Students

PHCRED Completed Research Bursaries

Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development (PHCRED) bursaries were offered by the GGT UDRH to early and mid-career researchers with an aim to increase research activity and capacity amongst primary health care professionals in the Greater Green Triangle region. Research was supported in the areas of General Practice, mental health and psychology, Indigenous health, nutrition and dietetics, midwifery, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dentistry.

The PHCRED program offered both fiscal and non-fiscal bursary support. 'Non-fiscal bursary support' included mentoring and supervision support, but no financial assistance. 'Fiscal bursary support' included mentoring, supervision, as well as financial support.

 

1. Application of a UK Quality Outcome Framework to an Australian General Practice

Bursary Recipient: Dr Adrian Elliot-Smith, GP - Mt Gambier, South Australia

Supervisors: Dr Mark Morgan & Dr Michael Coates

Project Period: May 2009 - Nov 2009 (Awarded in 2009)

Project Brief: To study UK Quality Outcome Framework clinical indicators that form the basis of UK pay-for-performance contract between the National Health Service and GPs. These 80 clinical indicators were applied in a Mount Gambier practice to compare the UK and Australian practices. The aim is to influence policy decisions that will affect the future of Australian General Practice by demonstrating which parts of UK Quality outcome framework can be applied in the Australian setting.

Publications: Morgan M, Elliot-Smith A. Benchmarking an Australian general practice using UK pay for performance indicators - how do we compare? GP '09 Conference, Perth. October 2009. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/523/

Elliot-Smith A, Morgan M. How do we compare? Applying UK pay for performance indicators to an Australian general practice. Australian Family Physician 40;329. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/551/

 

2. Are Medicare Benefits Schedule Programs Beneficial to Client Health and Wellbeing?

Bursary Recipient: Ms Zita Arends, Physiotherapist, Western District Health Services, Hamilton, Victoria

Supervisor: Dr Michael Coates

Project Period: May 2010 - May 2011 (Awarded in 2010)

Project Brief: This project examined research client clinical indicators and experienes to evaluate whether the Allied Health Medicare Benefits Schedule program benefits rural populations with chronic disease.   Both a client satisfaction survey and clinical data were used to extract information, and recommendations made that enhanced the current service model.


3. Assessing an Effectiveness of Stress Management Courses in an Australian Adult Education Centre

Bursary Recipient: Ms Kate Hawkins, Psychologist with South West Healthcare in Warrnambool, Victoria, was awarded a PHC RED bursary in 2005. 

Supervisors: Professor Prasuna Reddy & Dr Steve Bunker

Project Period: May 2005 - November 2007 (Awarded in 2005)

Project Brief:  This study investigated whether attendance at a stress management course, in a rural adult education centre, over a six-weeek period, was effective in reducing the participants' levels of stress, anxiety and/or depression.

Publications:  Hawkins K, Reddy P, Bunker S. Evaluation of a stress management course in adult education centres in rural Australia. 2007 GP & PHC Research Conference. Sydney, Australia 2007. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/383/

Hawkins K, Reddy P, Bunker S. Evaluation of a stress management course in adult education centre in rural Australia. Australian Journal of Rural Health. 15 April 2007:107-13. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/109/

 

4. Barriers to Update and Completion of Cardiac Rehabilitation in South West Victoria

Bursary Recipient: Ms Carla De Angelis, Physiotherapist - Western District Health Service, Hamilton, Victoria

Supervisors: Dr Steve Bunker & Associate Professor Adrian Schoo

Project Period: May 2005 - March 2006 (Awarded in 2005)

Project Brief: The project identified local barriers to participating and completing cardiac rehabilitation programs and made recommendations for improving cardiac rehabilitation service delivery. During her time as a bursary-holder Carla helped establish the Regional Cardiac Rehabilitation Network. She continues to make a contribution to cardiac rehabilitation through her ongoing work with this network.

