CAPacity building Research and Evaluation (CAPRE) PROGRAM
DISCIPLINE OF GENERAL PRACTICE -
UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
Susan Goode
Program Coordinator
Ph: 02 4968 6737
E: susan.goode@newcastle.edu.au
Reflection on the 2005 RDP
In January 2005, four GPs commenced a 12-month placement on the Researcher Development Program (RDP) at the University of Newcastle. A broad range of research interests were evident from the participants' projects as can be seen in the table.
Highlights of the RDP included assisting participants with presenting their work at local, state and national conferences; up skilling participants in research methods; provision of individual research mentoring and formal supervision; and facilitation of networking through various local Research Network activities.
The greatest challenge for the RDP participants was completing their research projects on schedule given the fixed timeframe of 12 months, delays with gaining ethics clearance and pressure of only working on the project as a fractional appointment. Despite these challenges all participants gained skills, knowledge and confidence from their participation in the Program and all plan to continue to be involved in PHC research. CAPRE Program Staff are currently appointing their 2006 RDP Participants.
NORTHERN RIVERS UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF RURAL HEALTH (NRUDRH) - UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
Hudson Birden
PHCRED Program Coordinator
Ph: 02 6620 7603
E: hudsonb@med.usyd.edu.au
We have successfully recruited three new Research Clinicians (RCs) as part of the PHCRED team. The new RCs will be supported in developing and completing research projects related to primary health care. Their positions, which run until December, will include mentoring and supervision from senior UDRH staff and others, access to the general resources of the University, and attendance at the NSW research methods workshop in June and the General Practice & Primary Health Care Research Conference in July.
The new research clinicians are:
- Bernadette Basset
For the past ten years, Bernadette has been a Dental Therapist and Coordinator of the Dental Department at Bulgarr Ngaru Aboriginal Medical Services in Grafton. She has extensive experience in program planning and delivery, and is interested in Aboriginal Health research with UDRH. She holds a diploma in dental Therapy and a Bachelor of Indigenous Studies.
- Deanna Bowen
Deanna is a Youth and Family Mental Health worker with NCAHS, and has done research in the area of body image and Anorexia Nervosa. She is interested in doing research around alternative health care preferences in clients of mainstream mental health services. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology (Honours) and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
- Michael du Sautoy
Michael has been employed as a clinical Psychologist in the Tweed/Byron Network and at Casino Community Health Centre, as well as maintaining a private practice in psychology. His research interest is in mental health, particularly regarding issues of ageing workforce and retention of staff in mental health service delivery networks. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology) from the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa.
VicPHCRED
 Dr Phyllis Lau
Lecturer/State Coordinator of Victorian Primary Health Care
Research, Evaluation & Development Partnership (VicPHCRED)
Department of General Practice
University of Melbourne
Ph: 03 8344 9042
E: plau@unimelb.edu.au
VicPHCRED welcomes newly appointed RDP Fellows and Members of State Advisory Committee 2006
VicPHCRED, on behalf of the Department of General Practice (DGP) at Monash University, DGP and the School of Rural Health (SRH) at University of Melbourne, welcomes and congratulates its nine 2006 RDP fellows: Ms Rebecca Clancy, Ms Fiona Duffy, Ms Judy Evans, Mr Jay Jordens, Ms Christine Mathieson, Ms Verity Newnham, Ms Michelle Wills, Ms Lynne Walker and Ms Sandra Wilson.
Not only do these fellows satisfy the RDP eligibility criteria, the research projects that they are proposing align closely with priority research areas of the University Departments. The fellows began their 12-month appointment in April and commenced with a short-course Introduction to Research Methods subject either online or via CD-ROM. This new and exciting initiative by the Partnership is designed to build and consolidate basic research skills. Ongoing evaluation of the subject would be carried out to further develop the subject content.
