time Australian fathers referred through primary health care providers.

Research organisation: Curtin University

Description: According to recent research, first-time fathers want programs that are informative but also allow them to interact with other men about their experiences with fatherhood. Fathers can be more easily engaged directly on their mobile phones, although programs that also include peer interaction and support have not been adequately evaluated. In addition, engaging health professionals, particularly those in primary care settings (e.g., GPs, midwives, etc) to help refer first-time fathers to such programs has not been described in the literature. In this current first phase of the research, we are conducting both a national 15–20-minute anonymous online survey and a 30–40-minute semi-structured online interview (in Western Australia and Queensland only), with health professionals who work with first-time fathers and their partners, to gain their views on first-time fathers’ needs and inclusion in perinatal care and programs, and about the proposed program we are developing.

Research tool(s): a 15–20-minute anonymous online survey (national), and/or a 30–40-minute semi-structured online interview (for those practising in Western Australia and Queensland only). Research Study flyer

Closing date: 30 November 2023

Contact details: Richard Pascal, richard.pascal@postgrad.curtin.edu.au

Project link: https://curtin.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d1iFwnLlKcXw9wO

Research title: Models of general practice care of people living in residential age care homes.

Research organisation: UNSW Sydney, The University of Wollongong, and HammondCare

Description: Researchers at UNSW, UOW and HammondCare are calling general practices to take part in our survey, examining models of GP care in residential aged care homes. Our research is in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care and will form the basis of a new model of care that better addresses the needs of residents and healthcare staff. GPs, Practice Nurses and Practice Managers are invited to complete our 10min survey and go in the draw to win one of 20 $100 VISA gift cards.

Research tool(s): General Practitioners: https://tinyurl.com/GPsurveyagedcare I Practice Nurses: https://tinyurl.com/PNsurveyagedcare I Practice Managers: https://tinyurl.com/PMsurveyagedcare

Closing date: 31^st August 2023

Contact details: A/Prof Joel Rhee GP_agedcareproject@unsw.edu.au 02 9348 0857

Research title: PRACTIS: PRimary health and Aged Care Translation and Interpreting Services

Research organisation: Monash University

Description: Staff who work in, or visit Residential Aged Care Facilities, are invited to complete a 20-minute anonymous survey about the way you communicate with residents who have limited proficiency in English. Your experiences will be used to improve the delivery of care to older Australians with limited English proficiency living in Residential Aged Care Facilities. All participants who complete the survey will go in the draw for one of 10 x$50 eGift Cards.

Research tool(s): Survey. Survey link: https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CtSaq4UYzx0uQB

Closing date: 30 Sep 2023

Contact details: Jason Yeung (Research Assistant) on (03) 9904 4822 or ncha.racren@monash.edu

Research title: Assessing clinician attitudes and current practices for the use of ankle supports in the management and prevention of lateral ankle sprain.

Research organisation: The University of Sydney

Description: The aim of the survey is To determine clinician’s current practices and attitudes on the use of ankle supports in the management and prevention of lateral ankle sprains. Participant Information Statement. Consent Form.

Research tool: online survey. Survey link

Closing date: 29/02/2024

Contact details: Tomas Megalaa email: tmeg0836@uni.sydney.edu.au

Research title: ESTEEM After Stroke: Exercising, Socialising and Thinking- An Environmental Enrichment Model in the Community After Stroke After Stroke

Research organisation: Hunter Medical Research Institute in partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District, The University of Newcastle and Mercy Services.

Description: ESTEEM After Stroke is a research program which aims to evaluate the effect of implementation of the ESTEEM Program with NGOs providing community based care in regional areas. The ESTEEM Program is a community-based model of rehabilitation which provides stroke survivors with an opportunity to exercise, socialise, and participate in creative thinking activities to encourage the best possible recovery after stroke. This combination of physical, cognitive and social activity participation is based on the principal of ‘environmental enrichment’ and the role that multi-modal stimulation plays in promoting brain plasticity especially after stroke. We are evaluating the effects of participation in the ESTEEM Program on both stroke survivors (i.e., independence, mood, quality of life and social networks) and their carers (i.e., quality of life and carer burden). The aim of ESTEEM After Stroke is to ensure a sustainable and effective (including cost effective) recovery program is available long-term for regional stroke survivors.

Research tool(s): The ESTEEM Program is currently delivered at Mercy Services, West Wallsend and is planned to be available in the Maitland and Manning regions in 2024. Stroke survivors engage in 30 minutes of physiotherapy prescribed exercise, and then 30 minutes of socialisation, followed by 90 minutes of creative thinking (arts or movement to music), TWICE a week for 10 weeks. We are collecting health outcomes for stroke survivors and carers (physical, mood and quality of life) and health professional experiences of participating in this program at baseline, post-program and 3 months post-program. Facebook page: E S T E E M | Newcastle NSW | Facebook. Program flyer

Closing date: December 2025

Contact details: Heidi Janssen. heidi.janssen@health.nsw.gov.au Mob. 0411 114 995 Tel (02) 4921 4037| Fax (02) 4921 4833

Research title: The Get Healthy Coaching Service® to reduce the burden of low back pain: effectiveness, cost effectiveness, and scalability

Research organisation: The University of Sydney

Description: This study aims to compare strategies to motivate and support people with low back pain to keep on track with the advice they have been given. Participation is free, with over 120 volunteers already enrolled, no in-person attendance is required.