Publications: De Angelis C, Bunker S, Schoo A. Exploring the barriers and enablers to attendance at rural cardiac rehabilitation programs. Australian Journal of Rural Health. 2008;16:137-42. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/351/

De Angelis C, Bunker S, Schoo AMM. An exploration of barriers and enablers to participate in cardiac rehabilitation in rural Victoria, Australia. The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) International Congress; 2007; Vancouver, Canada; 2007. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/377/

De Angelis C, Bunker S, Schoo A, Reddy P, Dunbar J. Cardiac Rehabilitation in South West Victoria: Factors Influencing Attendance. GP & PHC Research Conference: Optimising Impact; 2006; Perth, Western Australia; 2006. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/34/

Bunker S, De Angelis C, Schoo AMM, Reddy P, Dunbar J, Boak R. Enhancing uptake and completion of cardiac rehabilitation in rural south west Victoria. Australian Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation Association (ACRA) Conference; 2006; Melbourne, Australia; 2006. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/375/

De Angelis C, Bunker S, Oubert J, Sullivan F, Dunbar J, Young D, Saltman D, Cross M, Hellwege B. Enhancing uptake and completion of cardiac rehabilitation in rural South West Victoria. GP & PHC Research Conference: Getting Research Right for Policy & Practice; 2005; Adelaide, Australia; 2005 http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/376/

Schoo A, Bunker S, Reddy P, Dunbar J, Boak R, De Angelis C. Enhancing Uptake and Completion of Cardiac Rehabilitation in South West Victoria. Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) Rural Health Conference 2005; Beechworth, Australia; 2005. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/162/

 

5. Census of Doctors who have Completed an Advance Rural Skills Post

Bursary Recipient: Dr Cameron Loy, General Practitioner and Adjunct Lecturer, Flinders University

Supervisor: Professor James Dunbar

Project Period: November 2004 - February 2006 (Awarded in 2004)

Project Brief: A census of doctors who have Completed an Advance Rural Skills Post.

Publications: Loy C, Warton B, Dunbar J. Workforce Trends in Specialist and GP Obstetric Practice in Victoria. The Medical Journal of Australia. 2007;186(1):26-30.

 

6. Chronic Illness and Depression

Practice Grant Recipient: Mr Nicholas Place, Manager Primary Mental Health Team - South West Healthcare, Warrnambool

Supervisors: Professor James Dunbar & Professor Prasuna Reddy

Project Period: May 2005 - July 2008 (Awarded in 2005)

Project Brief: This team bursary helped support the Primary Mental Health Team to undertake research in the area of depression and chronic disease management.

 

7. Corangamite Risk Factor Survey Results

Writing Grant Recipient: Dr Andrew Baird, General Practitioner and Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Flinders University

Supervisor: Professor James Dunbar

Project Period: October 2005 - December 2007 (Awarded in 2005)

Project Brief: Preparation of papers on the Corangamite Risk Factor Survey for publication.  Read more about this project

Publications: Baird, A., Heistaro, S., Schoo, A., Reddy, P., Dunbar, J., & Boak, R. (2005). Corangamite cardiovascular risk factor survey - preliminary findings. Paper presented at the 2005 GP & PHC Research Conference. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.php?params=944

Baird, A., Tideman, P., Dunbar, J., Laatikainen, T., & Heistaro, S. (2005). A low participation rate in a population health survey - why? Paper presented at the 2005 GP & PHC Research Conference. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.php?params=1060

McNamara, K., Heistaro, S., Kilkkinen, A., Janus, E., Tideman, P., Baird, A., et al. (2006). A population-based approach to optimising antihypertensive use. Paper presented at the 2006 GP & PHC Research Conference. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.php?params=2263

 

8. Community South West - Identifying Regional Research Capacity 

Bursary Recipient: Carmel Brady, Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre, Warrnambool, Victoria

Supervisors: Associate Professor Adrian Schoo & Rachel Boak

Project Period: March 2006 - December 2007 (Awarded in 2006)

Project Brief: This project focused on investigating the research capacity amongst staff at Community Southwest (a collaboration of nine major non-government organisations within the Warrnambool region) where shared planning is used to improve services and to support research interests amongst members.