The fellows also attend regular seminars and forums conducted by the University Departments as well as monthly VicPHCRED Education Meetings designed to promote information-sharing, network and camaraderie. Additional fellows are expected to commence shortly - one Practice Nurse fellow at DGP, University of Melbourne and five fellows in July at SRH, University of Melbourne.
In March, the VicPHCRED State Advisory Committee (SAC) for 2006 was established with notably increased representation from rural and remote as well as Torres Straits and indigenous bodies compared to previous years. VicPHCRED hopes that such purposeful collaboration would enable greater facilitation of its RCBI activities as well as ensure the partnership to continue to be informed and responsive to local community needs.
For more information about the VicPHCRED Fellows, their proposed research projects, the new research subject or the VicPHCRED SAC membership and terms of reference, please visit:
Web: www.vicphcred.unimelb.edu.au
Or contact:
Dr Phyllis Lau
Ph: 03 8344 9042
E: plau@unimelb.edu.au
FREMANTLE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE - UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AUSTRALIA
Associate Professor Tom Brett
Director
Notre Dame Primary Health Care Research Evaluation and Development (PHC RED)
Ph: 08 9433-0258
E: tbrett@nd.edu.au
 The Notre Dame PHCRED program commenced on 1 January 2006 with Associate Professor Tom Brett appointed as Director. Since then, Dr Diane Arnold-Reed has been appointed Program Co-ordinator; Dr Bob Moorhead has taken on a Research Advisory role while Rebecca Blaxell is our Administration Assistant.
Notre Dame PHCRED is delighted to have the support of University of Western Australia PHCRED and Fremantle Regional Division of General Practice for its monthly series of research meetings which have already commenced.
The first meeting was held on 12 April on Chlamydia and sexually transmitted infections with A/Prof Donna Mak. The May meeting will be on the topic of risk factor modification in cardiovascular system disease with Professor Gerry O'Driscoll. The June meeting will feature Professor Graeme Hankey on Stroke Prevention in Primary Care. Caroline Bulsara, University of Western Australia PHCRED will contribute her expertise in Qualitative Research Methods to the May and June meetings.
Our meetings to date have been well supported with a mixture of GPs, allied health professionals and some research-minded, graduate-entry medical students in attendance.
Five clinical research fellowships have been awarded to general practitioners involved in a knowledge and attitudes to prostate cancer study in their own practices. The new Notre Dame PHCRED fellows are: Dr Walter Kaczmarczak, Dr Alan Wright, Dr Frank Jones, Dr Andrew Marangou and Dr Michael Eaton.
Notre Dame PHCRED is currently in the process of advertising its Research Development Program Fellowships. As this is our first year of PHCRED funding, we have decided to have three fellowships valued at $20,000 each rather than one single placement.
We look forward to a fruitful year in 2006.
For further information contact:
Associate Professor Tom Brett
Ph: 08 9433 0258
E: tbrett@nd.edu.au
OR
Rebecca Blaxell
Ph: 08 9433 0184
E: rblaxell@nd.edu.au
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL PRACTICE - UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
Rhian Parker
Lecturer
PHCRED Education Coordinator
Ph: 03 8344 3371
E: r.parker@unimelb.edu.au
 The Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne has attracted four Practice Nurses (PNs) to Fellowship positions attached to two major PHCRED-funded priority-driven research projects targeting practice nursing. These are youth health Prevention Access and Risk Taking in Young People (PARTY) and diabetes Patient Engagement And Coaching for Health (PEACH); the positions are funded through the budget measure More Practice Nurses and Allied Health Workers for Urban Areas of Workforce Shortage. Fellows receive research training, support and experience through the Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development Strategy (PHCRED). The PNs will receive research training by undertaking an online Introduction to Research Methods subject specifically designed for new researchers, develop a small research project and contribute to the work of the PARTY and PEACH research teams. The four nurses appointed to date are Lynne Walker, Christine Mathieson, Judy Evans and Verity Newnham.
