UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF RURAL HEALTH (UDRH) NORTHERN NSW
 UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
Karin Fisher
Research Academic, PHCRED Rural Research Fellow
P:02 6767 7227
E: Karin.Fisher@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
Understanding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Rural Communities: A Quantitative and Qualitative Approach
Karin Fisher, a Tamworth-based Research Academic at the University of Newcastle, is the recipient of a PHCRED Research Fellowship with the UDRH Northern NSW. Karin completed her PhD through the University of New England, on a Postgraduate Population Health Research Scholarship from the Hunter New England Health Service.
The surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Australia currently shows increasing rates of STIs and high rates of syphilis cases in rural and remote locations. This study aimed to understand current trends for syphilis notifications in the Hunter New England Health (HNEH) Northern Region of NSW and perceptions of individuals about access to services for STIs.
In order to understand why there is a high rate of syphilis notification in rural and remote locations, this study aimed to understand the dynamics of public health surveillance and issues regarding access to health services through a mixed methods design.
Syphilis notifications over an eleven-year period (January 1994 to December 2004) for the HNEH Northern Region were analysed. Key demographic information for HNEH residents was obtained from a proxy measure developed by the ABS known as Socioeconomic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA).
The study sample comprised 33.5% males and 66.5% females with a median age of 24.7 years (range 15-91 years). In-depth interviews with 24 participants, 18 females and 6 males, aged between 19 and 65 years were analysed using grounded theory methodological principles. Participants for the qualitative component were recruited through snowballing techniques and self-selection.
The findings indicate that in order to address STIs effectively in rural communities the following have an influence on policy, practice and research. Allocation of funding to support syphilis screening as well as an increase in the discourse surrounding the invisibility of STIs could help shape a more informed public policy response.
Research that explores the symbolic representation of STIs and subjectivity in relation to their meanings in the broader social contexts could provide some understandings about responses towards STIs from a rural perspective.
DISCIPLINE OF GENERAL PRACTICE
 UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
Dr Raechelle Rubinstein
PHC RED Coordinator
P: 02 9556 7200
E: raechelle@gp.med.usyd.edu.au
In addition to providing research training and support for Researcher Development Program Fellows and other University of Sydney early-mid career researchers, the Discipline of General Practice has been active in providing research training and support for externally based early-mid career researchers in 2007.
To date, four research training sessions have been held. The Qualitative Research Course held in June comprised two sessions: Introduction to Qualitative Methodology in Health Research and Qualitative Research Techniques. In July, we held an Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods and an Introduction to Mixed Methods Research. All four sessions were interactive and examples of projects that use these research methods and their related techniques were presented. Discussion was vigorous in all of the sessions.
We were also pleased to give a presentation at the Writing Workshop organised by the PHCRED Programs at the Discipline of General Practice and the University Department of Rural Health Northern NSW (University of Newcastle) at Bolwarra on 26 July.
The University of Sydney's PHCRED Program is currently responsible for providing research capacity building support to twelve Divisions of General Practice in NSW, a number of which are located at a great distance from Sydney. To assist in overcoming this geographical barrier, the Discipline provides three online courses that are free and available 24/7. The courses are Evidence-based Practice in Primary Care, Research Skills for GPs and Teaching in General Practice.
Each course takes an estimated 6.5 to 7.5 hours to complete and is accredited for 30 Category 1 RACGP points. They are hosted by Med-E-Serv and can be accessed at <www.primed.com.au/>
DISCIPLINE OF GENERAL PRACTICE
 UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
Susan Goode
PHCRED Coordinator
P: 02 4968 6737
E: susan.goode@newcastle.edu.au
Rodney Cooper
PHCRED Coordinator
UDRH Northern NSW, Tamworth
P: 02 6767 8465
E: rodney.cooper@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
On 26 July a group of enthusiastic early-career researchers met in the tranquil Hunter Valley for the 5th Annual Writing Retreat. The event was co-hosted by the University of Newcastle PHCRED Programs from the Discipline of General Practice and the University Department of Rural Health in Tamworth. Nine of the 20 attendees travelled up to 6 hours to attend the writing retreat. The purpose of the retreat was to provide protected time for writing, access to mentors for writing and tips on writing in order to better resource would-be writers with skills and confidence. This purpose was achieved with the help of some very experienced writers who shared their wisdom. Dr Ann Gregory (Deputy Editor of the Medical Journal of Australia) provided insights on getting published from the perspective of an editor. She put the human face on the editing process and inspired us all to try again and submit articles that were previously unsuccessful. Ann's approach was down to earth and made us realise how the editing process works and the commitment editors have to publishing quality work.
Dr Raechelle Rubenstein (PHCRED Program Coordinator at the University of Sydney) also provided numerous resources including writing tips. She described pre writing checks, gave us many examples of writing misunderstandings and some very helpful hints for writing for publication, grants and reports.
