Research

AGPN recognises the need to gain evidence to support the work that nurses in general practice do. We are interested to hear from anyone undertaking research that involves or effects nurses working in primary care.

Research of interest to nursing in general practice and primary care includes: 

Practice Nurses and Nutrition at Griffith University

Griffith University is calling for Practice Nurses to be involved in a qualitative study that explores their perceptions of their skills, knowledge and attitudes towards providing nutrition advice to patients with chronic disease. Participants will take part in a 20 minute telephone interview, at a convenient time between now and May 2012.

The information collected in this study will offer insight into the best ways to support Practice Nurses in the role relating to nutrition.

Interested Practice Nurses are asked to contact Sarah Cass from the School of Public Health on 0431 376 728 or sarah.cass@griffithuni.edu.au

Supporting Advanced Nurse Development and Sustainability in General Practice (SANDS)

Facilitated and coordinated by the Australian Primary health Care Research Institute at the Australian National University (APHCRI ANU), five teams based in Divisions of General Practice or Medicare Locals are researching aspects of how to progress nurses to advanced levels in clinical practice, management and leadership, and governance in the Australian general practice setting.

Click here to download a summary of the research focus for each team, or contact Kelly McGorm at APHCRI Kelly.McGorm@anu.edu.au if you have any information or resources you think would be of value to these projects.

The Work, education and career pathways of nurses in Australian general practice

Abstract: There is little understanding about the educational levels and career pathways of the primary care nursing workforce in Australia. This article reports on survey research conducted to examine the qualifications and educational preparation of primary care nurses in general practice, their current enrolments in educaiton programs, and their perspectives about post-registration education.  Fifty-eight practice nurses from accross Australia completed the survey.  Over 94% reported that they had access to educational opportunities but identified a range of barriers to undertaking further education.  Although 41% of nurses said they were practising at a speciality advanced level, this correlated with the number of years they had worked in general practice rather than to any other factor, including level of education.  Respondents felt a strong sense of being regarded as less important than nurses working in the acute care sector.  Almost 85% of respondents reported that they did not have a career pathway in their organisation. They also felt that while the public had confidence in them, there was some way to go regarding role recognition.  For full article click here.

Local Lead Clinicians Groups (LCGs)

Part of the requirements for Local LCG’s will be that membership will be 75% clinicians - including nurses. This represents a great opportunity for primary care nurses to be involved in strategies to improve safety and quality, efficiency and sustainability of clinical services, clinical research opportunities. For more information please click here.

CHoRUS - Child Health: Researching Universal Services (Current)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of implementing a national approach to child and family health services. The study is being conducted by Professor Virginia Schmied (UWS), Associate Professor Sue Kruske (CDU), Professor Caroline Homer (UTS), Professor Lesley Barclay (USyd), Professor Ian Wilson (UWS), Professor Cathrine Fowler (UTS) and Dr Lynn Kemp (UNSW).
Click here for the CHoRUS Newsletter.

This survey has been designed for nurses who work as Child and Family Health Nurses (NSW, SA, Tasmania, NT); Maternal and Child Health Nurses (Vic, ACT); Child Health Nurses (Qld) and Community Child Health Nurse (WA).
The purpose of the survey is to describe the role that child and family health nurses play in providing universal health services to children and families.
This study has been funded by the Australian Research Council.

Australian General Practice Nurse Research Study (2009)

The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) in conjunction with The Australian National University (ANU) has completed a three year study investigating the role and contribution of Practice Nurses to Australian general practice. The research team led by Dr Christine Phillips had members from the Network, The Australian National University, the University of Melbourne and Manchester University in the United Kingdom.
A copy of the research findings titled 'Examining the expanded roles for nurses in general practice' is available here.

Re organising Practice Nurse Care: An evaluation of adolescent Health Care Clinics in General Practice

Review of community and Primary Care Nursing (2007)

Nurses are becoming increasingly central in the delivery of primary health care in Australia. Some international evidence indicates that primary health care nurses can provide effective care and achieve positive health outcomes for patients similar to doctors when within the scope of their practice. Nevertheless, there is a lack of evidence in Australian about their role ad their impact on health outcomes.
Click here for more information.

Improving Quality Through Clinical Governance In Primary Health Care

Key findings include the need for external support for clinical governance is needed at the regional/intermediate level, through the Divisions of General Practice and/or state funded regional organisations.
Click here for more information.

Managing Change in Primary Care: The Contribution of a Clinical Leadership Program

For the Government's reform agenda to succeed, it requires clinical leaders who understand and can interpret the new policies for their peers. Also, clinical leaders need to understand how to bring about change.
Click here for more information.

A Systematic Review of Chronic Disease Management (2006)

In Australia many chronic diseases are predominantly managed in primary health care (PHC) and there is a need to understand how to do this more effectively. A systematic review was conducted on chronic disease management in primary health care using the Chronic Care Model (CCM) as the conceptual framework.
Click here for more information.

Patient Engagement and Coaching for Health (2007)

The PEACH study; a cluster ranomised controlled trial using telephone to coach people with type 2 diabetes to engage with their GPs to improve diabetes care.
Click here for more information.

Research Networks:

Victoria

VicReN is a practice-based research network (PBRN). PBRNs work by bringing primary care practitioners (GPs, practice nurses, community and allied health practitioners) together with academic GPs and other researchers in long-term collaborations to conduct research that matters to practitioners and that makes a difference to the delivery of primary care.
Click here for more information.


If you would like assistance or information to support your research or to add a link to this page, please contact:
Lynne Walker RN
Principal Network Advisor
Phone: 02 6228 0820
E: lwalker@agpn.com.au