The Diamond Cohort Study- Examining Depressive Symptoms In Primary Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,886.00
Summary
Depression is the single largest cause of disability for people in Australia. It is mainly managed in general practice-primary care, yet many people experiencing depression go unrecognised by their family doctor or general practitioner (GP). Some people, even when given treatment, remain depressed. Guides on how to manage depression have been mainly based upon people attending psychiatrists and hospitals. In addition, there have been a number of large studies overseas testing new ways of helping ....Depression is the single largest cause of disability for people in Australia. It is mainly managed in general practice-primary care, yet many people experiencing depression go unrecognised by their family doctor or general practitioner (GP). Some people, even when given treatment, remain depressed. Guides on how to manage depression have been mainly based upon people attending psychiatrists and hospitals. In addition, there have been a number of large studies overseas testing new ways of helping people with depression. Unfortunately, they do not seem any better than usual care by a GP. We are currently funded by the NHMRC for diamond 1 to follow 800 people to investigate the factors from the patient's and doctor's point of view that are likely to aid recovery from depression, and to detail the way in which people are cared for in the primary health care system. There is increasing research showing that depression is a chronic and relapsing condition and that a one-year follow-up, whilst longer than most previous studies, will capture only a small glimpse of the health service use and relapse patterns of the patients enrolled in our study. In this application, we request funding to continue to follow participants. diamond 2 aims to explore the patient characteristics and health service use patterns of patients who experience persistent major depression with patients who experience a single episode of depression within a 3-year period. We will use the data gathered to develop models that predict recovery-relapse-persistence of depression. Such models will enable us to develop guidelines and design interventions that better target those at risk of continuing and disabling illness. This work will be of international significance and has the potential to influence the entire primary mental health care system and contribute to substantial system change.Read moreRead less
Strenthening The Contribution Of Australian General Practice To The Control Of Pandemic Influenza
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,257.00
Summary
Most primary and preventive care in Australia occurs in general practice. Australian general practice will therefore have a critical role to play in control efforts during an influenza pandemic, and also in sustaining other primary health care activities. After an initial surge in attendances, there may be a decline in attendance, as Australians become more reluctant to congregate in a place where they may become ill. This study seeks to complement the Australian Pandemic Influenza Management Pl ....Most primary and preventive care in Australia occurs in general practice. Australian general practice will therefore have a critical role to play in control efforts during an influenza pandemic, and also in sustaining other primary health care activities. After an initial surge in attendances, there may be a decline in attendance, as Australians become more reluctant to congregate in a place where they may become ill. This study seeks to complement the Australian Pandemic Influenza Management Plan by developing a range of action plans for use by general practitioners and public health authorities to support essential primary health care functions through a pandemic, and maximize general practice's contribution to control efforts. A range of methods will be used, including systematic review of existing literature, economic modeling of the Medicare costs and savings of different models of health care, interviews with key informants who have helped develop disaster response plans for general practice, or who are in positions of leadership. The project will culminate in the development of a simulation exercise to be used as a self-assessment tool for general practitioners, and a summit of general practice stakeholders who will help to finalise agreed action plans for the general practice response to pandemic influenza.Read moreRead less
HARMONY: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Whole Of General Practice Intervention To Prevent And Reduce Domestic Violence Among Migrant And Refugee Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$595,289.00
Summary
Migrant and refugee victims of domestic violence (DV) are at grave risk of harm and murder and under-identified in primary care. The Harmony partnership builds on evidence-based models of DV response, to trial an innovative intervention of culturally competent and safe care in general practices with significant numbers of migrant patients. Harmony will result in data platforms that enhance assessment and care plans for DV victims, and safer outcomes for those from vulnerable populations.
An Evaluation Of The Impact Of A Chlamydia Testing Intervention On General Practitioner Knowledge, Attitudes And Chlamydia Testing Rates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$84,800.00
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis is a significant public health burden. Annual chlamydia testing is recommended for young people attending Australian general practice, and is required to reduce chlamydia prevalence, but testing rates remain low. This research will evaluate the impact of a chlamydia testing intervention on Australian general practitioners’ chlamydia testing rates, knowledge and attitudes. Findings will provide evidence to support future chlamydia control programs in Australia.
Effect Of A Personalised Oral Health Education Programme On Clinical And Molecular Risk Factors For At-risk Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$149,900.00
Summary
Recently, a number of studies have shown that poor oral health may impact on general health. However, for many Australians on low incomes, the only dental care they receive is of an emergency nature due to the long waiting lists in the public sector. The current study proposes to look at whether an oral health education program delivered by allied oral health professionals will result in a significant improvement in oral health which in turn will lead to better oral and general health outcomes i ....Recently, a number of studies have shown that poor oral health may impact on general health. However, for many Australians on low incomes, the only dental care they receive is of an emergency nature due to the long waiting lists in the public sector. The current study proposes to look at whether an oral health education program delivered by allied oral health professionals will result in a significant improvement in oral health which in turn will lead to better oral and general health outcomes in a low socio-economic communityRead moreRead less
Can Preventive Care Activities In General Practice Be Sustained When Financial Incentives And External Audit Plus Feedback Are Removed? A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,201,443.00
Summary
There is increasing debate about the effectiveness of incentive payments and audit plus feedback on the clinical behaviour of general practitioners (GPs). Governments both in Australia and the UK are raising the threshold targets for payment eligibility making it more difficult for GPs to get payments. We will conduct a trial that will investigate the impact of removing financial incentives and/or external audit plus feedback on the preventive care activities of GPs.
Improving Ways Of Thinking And Ways Of Doing Aboriginal And Cross-cultural Health In General Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$948,465.00
Summary
Aboriginal community controlled health services and private general practice need to work together to close the gap. This practice-based cultural respect program and toolkit establishes a care partnership, with Aboriginal cultural mentors, to support strategies to embed cultural respect in general practices on an ongoing basis. Success indicators include a cultural quotient measure, performance of Aboriginal health checks and management of risk factors. The program may also benefit cross-cultura ....Aboriginal community controlled health services and private general practice need to work together to close the gap. This practice-based cultural respect program and toolkit establishes a care partnership, with Aboriginal cultural mentors, to support strategies to embed cultural respect in general practices on an ongoing basis. Success indicators include a cultural quotient measure, performance of Aboriginal health checks and management of risk factors. The program may also benefit cross-cultural health generally.Read moreRead less