Publications: Brady, C., Schoo, A. M. M., & Boak, R. (2007, 23-25 May 2007). Rural Primary Health Care Workers and Research: What is their Present Capacity? Paper presented at the 2007 GP & PHC Research Conference, Sydney, Australia. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.phb?params+3625

 

9. Delivery of Best Practice Obesity Management

Bursary Recipients: Ms Kylie Brown (Dietitian) and Ms Fran Keeble-Buckle, Western District Health Service in Hamilton, Victoria

Supervisor: Rachel Boak

Advisors: Dr Ann Dunbar & Dr Sue Robertson 

Project Period: March 2006 -  November 2007 (Awarded in 2006)

Project Brief: Design of a survey for local General Practitioners that aimed to identify current practice management of overweight and obesity within the primary health care setting. Current practices were compared with National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) General Practitioner guidelines for overweight and obesity management. 

Publications: Brown, K., Keeble-Buckle, F., Boak, R., & Dunbar, A. (2007, 23-25 May 2007). Investigation of overweight and obesity management in a rural primary health care setting. Paper presented at the 2007 GP & PHC Research Conference, Sydney, Australia. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.php?params=3614

 

10. Develop and Evaluate a Team Approach to the Management of Diabetes Using a Patient Held 'Calendar of Preventive Care'

Practice Grant Recipient: Dr Mark Morgan (General Practitioner and Senior Research Fellow, GGT UDRH)

Supervisors: Professor James Dunbar & Professor Prasuna Reddy

Project Period: May 2005 - December 2007 (Awarded in 2005) 

Project Brief: This team bursary helped support the Hawkins Medical clinic undertake research in the area of chronic disease management.

Publications:  Morgan, M., Dunbar, J. & Reddy, P. (2008, 4-6 June 2008). Application of a collaborative care model for management of depression in diabetes and coronary heart disease in general practice. Paper presented at the 2008 GP & PHC Research Conference, Hobart, Australia.

Reddy, P., Dunbar, J., Janus, E. D., Wolff, A., Bunker, S. & Morgan, M. (2007). Identifying depression in patients following admission for acute coronary syndrome. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 15 137-138.

 

11. Diabetes Prevention for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Groups

Bursary Recipient: Ms Caromy Thurston, psychologist - Mount Gambier, South Australia

Supervisors: Rachel Boak & Dr Nathalie Davis

Project Period: January - July 2008 (Awarded in 2007)

Project Brief: The primary aim of this project is to improve understanding of how mainstream Diabetes Prevention Programs can be translated to facilitate effective implementation and practice for culturally and linguistically diverse groups within the Australian context.

Publications: Thurston, C., Davis-Lameloise, N., Boak, R., Reddy, P., & Dunbar, J. (2008). Developing Diabetes Prevention Programs for CALD groups: what the literature tells us. Paper presented at the 2008 GP & PHC Research Conference, Hobart, Australia. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.php?params=6335

 

12. Effectiveness of a Stress Management Program Conducted in a Rural Australian Adult Education Centre

Bursary Recipient: Kate Hawkins, psychologist

Supervisors: Professor Prasuna Reddy & Dr Steve Bunker

Project Period: December 2006 - November 2007 (Awarded in 2006)

Project Brief: This project investigated whether attendance at a six-week stress management course in a rural adult education centre was effective in reducing participants' levels of stress, anxiety and depression. The results indicated a significant reduction in anxiety, depression and stress symptoms, and an improvement in quality of life from course commencement to completion. These improvements were sustained six months after course completion.