A further contributor to the success of the retreat was the generosity shown by Ann and Raechelle who each made themselves available to provide individual mentoring for writing to attendees throughout the day.
The 20 attendees came away from the retreat with the key messages: “the writing isn't the focus it's the material” and “strong methodology is a key ingredient considered by an editing team with regard to acceptance or otherwise”. Our Annual Writing Retreat continues to be an important mechanism for building the research capacity within the Hunter-New England regional PHC community and a useful forum for exchanging resources and ideas.
GENERAL PRACTICE
  UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Caroline Bulsara
Coordinator, PHCRED
P: 08 9332 0903
E: caroline.bulsara@uwa.edu.au
The PHCRED unit, the University of Western Australia and one of the Western Australian Divisions of General Practice have launched a new and exciting initiative. A new role has been created which links the PHCRED Coordinator more closely to the Perth and Hills Division of General Practice by setting up a jointly funded academic position.
Caroline Bulsara has recently taken up this role and is located at Perth & Hills Division of General Practice for two days each week. It is intended that partnerships will be fostered between the University, the Division and the primary health care research community over the next three years. Caroline will act as a PHCRED conduit and mentor for current and prospective researchers in developing their research skills and areas of interest.
The role works on numerous levels to achieve its objectives and will provide unique opportunities to develop research capacity within the Division and to create a culture of awareness regarding the significance of evaluation and research within the General Practice and primary health care areas.
The initiative will also help to bridge the divide and change perceptions between university-based academics and those working within the community and Divisions of General Practice in regard to consolidating research skills and priorities.
The role provides a ‘hands on' approach to providing research support to General Practitioners, allied health and Division staff. It provides opportunities to strengthen collaborations and will lead to multidisciplinary partnerships in primary health care research.
RURAL HEALTH RESEARCH UNIT
JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY
Robyn Preston
PHCRED Coordinator
P: 07 4796 3383
E: robyn.preston@jcu.edu.au
How to convert workshop materials into on-line resources
Delivering face to face research and evaluation workshops is resource intensive, particularly outside of metropolitan centres. In order to reach more novice and mid-level researchers, the PHCRED program at James Cook University has developed on-line research modules. The modules were devised from our face to face workshops in research, evaluation and writing for publication. Each module includes practical exercises and guides and links to further reading and resources. Access is free and available to all PHC practitioners and students. Since June 2006 over 150 people have registered to use the modules.
The steps we took to develop the modules were:
- Reviewed all materials and workshop evaluations from PHCRED Phase I
- Further developed topics from research literature, presentations and websites
- Developed exercises (with model answers), further reading and linkages to websites
- Trialled the modules on a research community's websites
- Informally evaluated the modules with leading experts in the field, users, Fellows and colleagues
- Reviewed and updated module content and layout
- Rolled out the modules to an interactive learning system
- Marketed modules to the PHC research community
- Incorporated modules into Fellows' and RDPs' work plans
- Developed a protocol for a yearly review and evaluation of modules.
We have found that the on-line modules are an effective form of research capacity building development for: fellows, rural and remote novice researchers, honours and post-grad students and workshop and research roadshow participants. We are happy to share our experiences with other PHCRED programs looking to develop their own on-line materials. To register for the free modules, send an email with your name, contact email and organisation to:
E: phcred@jcu.edu.au
The modules are currently being evaluated and we also welcome your feedback. From 2008 we will be delivering an on-line Graduate Certificate in PHC Research.
Web: www.jcu.edu.au/medicine/research/ruralhealth/JCUDEV_010839.html
 PHCRED QLD
DISCIPLINE OF GENERAL PRACTICE, UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
Jacquii Burgess
Media and marketing officer
P: 0407 789 078
E: jacquii@uq.edu.au
Taking research education to practitioners off the beaten track
The Queensland PHCRED Collaboration has once again taken its research education roadshow to health practitioners working in rural and remote areas in North Queensland.
The roadshow stopped at Weipa, Innisfail, Atherton, Mareeba and Cairns; providing five full-day sessions to a total of 110 participants covering the topics of project planning and evaluation, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and questionnaire design.
 Workshop participants had a range of research skills and came from a variety of health fields including community health, nutrition, sexual health, health promotion, indigenous health, child and youth health, aged care, and allied health services.
The workshops provided a forum for practitioners to learn new research skills and to share their own research interests and programs with people working in similar fields.
The feedback from this year's roadshow has been very positive, and follows on from the successful roadshows held over the past two years. Ongoing evaluation of the roadshow workshops enables us to deliver research education targeted to the needs of the participants.
Representatives from Griffith University, James Cook University, the Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health, and the University of Queensland led the workshops.
