> Publications & presentations > PHC RIS infonet > August 2008 > Divisions Network matters 3

Divisions at GP & PHC Research Conference

As a first time delegate to the GP & PHC Research Conference in Tasmania, I was impressed by the range of research being undertaken in Australian primary health care.

I attended the conference to present a poster that explained my recruitment of general practices for the Australia wide Lifescripts study, and present a paper General practitioners' perception of their role in dietary management of adult cardiac patients. This study was part of a larger study of Australian cardiologists', GPs' and dietitians' dietary management practices.

Due to my interest in nutrition research in general practice, I found the breakfast sessions for early researchers valuable because of the opportunities to participate in a round table discussion. The presentations which explored the impact of MBS item numbers on the provision of lifestyle advice, and patients' involvement in collaborative care planning were of most use to my area of interest.

One presentation that impacted on me was Danielle Williams' presentation (Re)examining the multilayered meanings of being fat: developing new strategies for working with overweight and obese female consumers of primary health care. The presentation was both informative and passionate.

Other presentations that were important for my work at the general practice network include the incorporation of allied and community health professionals located outside general practice into chronic disease management, and the implementation of health informatics systems.

I found Britt's presentation Multimorbidity, a move back to total patient care particularly relevant. It showed that multimorbidity patterns in the community should inform not only health policy and planning, but define the most effective multidisciplinary teams in general practice. I have already provided copies of the presentations to my colleagues who were unable to attend the conference.

Finally, the conference provided an opportunity for researchers interested in nutrition in primary health care to meet, discuss mutual interests and talk about future collaboration.

I thoroughly enjoyed the conference, and would like to thank the organisers of the conference for the opportunity, and Bayside General Practice Network for their financial support.