Publications: Hawkins, K., Reddy, P., & Bunker, S. (2007). Evaluation of a stress management course in adult education centre in rural Australia. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 15(April 2007), 107-113. http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/118489067/HTMLSTART 

 

13. Establishing Best Practices for the Electronic Transfer and Usage of Patient Information

Writing Grant Recipient: Mr Craig Walsh, Software Engineer  - Deakin University's Warrnambool Campus

Supervisors: Associate Professor Adrian Schoo & Kevin McNamara

Project Period: October 2005 - December 2006 (Awarded in 2005)

Project Brief: Prepartion of a paper on the development of good technical infrastructure and security when dealing with electronic medical records.

Publications: McNamara, K., Walsh, C., & Schoo, A. (2006). Maintaining privacy in an electronic age; issues for electronic governance. Paper presented at the Rural Health Conference Going for Gold.

Walsh, C., McNamara, K., & Schoo, A. (2006, 5-7 July 2006). The need for best practice standards in electronic governance of patient medical records to facilitate innovation. Paper presented at the 2006 GP & PHC Research Conference, Perth, Australia.

 

14. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Falls Programs in the Community Health Setting

Bursary Recipients: Karen Harrison (Quality Risk Manager) and Catherine Loria (Campus Manager), South West Health Care, Warrnambool & Macarthur, Victoria

Supervisors: Associate Professor Adrian Schoo & Rachel Boak

Project Period: Commenced April 2006 - February 2009 (Awarded in 2006)

Project Brief: This project looked at falls management within a community setting and reviewed literature and other project work and programs in the area of falls prevention. A number of models that have potential for use at South West Healthcare and in other rural settings within the Greater Green Triangle region were evaluted and recommendations made.

 

15. Farmers' Markets - A Model for Community Development and Primary Health Care

Bursary Recipient: Mr Richard Sager, private dietician

Supervisor: Professor James Dunbar

Project Period: March 2004 - August 2005 (Awarded in 2004)

Project Brief: The project investigated a 'Farmers' Market' as a model for community development and Primary Health Care, including an examination of the perceived barriers held by food growers and relevant stakeholders towards development of sustainable local food supply.

Publications: Sager R, MacDougal C, Dunbar J. An Evaluation Framework for the Qualitative Investigation of a Physical Activity Prescription Program in Rural Victoria. GP & PHC Research Conference: What's [not] Working? How Do We Know? 2004; Brisbane, Australia; 2004. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/191/

 

16. Health, Wellbeing, and Active Transport

Bursary Recipient: Katie McKean, Active Terang and Transport Connections Project Officer - Terang & Mortlake Health Service, Victoria, and self-employed health professional

Supervisors: Matt Ebden & Rachel Boak

Project Period: Commenced December 2008 (Awarded in November 2008)

Project Brief: To increase bicycle participation by improving cycling infrastructure in Warrnambool via an increase in the number of on- and off-road paths that are appropriate for active transport. The project will also identify previously unknown enablers and barriers to the use and provision of cycle paths. The bursary will help improve Katie's research and health promotion skills, and will assist her to produce an abstract for a relevant conference, with the objective of a conference presentation.

 

17. Interviewing Practice Nurses involved in a Collaborative System of Care and Co-morbidity regarding their Experiences and Impact on Service Provided

Bursary Recipient: Ms Kate Schlicht, Project Officer and Psychologist - Warrnambool, Victoria

Supervisors: Professor Prasuna Reddy & Dr Michael Coates

Project Period: Commenced May 2009 (Awarded in 2009)

Project Aims: Project aims include:

The project will also identify practice nurses' experiences to ascertain if the model has changed the way that they practice, and any enablers and/or barriers to the operation of the model.

Project Outcomes: Research outcomes include preparation of the findings to a report of submission standard and of a paper to publication standard.