The five-year PARTY project will use a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of health risk screening and counselling for young people attending general practices for health care. This project will also assess the feasibility of practice nurses performing this role, as well as models of practice nurse engagement with other health, education and welfare providers, to support the access of higher risk young people to general practice. In addition, PARTY will be looking at ways of making general practice more 'youth-friendly' and will conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the entire project.
The PEACH study is a cluster randomised controlled trial aims to determine the effectiveness of a patient-focused telephone coaching method (COACH program) versus usual care in order to achieve intensive treatment goals for poorly controlled type 2 diabetes in a General Practice setting. The intervention entails Practice Nurses to be trained as "Coaches" to empower patients with type 2 diabetes to engage with their GPs in the management of their condition.
RURAL HEALTH RESEARCH UNIT - JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY
Robyn Preston
PHCRED Coordinator
Ph: 07 4796 3383
E: robyn.preston@jcu.edu.au
Indigenous Research Capacity Building
There is increasing recognition that the role of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health workers in facilitating culturally appropriate health care delivery and program development requires improved skills in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of these programs. Ideally, this should take place with real, active community consultation, which impacts on and builds processes and strategies associated with the research capacity building framework. However, many indigenous people and communities remain concerned about research and related activities. Indigenous health workers are well-placed to assist communities to not only embrace research, but to be active players and promoters of relevant, appropriate and acceptable research.
It was in this context that the James Cook University (JCU) PHCRED program set out to develop a community-based research capacity building program for Indigenous health workers. The result is a Vocational Education and Training (VET) accredited course in Indigenous Research Capacity Building delivered at Certificate IV or Diploma level. The overall aim of the course is to supplement current education and training resources for Aboriginal Health workers with research training modules as a step towards them taking more proactive roles in facilitating health and well-being programs in their own communities.
The coursework is a unique innovative collaboration, developed by the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community to assist workers in guiding 'culturally appropriate good practice'. This course encompasses community capacity-building, and provides proactive skills and knowledge in research and evaluation strategies to Health Workers and is designed to be delivered in 'their own' community.
A visual pathway is used that encompasses the impact of health and practice in the community for health workers at a grass roots level. This enables the logical presentation of the core learning into a series of connected modules. These are: (i) 'assessing' Existing Services; (ii) methods and measures for Identifying Need at various levels; (iii) important issues in Program Development; (iv) how the former contributes to Service Improvement; (v) resultant Outcomes that will impact on community and service provision; and (vi) Evaluation Methods and applying findings to service delivery.
We aim to pilot the course with a consortium later in the year. To register your Institution's interest in the course and to be kept up to date with developments please contact:
Robyn Preston
Ph: 07 4796 3383
E: robyn.preston@jcu.edu.au
SPENCER GULF RURAL HEALTH SCHOOL - UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Doe Shorey
Research Assistant
Division of Health Sciences
Ph: 08 8647 8114
E: Doreen.Shorey@unisa.edu.au
"Not all barriers to mental health treatment in non-metropolitan communities are due to a lack of services."
Campbell CD, Gordon M, Chandler A. (2002). Wide Open Spaces: Meeting Mental Health Needs in Undeserved Rural Areas. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 21(4), 325-332
This statement, found while completing a literature review, has provided me with research direction - the research angle I was seeking! Non-service factors, unique to regional communities, may enhance mental health care service entry and participation. Awareness of these variables would support the identification of success pathways to mental health care service participation. Identification of success factors will be vital to the design of interventions that improve service participation and possibly influence practice and policy! [Enter phase II PHCRED goal achievement]
In contrast to wandering around pyramids in Egypt, the PHCRED strategy has provided me with an opportunity to become active in research. I really enjoy the opportunity to learn new skills and develop research knowledge and experience. To date, I have enjoyed reading research articles pertaining to mental health care services in rural/regional communities, have attended presentations by PhD students and visitors to the university, met with community mental health workers to gain an understanding of available services, participated in computer training and specifically, received individual instruction about completing data base searches. Recently, I have completed my first draft of an 'Ethics Protocol' and have organised a telephone conference with everyone involved with this research project to gain greater input and project direction clarification and agreement.
