The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Foundationis offering funding to GPs for research projects relating to COVID-19 and general practice.
Since the 1950s, the RACGP Foundation has supported medical research into primary health care – nurturing GPs in discovering new ideas and solutions to ensure every Australian’s health is a priority.
The COVID-19 research grant is being offered with the support of HCF Research Foundation.
RACGP President Dr Harry Nespolon said COVID-19 presented an unprecedented challenge to GPs.
“GPs are playing a central role in Australia’s response to COVID-19, whilst continuing to care for their patient’s regular health concerns and adapting to new ways of consulting.
“It is important to understand the impact of this pandemic on general practice, which is why the RACGP Foundation is offering a special COVID-19 research grant.”
The COVID-19 grant funding could support research projects looking into the use of telehealth and telehealth item numbers and evaluation of COVID-19 clinics. Projects that require data collecting during the pandemic phase are preferred and current research projects that can be adapted to include COVID-19 are also eligible.
Dr Nespolon said general practice research was essential to advance the health of the nation.
“For too long research in general practice has been shockingly undervalued. If we want to maintain a world-class health system and solve the major health problems Australia faces, we need much more support for general practice research.
“When GP research is supported, doctors are able to discover new ways to improve general practice and patient care – and people all over Australia stand to gain in improved health and wellbeing.
“However, we know many GPs who are conducting research are doing so while practising and have to fit it in around caring for their patients, without the recognition or compensation they deserve.”
Applications for the RACGP Foundation COVID-19 research grants close on Friday 24th April 2020.
The number and value of grants awarded will be determined as part of the review and ranking process. Applicants are asked to indicate the budget required to undertake the project, up to $50,000.