 

18. Healthy Minds for Country Youth

Bursary Recipient: Ms Anne Edmonds, Mental Health Project Officer - Limestone Coast Division of General Practice, Millicent, South Australia

Supervisors: Professor Prasuna Reddy & Dr Lucie Walters

Project Period: Commenced March 2006 - February 2009 (Awarded in 2006)

Project Brief: Through focus groups and surveys, research was undertaken as part of the Health Minds for Country Youth project to establish young people's needs in relation to mental health services and ascertain young people's perceptions of accessing a GP for mental health issues. Recommendations about how GPs and mental health services could be more accessible were reported and this research formed the basis to establishing pathways for young people to services.

Publications: Healthy Minds for Country Youth: Barriers to accessing help for depression by young people in rural South Australia. Hernan, A., Edmonds, A., Walters, L. & Reddy, P. VicPHCRED Conference; 2008; Melbourne, Australia; 2008. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/411/

 

19. Managed Clinical Networks as they relate to the Australian Context

Bursary Recipient: Dr Ruth Stewart, General Practitioner - Camperdown, Victoria

Supervisor: Professor James Dunbar

Project Period: Commenced May 2007 - February 2009 (Awarded in 2007)

Project Brief: This bursary was awarded to assist Dr Stewart to complete a review of the literature on Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs)as they relate to the Australian context, and to complete an analysis identifying the impact of the Corangamite MCN on maternity service provision.

 

20. Maternal Postpartum Adjustment in the South West Region - A Rural Perspective (Project #1)

Bursary Recipient: Dr Melissa Ferrier-Lynn, psychologist - South West Healthcare, Camperdown and Warrnambool, Victoria

Supervisors: Professor Prasuna Reddy & Dr Ruth Stewart

Project Period: May 2005 - December 2006 (Awarded in 2005)

Project Brief: This project examined a multidimensional model of postpartum adjustment incorporating a broad range of experiences particular to rural mothers and their infants in the south west region of Victoria.

Publications: Ferrier-Lynn M, Reddy P, Stewart R. Maternal Postpartum Adjustment in Victoria's South West: Preliminary Findings. World Association of Infant Mental Health, 10th World Conference; 2006; Paris, France; 2006. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/lib/elib/viewabstract.php?elibid=3670

Ferrier-Lynn M, Reddy P, Stewart R. Maternal Postpartum Adjustment in Victoria's South West: Preliminary Findings. World Association of Infant Mental Health, 10th World Conference; 2006; Paris, France; 2006. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/381/

Ferrier-Lynn M. Maternal Postpartum Adjustment in Victoria's South West: A Rural Perspective. Infant Mental Health Journal 2006; 27(3A Supplement): No.245. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/390/

 

21. Maternal Postpartum Adjustment in Victoria's South West: A Rural Perspective (Project #2)

Bursary Recipient: Dr Melissa Ferrier-Lynn

Supervisor: Professor Prasuna Reddy

Project Period: Commenced December 2006 - February 2009 (Awarded in 2006)

Project Brief: This bursary built on the previous project (#16) where Dr Melissa Ferrier-Lynn examined a multi-dimensional model of postpartum adjustment in a sample of females from rural south-west Victoria.  The model of interest incorporated three domains of parent cognitions known to be important indicators of parental functioning in the first 12 months after having a baby (Ferrier-Lynn & Skouteris, 2005).  These were  'Wellbeing', 'Role Competence and Satisfaction' and 'Social Support'.  Infant temperament was also considered.  This bursary was awrded to enable Melissa to build on her previous work by analysing the data set of participants and subsequently preparing a journal article for publication.

 

22. Metabolic Syndrome and Depression

Bursary Fellowship: Dr Nathalie Davis, Research Fellow - GGT UDRH

Supervisor: Professor James Dunbar

Project Period: April - November 2007

Project Brief: This project examined the link between metabolic syndrome and depression and looked at the implications for clinical management of this condition.