On the whole, my most useful learning has been there is no 'best' research AND to expect feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. Slowly becoming familiar with appropriate research processes, knowing research methodologies are many and not feeling confident has been central to my learning experience. Having great guidance and support, a sense of humour and being patient are essential (along with an easily accessed chocolate supply).
DISCIPLINE OF GENERAL PRACTICE - UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
Assoc Prof Geoff Mitchell
PHCRED Program Manager
Ph: 07 3365 5504
E: g.mitchell@uq.edu.au
The University of Queensland (UQ) PHCRED overview
 The UQ PHCRED program has been running since 2002. It has a Program Manager, an administrator and a research fellow (all part time) as its staff. With the new strategic objectives in place, its emphasis has changed considerably. Where the previous commission was to give a large number individuals a taste of research, it is now expected to take early to mid-career researchers, and assist them to become more established members of the primary care research workforce.
We have planned a 'career pathway' from GP academic registrar to RDP Fellow to PHCRED (advance) Fellow. This will allow individuals a potential three years of support to develop a sound basis for an academic career.
This year we have four fellowship holders, each of whom has demonstrated existing ability in, and commitment to, research. Where possible we are linking their work into existing research projects currently being conducted by the discipline. These fellowships will assist them to develop their research agendas well into the future.
In addition to working with a small number of high performing individuals, our program aims to attract people to research through offering teaching and support to registrars, a series of public talks and seminars on research topics, and 'roadshows' to rural Queensland in conjunction with the four other Queensland PHCRED fundholders.
UQ also hosts the administration of the Queensland Consortium of PHCRED fundholders. As a group we work very well to maximise the efficiency of tasks we are all expected to perform. For example, the statewide office coordinated the application process for all fellows in the state, and a joint selection process enabled peer review of all applicants. While each fundholder had a final say into the fellows they chose, they had the benefit of the wisdom of their peers. There was one application process and one selection meeting - not five.
We are excited by the direction PHCRED is taking, and believe it will deliver significant benefits to the primary care community.
UNSW RESEARCH CENTRE FOR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND EQUITY
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE -
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Primary Health Care Research Network (PHReNet) - An activity of the UNSW Research Capacity Building Program
PHReNet continues to build research capacity in innovative ways in the South West Sydney region. An important goal of the University of New South Wales Research Capacity Building Program (UNSW RCBP), and therefore PHReNet, in Phase 2 of the RCBI is to strengthen the research capacity of academic registrars through improved collaboration with GP regional training providers. We have already begun doing this in South West Sydney working in partnership with the Institute of General Practice Education (IGPE).
One of the key ways we are building links with IGPE is by providing mentoring and support to develop research skills. Currently, our Senior Research Fellow Dr Sarah Dennis is assisting IGPE educator Dr Saw Hooi Toh with a new project assessing ways to improve communication and time management skills in GP registrars before they start their basic term.
A quarterly Research Seminar Series will showcase the research of PHReNet members and IGPE staff. The regular event promotes the work being done by both organisations and allows participants to discuss ideas, disseminate results and provide feedback to new projects. Our first seminar held in March at IGPE provided Dr Toh with the opportunity to present her project and receive feedback in a supportive environment. Also, former academic registrar with Fairfield GP unit and now trainee GP Educator at IGPE, Dr Daisy Tan presented her completed project on weight management in General Practice - what do patients want?
Our next research seminar scheduled for June will feature work by PHReNet GP, Dr John Shephard on the use of the Internet as a tool in primary care, while Professor Nicholas Zwar and Dr Sarah Dennis will discus their systematic review of chronic disease management.
Another exciting development is that IGPE will be offering GP Registrar research bursaries. This funding will provide protected time for registrars to develop their research skills. Details will be announced shortly.