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY
Xanthe Golenko
Administrative Assistant PHCRED
P: 07 3382 1337
E: x.golenko@griffith.edu.au
Griffith PHCRED Website: A valuable resource for research in Primary Health Care
Griffith University has adopted a unique approach in the development of its Griffith PHCRED Website launched earlier this year. The website <www.griffith.edu.au/phcred> is aimed at providing early career researchers in Primary Health Care with direct online access to a broad range of research tools, information and funding opportunities.
This comprehensive website offers links to an extensive range of online resources covering the topics of research design, finding and reviewing the literature, qualitative and quantitative research methods, evaluation, evidence based medicine and publishing results. It also provides links to online courses covering topics including statistics, evidence based medicine, critical thinking and evaluation. The Grants section of the website features a list of links which conveniently take you directly to the grants page of funding organisations relevant to Primary Health Care.
Information on current events such as research skills short courses offered by Griffith PHCRED and current research funding opportunities can be quickly and easily accessed through the News column on the home page.
The website also provides general information on Griffith PHCRED partnerships and collaborations, programs and courses with research components offered by Griffith University and updates on current research projects conducted by the Griffith school of Medicine.
The Griffith PHCRED website is a valuable resource for Primary Health Care practitioners. It promotes evidence-based practice by providing easy access to literature and research resources. It encourages primary health care practitioners to become more actively involved in research and offers early career researchers opportunities to develop skills and knowledge in specific areas in their own time and at their own pace.
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCE AND MEDICINE
BOND UNIVERSITY
Assistant Professor Howard J Talbot
Research Assistant
P: 07 5595-4411
M: 0402-247-731
E: htalbot@bond.edu.au
I am a Naturopath/Nutra-ceutical manufacturer who has been offered a wonderful opportunity to trial my products overseas. However, I quickly realised my research abilities were limited and to do the product trial justice I needed to acquire some new skills.
Of course as a Naturopath, I'd never been involved in a randomised trial and consequently I didn't have a clue as to how to organise or run one or even what the data meant.
Enter Bond University and PHCRED; I must have had quite a despondent look when a clinical dietetics colleague said, “a penny for your thoughts”? Whereupon explaining my predicament she said; “as fate would have it, my husband, is the Director of PHCRED Bond University; he may be able to help you.”
Selena quickly gave me the details and within a few short days I found myself with both Neil Smart and Prof Chris De Mar, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine. Prof. Del Mar was very supportive and quickly laid down the challenge of conducting a Cochrane Systematic Review on The effectiveness of Hyaluronic acid for wound healing. As Hyaluronic acid is one of our product components I happily accepted the challenge and with the ever-present guidance of A/Prof Neil Smart, the protocol has now been accepted for publication by the Cochrane Library and I am now in the process of writing the review.
Prof Chris Del Mar and A/Prof Neil Smart and the coordinator Treasure Hodgetts, have been wonderful in supporting me through this extraordinary process of personal development and learning. It has been a very short but fascinating year; due to my involvement with PHCRED I believe I am a far better practitioner, definitely a more enquiring one.
I feel very fortunate to be part of the team, at Bond; it has far exceeded my expectations.
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL PRACTICE
 THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
Dr Meredith Temple-Smith (pictured) and Ms Hayley Shaw
Senior Lecturer Primary Care Research
P: 03 8344 3371
E: m.temple-smith@unimelb.edu.au
In August, the Primary Care Research Unit in the Department of General Practice, held a Writing for Publication Week. Associate Professor Felicity Goodyear-Smith from the Department of General Practice and Primary Healthcare, The University of Auckland acted as facilitator.
The aim of the week was to provide novice and mid-career researchers such as RDPs and research higher degree students, access to expert support and advice about writing a research paper. Participants in the writing week were divided into:
- novice researchers, most of whom had not yet undertaken any research
- intermediate writers, who had not yet led a publication
- experienced writers, who had led more than five publications.
The intermediate writing group was asked to submit a paragraph on their idea for a paper prior to the writing week. Members of this group met with A/Prof Goodyear-Smith one-to-one on the first day and continued to meet as required during the remainder of the week. Experienced writers were asked to dedicate as much of their week as possible to writing time and had the opportunity to meet with A/Prof Goodyear-Smith as a group. The novice researchers attended a special introductory session on writing for publication.
On day one, a session was held covering the expectations of writing week. A running sheet was kept in the tearoom and people were asked to mark their progress on this.
At the wrap up session, participants completed an evaluation form and were asked to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the week. Book vouchers and chocolates were awarded to all participants. Great progress was made by all participants, with two people commencing a second paper during the week! Many commented that the greatest benefit of this activity was allowing the focus of the writing to be a priority in their typically busy week.
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