Publications: Dunbar JA, Reddy P, Davis-Lameloise N, Philpot B, Laatikainen T, Kilkkinen A, Bunker S, Best J, Vartiainen E, Lo S, Janus E. Depression: An Important Co Morbidity with Metabolic Syndrome in a General Population. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(12):2368-73. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/389/

 

23. Nicotine Navigator

Bursary Recipient: Christine Buckley, senior physiotherapy clinician - Respiratory Health, Colac Area Health, Victoria

Supervisors: Dr Andrea Sanigorski & Dr Kristy Bolton

Project Period: Commenced July 2008 - January 2009 (Awarded in 2008)

Project Brief: The project was designed to develop a qualitative survey for the Smoking Cessation Team to use to collect data. The data was then to be analysed and used to produce a journal article, internal report, and a conference presentation.

 

24. Oral Healthcare Model for South West Victoria

Writing Grant Recipient: Ms Cate Mercer, Project Officer - GGT UDRH (previous post)

Supervisor: Associate Professor Adrian Schoo

Project Period: October 2005 - July 2006 (Awarded in 2005)

Project Brief: To develop a proposal for an oral healthcare service delivery model in south west Victoria.

Publications:  Dunbar, Schoo, A., & Mercer, C. (2006, September 2006). Rural dental workforce enhancement: the establishment of a sustainable inter-professional model. Paper presented at the National SARRAH Conference.

Mercer, C., Morris, M. E., & Bui, Q. M. (2005). Current models of practice and opportunities available within South Australian and Victorian Universities in relationship to dentistry.

Schoo, A., Stagnitti, K., MErcer, C., & Dunbar, J. (2005). A conceptual model for recruitment and retention: Allied Health Workforce Enhancements in Western Victoria, Australia. Rural and Remote Health 477. http://www.rrh.org.au/home/defaultnew.asp

Schoo, A. M. M., Stagnitti, K., Mercer, C., & Dunbar, J. (2005). Allied health workforce enhancement in Western Victoria: A concept for recruitment and retention. Paper presented at the Evidence and Excellence: Regional Allied Health at its Best.

Schoo, A. M. M., Stagnitti, K., Mercer, C., & Dunbar, J. (2005). Regional Allied Health at its Best - Non Peer Reviewed Excellence. Paper presented at the Allied health workforce enhancement in Western Victoria: A concept for recruitment and retention.

 

25. Podiatry in South West Victoria - Workforce Needs and Recruitment

Writing Grant Recipient: Ms Cate Mercer, Project Officer - GGT UDRH (previous post)

Supervisor: Associate Professor Adrian Schoo

Project Period: October 2005 - November 2006 (Awarded in 2005)

Project Brief: Prepartion of a report on the podiatry workforce needs of south west Victoria and current recruitment practices. 

Publications: Mercer C, Schoo A, Dunbar J. Addressing Podiatry Shortages in South West Victoria. GP & PHC Research Conference: Optimising Impact; 2006; Perth, Western Australia; 2006

Mercer C, Schoo A, Dunbar J. Addressing Podiatry Shortages in Western Victoria. Victorian Department of Human Services (DHS) Rural Health Conference: Going for Gold; 2006; Ballarat, Australia; 2006.

Mercer C, Schoo AM & Dunbar J. An Evidence-Based Approach to Podiatry Workforce Enhancement and Service Provision in Western Victoria. GP & PHC Research Conference: Optimising Impact 2006; Perth, Western Australia; 2006. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.php?params=2188

 

26. Promoting Healthy Eating and Physical Activity in a Secondary School Setting in order to Address the Issues of Overweight and Obesity in the Community

Bursary Recipient: Ms Clare Vaughan, Research Associate - GGT UDRH

Supervisor: Professor James Dunbar

Project Period: March 2004 - December 2005 (Awarded in 2004)

Project Brief: Promotion of healthier eating and physical activity in four secondary schools in Warrnambool, Victoria and an examination of the various issues of overweight and obesity in the community.

Publications: Vaughan C, Kilkkinen A, Heistaro S, Laatikainen T, Dunbar J. The Dietary, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviours of Victorian Regional Secondary School Students. Australian Journal of Primary Health. 2007;13(1):81-8.