For further information contact:
Suzan Mehmet
Ph: 02 9616 8520
E: s.mehmet@unsw.edu.au or suzan.mehmet@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.cphce.unsw.edu.au/cphce.nsf/website/phrenet
DISCIPLINE OF GENERAL PRACTICE - THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
Carolyn Kefford
Researcher Development Program
E: ckefford@med.usyd.edu.au
I am now in my fifth year of a PHCRED researcher capacity building and researcher development program. I am a GP with a busy clinical practice and a special interest in adolescent health. With PHCRED, I work for one day a week for the University of Sydney. I have always seen my position as having two strands, the first being to promote research in primary care and the second to expand my own research skills.
Together with two of my fellow GPs who have a great interest in adolescent health research and with the encouragement of the PHCRED supervisor at the time, I set up the Youth Health Research Interest Group (YHRIG) in 2002. We meet regularly by teleconference funded by PHCRED. This year we are running a breakfast session at the GP & PHC Research Conference in Perth on Thursday, 6 July from 7.45am to 8.45 am when we shall discuss delegates' youth health research projects and look at gaps in the research and knowledge in adolescent health. We will explore practical solutions for filling these gaps. Please come along to bring research in young peoples' health issues to the fore.
I have also been working on collaborative research with the Hornsby Kuring-gai Ryde, Central Sydney and Eastern Sydney Divisions of General Practice, the University of Sydney, Sydney Institute of General Practice Education and Training (SIGPET) and General Practice Education and Training (GPET) on evaluating school programs with GPs, GP registrars and 4th year medical students facilitating small groups with year 11 students.
Together with a local physiotherapist, I am hoping to evaluate the effectiveness of a gentle exercise program for young people with chronic illness in our area. I hope to work with the local council youth workers and the local adolescent health services.
Dr Meredith Makeham
Lecturer and RDP Fellow
Ph: 02 98181400
E: makeham@ozemail.com.au
I am a General Practitioner interested in the subject of patient safety in General Practice and Primary Care, and am currently undertaking a PhD in the subject. My major research project in this area is a study entitled The Threats to Australian Patient Safety (TAPS) study, which received NHMRC funding to carry out, and is in the analysis stage. The study investigates the question of the incidence of reported errors in General Practice, and the types of errors encountered by GPs in their practices. A new highly secure internet based reporting system was developed for the purpose of collecting reports, allowing doctors to make anonymous submissions online. A group of 84 GPs across NSW have reported errors noted over a 12-month period, with over 400 error reports received in the initial study period.
UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF RURAL HEALTH, NORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES - UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
Karyn Blackman
Physiotherapy Lecturer
Ph: 02 67678479
E: karyn.Blackman@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
Falls Prevention: A Rural Research Trial
 'Fit and Free' is a randomised control trial being piloted in northern NSW. The primary aims of the trial are to (1) investigate the effects of a specifically designed exercise program on falls risk factors (eg. balance, strength, reaction time) and (2) explore how this exercise program can be implemented into everyday clinical practice.
Accidental falls are a major problem facing older people. In Australia, falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths among people aged 65 years and over.
To date, research into falls prevention has been primarily conducted in metropolitan centres. We have incorporated key features from previously successful programs into a new exercise program designed to target balance and falls. The program's implementation takes into account issues associated with rural health care provision, such as distance and access.
'Fit and Free' is a partnership project between the University of Newcastle's Department of Rural Health (UDRH) and the Hunter New England Area Health Service. The coordinator, Ms Blackman, is based in Tamworth. In 2005, Ms Blackman, worked as a part time RDP fellow to develop the project. Since this time, the trial has attracted two small seeding grants. These assisted to set up and conduct the initial stages of the research.
Data collection commenced in early 2006. Physiotherapists at four rural hospitals are currently delivering the exercise program. In light of a positive response to recruitment, it is anticipated that approval will be sought to expand the trial by delivering additional programs in the latter part of 2006.
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