Research tool(s): The study is conducted entirely online using surveys through email and phone. Information Sheet

Closing date: 31^st June 2024

Contact details: Carlos Mesa Castrillon Phone: +610286279932, Email: getbacktohealthy.study@sydney.edu.au Website: tinyurl.com/getbacktohealthystudy

Research title: Head and neck cancer survivorship needs in regional/remote areas: Perceptions of patients and GPs

Research organisation: Chris O’Brien Lifehouse

Description: Survivors of Head and Neck cancer have among the most unique and complex needs as compared to other types of cancers due to anatomical complexity of the head and neck region. Much of the research on survivorship is largely focused on patients residing in metropolitan city areas. However rural cancer survivors are faced with even more complex challenges as compared to their urban counterparts where cancer survival rate is much lower. Therefore, the broad aim of the proposed study is to investigate survivorship needs and issues in patients residing in remote/regional areas of NSW from the perspectives of stakeholders (patients and GPs). Given, the limited support services available to regional/remote patients, it amplifies the importance of identifying such needs from the perspectives of GPs so that such needs can be addressed by GPs without referring regional patients to metropolitan area.

Participant Information Sheet

Research tool(s): Interview, How to participate

Closing date: October-November 2023

Contact details: Miss Poorva Pradhan, Research Officer (Regional and Remote Services), Head and Neck Surgery Department, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Email: Poorva.pradhan@lh.org.au Contact number: 0481863255

Research title: Activating Primary Care COPD Patients with Multi-morbidity (APCOM) Trial

Research organisation: Bond University, UNSW Sydney, University of Queensland, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Wollongong Australia, University of Sydney, Lung Foundation Australia, Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Description: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. COPD usually occurs along with other long-term conditions (multimorbidity). There is a lack of effective self-management support for COPD in primary care. Funded by the Medical Research Future Fund, the APCOM Trial will further test an innovative, personalised self-management support program delivered by Practice Nurses (PNs) in collaboration with other members of the practice team, for people with COPD and comorbidities. We will support practice participation by providing a recompense of $1000 each to ALL participating general practices for recruiting eligible patients for the trial. A $200 gift voucher will be provided to a practice champion, nominated by the practice team, who will be the main focal point for the trial. General practices allocated to the intervention arm of the trial will be provided a payment of $60/hour for the PN’s time towards attending an online training workshop and delivery of the self-management program to patients in up to five personalised health coaching sessions. All participating GPs and PNs can claim CPD hours for their involvement in the trial. See Research Trial flyer.

Research tool(s): The research team will collect quantitative data from all participating patients at Baseline, 6 and 12 months; post-study semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a subset of patients, PNs and GPs in the intervention arm.

Closing date: 31^st December 2023

Contact details: Professor Nick Zwar at nzwar@bond.edu.au or 07-5595 5499

Research title: Ordering Herpes Simplex Virus serology in General Practice.

Research organisation: Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre

Description: Brief, 3-minute, anonymous questionnaire about ordering Herpes Simplex Virus serology in General Practice. Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre (WSSHC) is seeking to better understand GP knowledge, attitudes and practices with regard to ordering HSV serology. Responses will greatly assist us in facilitating education and training and improving herpes case management and patient education. Although not remunerated, participants are able to claim RACGP/ACCRM CPD points for participation in research activities.

Research tool(s): Brief (3 minute) anonymous online survey. Link to survey https://redcap.link/orderingHSVserology

Closing date: April 2025

Contact details: Dr Nicholas Comninos (Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre) Nicholas.Comninos@health.nsw.gov.au

Research title: PreBabe: A pragmatic randomised controlled trial to assess whether a preconception weight loss program can improve maternal and infant outcomes for women with overweight or obesity

Research organisation: University of Sydney

Description: PreBabe is a world-first clinical trial exploring how losing weight prior to pregnancy can improve the long-term health of mothers and babies. We are looking for 2,200 women in Sydney and Newcastle who are planning a pregnancy, have a BMI > 25 and are aged 18 to 40, to test two different approaches to weight loss prior to pregnancy. The study will generate new knowledge for researchers and health care providers to better understand which weight loss approach can best help women with overweight and wanting to become pregnant.

Research tool(s): Women are invited to register their interest at https://prebabe.com.au. Participating women will be offered a free 10-week weight loss program to test two different approaches to losing weight prior to pregnancy to see which has the best short- and long-term results for women and babies. Both weight loss programs are safe, supported by a clinical team, and designed to be followed for 10 weeks prior to trying to get pregnant.