Read more about this project

 

27. Risk Factor Project for Corangamite Shire

Bursary Recipient: Ms Janelle Dymock, Health Promotion Officer - Primary Care Partnership, South West Healthcare, Warrnambool, Victoria

Supervisors: Dr Steve Bunker & Rachel Boak

Project Period: Commenced April 2006 - February 2009 (Awarded in 2006)

Project Brief: The bursary funds were awarded to prepare a literature review on broad based Health Promotion strategies around improving physical activity suitable for use in a rural context.  The literature search was intended to inform a research question and a research question will be developed at the end of the project.

 

28. Rural Dental Workforce and Oral Health Service Enhancement in South East of South Australia and South West Victoria

Bursary Recipient: Dr Mark Hutton, dentist - Mount Gambier, South Australia

Supervisors: Associate Professor Adrian Schoo & Rachel Boak

Project Period: December 2007 - May 2009 (Awarded in 2007)

Project Brief: This project aims to produce a model of service enhancement by examining existing data, surveying the professional needs of each Oral Health Group, developing relationships with key stakeholders, community groups, dental specialists, and other health professionals who interact with the dental profession.

 

29. Study of the Increased Primary Health Risk of Developmental Dysplasia: A Rural and Urban Comparison

Bursary Recipient: Sue Charlton, physiotherapist - Mount Gambier, South Australia

Supervisor: Associate Professor Adrian Schoo

Project Period: Commenced March 2008 (Awarded in 2008)

Project Brief: A literature review of developmental dsyplasia of the hip in babies and young children in a greater primary health setting is being undertaken and results analysed around country and city incidence and age of diagnosis. It is then anticipated that recommendations for advice to medical practitioners, allied health workers and nurses for diagnosis of this condition will be produced.

 

30. Supporting Junior Doctors Going Bush

Bursary Recipient: Deb Smith, Western District Health Services, Hamilton, Victoria

Supervisors: Professor David Prideaux & Professor Paul Worley

Project Period: February 2011 - January 2012

Project Brief: This research was initiated to explore the current issues and barriers impacting upon junior doctors and investigate strategies to minimise these.


31. Systematic Approach to Undertaking 45 to 49 year old Health Checks in General Practice

Bursary Recipients: Greater Green Triangle General Practice Education and Training (GGT GPET) Registrars

Supervisors: Professor James Dunbar, Professor Prasuna Reddy, Dr Eldon Lyon, Dr Margaret Garde & Rachel Boak

Project Period: January - December 2007 (Awarded in 2007)

Project Brief: In November 2006 a new Medicare Benefits Schedule, the "45 year-old health check" (Item 717), was introduced. Item 717 is an initiative that embraces chronic disease prevention and management in a primary health care setting. The registrar research project was designed to:

Publications: Boak, R., Dunbar, J., Reddy, P., Lyon, E., & Garde, M. (2008, 4-6 June 2008). A systematic approach to underatking the '45 year old health check' in general practice. Hobart, Australia. http://www.phcris.org.au/conference/browse.php?catid=755&search=building+research+capacity+in+General+Practice&browseSubmit.x=36&browseSubmit.y=6

Boak, R., Dunbar, J., Reddy, P., Lyon, E., Garde, M., & Trotter, B. (2008, 4-6 June 2008). Building research capacity in general practice: Research as a component of GP vocational training. Paper presented at the 2008 GP & PHC Research Conference, Hobart, Australia. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.php?params=6346

 

32. The Psychosocial Experience of Female Secondary Infertility in Australia: A Literature Review

Bursary Recipient: Elvira Hewson

Supervisors: Dr Michael Coates & Jane Fisher

Project Period: February 2011 - January 2012

Project Brief: This project will review the literature relating to the psychosocial experience of women with secondary infertility in Australia. It is intended that this review will be used to inform the direction and development of a PhD project proposal.


