Primary Care Research

Gippsland PHN’s research vision is to facilitate the involvement of GPs, practice nurses, allied health and other primary care professionals in high-quality, relevant research.

Gippsland PHN does not have a dedicated budget for research; however, we are interested in partnership opportunities and securing grants and philanthropic funding that are relevant to primary health care and health priorities in our region. For more information, please email research@gphn.org.au.

Types of collaborations

Research collaborations usually involve universities or other recognised research bodies and include:

  • Promote research study
  • Letter of support
  • Request for data
  • Research collaboration (e.g. partner grant application, subject matter expert input)

Submit your research opportunity application

This application form should be used by applicants wishing to have their research activities reviewed for research support by Gippsland PHN. This application form (and attached documents) will suffice a submission to the Data Governance, Ethics and Research Group. The group meets monthly, on the first Tuesday of each month. To ensure a prompt response to submissions please ensure all questions are answered.

If you require a response to your Research Opportunity Application sooner than this, please enter the date in the ‘Response requested by date’ field and it may be considered for review by the group out-of-session.

Please click here to access the Research Opportunity Application form

Decision making process

The Data Governance, Ethics and Research Group will together assess the Research Opportunity Application submission against evaluation criteria. For each submission the Group will agree to one of the following decisions:

Status Outcome
Approved*
The research opportunity is determined by the Data Governance, Ethics and Research Group to align to Gippsland PHN’s priority areas and the requested research investment is approved.
Negotiation*
The research opportunity is of interest to Gippsland PHN, however, the full research investment as requested cannot be met and a negotiation between the Applicant and Gippsland PHN is required. This may be treated as an approved submission if the Group’s suggested negotiation is agreed to by the Applicant.
Further information required (FIR)
The research opportunity is of interest to Gippsland PHN; however, further information is required to inform the Group’s decision.
Rejected
Unfortunately, the research opportunity is not determined by the Group to align to Research Investment Criteria and available Gippsland PHN resources at this time.
* Gippsland PHN reserve the right to reconsider the Data Governance, Ethics and Research Group’s decision pending further discussions with the Applicant if new information is made available.

Gippsland PHN will endeavour to notify applicants of the outcome of their application within seven business days of the Data Governance, Ethics and Research Group meeting. If a decision is not reached at the meeting the default decision is “Further information required (FIR)” and a member of our staff will seek specified information from the applicant. The Research Opportunity Application alongside the further information will be provided to the next Data Governance, Ethics and Research Group for reconsideration.

Please click here to see Our Priorities

Current Research Opportunities

The following current research projects are seeking the participation of healthcare providers and/or community members. Information is provided for reference only. The PHN is not involved in these research activities and participants should contact the research bodies directly with any questions or concerns.

Adolescent Post-Traumatic Growth and how it is influenced in Bushfire Impacted Communities. A Mixed Methods Study.

Federation University invites stakeholders in the care and mental health support of adolescents impacted by the 2019 Gippsland bushfires to be a part of a study to understand how young people cope and grow after a bushfire.

Consent form

PLIS Stakeholder Providers

Effect of Yoga on Neurocognitive outcomes in Young Adults with Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of yoga in enhancing cognition (i.e., thinking patterns) and the pathways through which yoga may improve neurocognitive function.

Twelve weeks of free yoga training for adults aged 18—45 years, who are experiencing symptoms of depression will be provided. Participants will receive $150 e-gift card for completing the study assessments.

The mental wellbeing of junior doctors working in rural and remote settings in Australia: a cross-sectional survey

This research aims to explore the mental wellbeing of doctors working in rural and remote areas of Australia. Participants will be asked to complete a short online survey (approximately 10 minutes). The survey will include questions about your work environment, professional challenges, and mental wellbeing.

Community Health and Wellbeing Survey: Five years after the 2019-20 bushfires

The Community Health and Wellbeing Survey —now open to all East Gippsland residents over 16—is the first of its kind in Australia to examine the long-term health impacts of a major bushfire event. The survey has been developed by Monash University and Fire to Flourish researchers with direct community input, focussing on the unique experiences of communities affected by the 2019-2020 bushfire season.

Survey invitations are being sent the week of 17 March to households across East Gippsland. Participants can complete the survey online, by phone, in paper format, or in person at community sessions.

Improving psychosocial services for people living with bipolar disorder

Adults living with bipolar disorder, individuals supporting or caring for someone with bipolar disorder, and health care providers working in the area of bipolar treatment are invited to participate in an exploratory study to develop a better understanding of the psychosocial needs and care experiences of individuals impacted by bipolar disorder in Australia

Poster – Healthcare providers

Poster – Carers 

Poster – Adults

Closing Date: 01/06/2025

Clinical performance and digital technologies study

UQ Business School is investigating ways to make primary care services more efficient and person-centred using digital technologies. Share your clinic’s experience in the 20–30-minute survey linked.

Integrating evidence-based early childhood obesity prevention strategies into routine primary health care practice

Are you a primary health care practitioner or other stakeholder involved with health policies or programs for children under 5 years? The University of Sydney want to hear your thoughts and ideas on how early childhood obesity prevention strategies can be better integrated into policies and routine primary health care practice. This will involve a 40-minute online interview, with an e-gift card offered for your time.

doctors in secondary schools program