Closing date: 2025

Contact details: Rachelle Sau-Harvey, PreBabe Trial Coordinator, Email: rachelle.sau-harvey@sydney.edu.au

Research title: The Hunter – Optimising AF Project (“HOAP”)

Research organisation: University of Newcastle

Description: Atrial Fibrillation is recognised as a critical contributor to cardiovascular disease and stroke burden and has historically presented challenges in its clinical management. The Hunter–Optimising Atrial Fibrillation Project (HOAP-AF) aims to understand health professionals perspectives on AF care pathways, identify any challenges or gaps in care in the Hunter New England region, and (if any gaps are identified) canvas perspectives on practical solutions to address these. We are seeking perspectives from primary care clinicians, in particular, General Practitioners within the Hunter New England region. GPs can register their interest (no obligation) and seek further information here https://redcap.link/HOAP-AF.

Research tools: Survey and Interview

Closing date: 31 December 2023

Contact details: (Primary contact person) Esminio Rivera, Esminio.rivera@newcastle.edu.au

Research title: Monitoring intermittent vs Regular inhaled corticosteroids in asthma: MIRSA

Research organisation: Hunter New England Local Health District

Description: Regular use of inhaled steroids, or preventers, have been the most common way to reduce asthma symptoms, and potentially abolish active asthma. Recently, new guidelines have recommended that preventers can be used ‘as-needed’ instead. Our study will look at comparing different steroids with these two methods to see if active asthma can be abolished, and which method is a more effective treatment for asthma. This study’s funding has been provided to the Chief Investigator through GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) via their Supported Collaborative Study program. The drugs provided in this study are provided free of charge by GSK.

Research tool(s): People aged between 18 and 60 years and have mild asthma are eligible to participate in this study. The study will take place within the Adult Respiratory Laboratory located either within the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, Australia or East Maitland Pulmonary Function Laboratory, Australia (private clinic). It will involve 6-7 visits over the course of 22 weeks (most visits are every 4 weeks). Each visit will be approximately 45mins-1hr. View Participant Information Sheet for information on how to join the study.

Contact details: Dr. John Brannan on: 0435 206 232 or john.brannan@health.nsw.gov.au or contact Lorissa McGufficke (Clinical Trial Coordinator) on 0466 232 665.

Research title: Speak up for healthier children: Join our GP survey on bacterial skin infections

Research organisation: University of Canberra

Description: Bacterial skin infections are common in Australia; they affect about one-in-four Australians at any given time and impose a high burden on society and the economy. However, the issue has never been looked at through the lens of frontline healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, the apparent need to investigate this from the Australian General Practitioners' (GPs) point of view has been highlighted in many studies. Therefore, we designed a survey to explore GPs' consultations, treatment choices and management of bacterial skin infections. We cordially invite all the Australian GPs' with more than one year of experience to share your experience with us.

Research tool(s): Survey

Closing date: 31.12.2023

Contact details: Associate Professor Jackson Thomas (Principal Investigator) jackson.thomas@canberra.edu.au, Ms Dhakshila Niyangoda at dhakshila.niyangoda@canberra.edu.au

Post date: February 2023

Research title: Targeting Treatable Traits in COPD to Prevent Hospitalisations (TERRACOTTA)

Research organisation: Monash University

Description: ‘Treatable traits’ (TTs) refers to individually assessing patients for a specified set of treatable problems, followed by the development and implementation of an individualised treatment programme. The aim of this research project is to evaluate the efficacy of a practice nurse-coordinated intervention - Targeting Treatable Traits in COPD to Prevent Hospitalisations (TERRACOTTA) – in the Australian primary care. This study focuses on a practice nurse-led model of care targeting treatable traits in COPD. Our goal is to improve quality of life in patients with COPD and reduce hospitalisations.

Research tool(s): Participation of Practice Nurse. Click here for further information about the study. View Project Flyer.

Contact details: Ingrid Sand, TERRACOTTA Project Manager. terracotta@monash.edu Phone: 0412 234 012

Post date: February 2023

Research title: Investigating the referral patterns to allied health by Neurologists and General Practitioners in New South Wales for people with Parkinson’s Disease

Research organisation: University of Sydney

Description: We are conducting a research study about when and why doctors refer their patients with Parkinson’s disease in NSW to allied health.
We are seeking Movement disorder specialists, Neurologists and General Practitioners to be involved in this study.

Research tool(s): Interview - Click here to join study. Brief questionnaire and semi-structured interview. View Information Sheet.

Closing date: 1 December 2023

Contact details: Ms Cassandra Wong, cassandra.m.wong@sydney.edu.au phone: 0430 112 366

Post date: January 2023

Research title: Are you a health professional who worked in Nauru Detention Centre. Exploring the Ethical Climate of Health Professionals working in Restricted Environments

Research organisation: Macquarie University

Description: Delivering health care deemed to be of an “equivalent” standard within restricted environments such as off detention poses ethical dilemmas. The governing systems for restricted environments may have implications for the freedoms of those receiving care. Participant Information Sheet

Research tool(s): Interview - face to face or online

Contact details: kim.elkovich@hdr.mq.edu.au or 0439 300 614