33. To Develop a Chart/Protocol for the Examination and Management of Neonatal Instability of the Hip (NIH) in Neonates Born in Regional and Rural South Australia and Victoria

Bursary Recipient: Ms Sue Charlton, Physiotherapist, 1 Stop Paediatric Services, Mount Gambier, South Australia

Supervisor(s)/Mentor(s): Dr Michael Coates & Anne McCoy

Project Period: May 2010 - May 2011 (Awarded in 2010)

Project Brief: This project determined how many babies are currently identified with neonatal hip instability and at what age this identification occurs.  It also examined any follow up treatment undertaken for these babies, and will make recommendations about whether follow up could be better managed.

Publications: Charlton S. Developmental Dysplasia of the hip: the Swedish experience.  Tri-State PHCRED Conference; 16-17 September, 2010; Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia.  http://www.phcredtristate.org.au/conference/2010/index.html

 

34. Training in a Rural Community versus a Metropolitan Setting

Bursary Recipient: Heith Waddell, Flinders University Medical student

Supervisor: Dr Lucie Walters

Advisor: Professor Prasuna Reddy

Project Period: March 2006 - February 2008 (Awarded in 2006)

Project Brief: This study demonstrated that community-based students recognise and value other health professionals and have developed the capacity to work as a member of a primary health care team.

Publications: Waddell, H., & Walters, L. (2008, 4-6 June 2008). Community-based vs Tertiary Medical Education: Student Perspectives of Primary Health Care in Practice. Paper presented at the 2008 GP & PHC Research Conference, Hobart, Australia. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.php?params=6306

 

35. Validate and Operationalise Coronary Heart Disease and Diabetes Register of Practice

Practice Grant Recipient: Dr Dale Ford, General Practitioner - Hamilton Medical Clinic and Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Flinders University

Supervisors: Professor James Dunbar & Professor Prasuna Reddy

Project Period: August 2005 - August 2006 (Awarded in 2005)

Project Brief:  This team bursary helped support the Hamilton Medical Clinic undertake research in the area of chronic disease management.  

Publications: Farmer, E., & Ford, D. (2006). What is the potential for the Collaboratives methodology in Australia? Reflections on the early results from the National Primary Care Collaboratives Program. Paper presented at the 2006 GP & PHC Research Conference. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.php?params=2248

Farmer, E., & Ford, D. (2007). Better chronic disease outcomes: results of the National Primary Care Collaboratives Program to date and future directions. Paper presented at the 2007 GP & PHC Research Conference. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.php?params=3553

Farmer, E., Ford, D., Knight, A., & Tan, S. (2005). National primary care collaboratives in Australia: the first wave. Paper presented at the 2005 GP & PHC Research Conference. http://www.phcris.org.au/elib/render.php?params=885

 

36. What are the Barriers to Implementing the Victorian Department of Education and Training Guidelines Regarding the Provision of Nutrient Dense Food Options in School Canteens?

Bursary Recipient: Ms Mary Fielding, Assistant Principal - Warrnambool College, Victoria

Supervisors: Professor David Crawford, Dr Annamari Kilkkinen & Rachel Boak

Project Period: May 2005 - March 2007 (Awarded in 2005)

Publications:  Fielding M, Kilkkinen A, Boak R. Identifying the Barriers to Implementing the Victorian Department of Education and Training Guidelines Regarding the Provision of Nutrient-dense Food Options in School Canteens. GP & PHC Research Conference: Optimising Impact; 2006; Perth, Western Australia; 2006. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/33/

Fielding M, Kilkkinen A, Boak R. What stops schools selling healthy food? 2006 GP & PHC Research Conference; 2006 5-7 July 2006; Perth, Australia; 2006. http://www.greaterhealth.org/resources/382/

 

Quick Links

Education and Training Programs (All Programs)

PHCRED e-News

Researcher Development Program (RDP)

Research Resources

Useful Links