Royal Australian College of General Practice Foundation

The issue

General practice plays a pivotal role in our health care system in Australia. GPs understand the health needs of their local communities and deliver person centred care focused on achieving better patient outcomes. They are our frontline defence in the early detection and management of chronic diseases.

However, challenges for primary care arise from an ageing and complex population, increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, and a healthcare system which focuses on acute treatments and costly hospital care. Escalating healthcare costs compound access challenges for patients and threaten the long term financial sustainability of general practice.

The project

nib foundation and RACGP Foundation share a commitment to building a healthier Australia. Our organisations have partnered to support research with potential to shape a more robust Australian healthcare system that provides the type of care our increasingly diverse and complex population needs, and that is sustainably funded into the future.

In 2024 and 2025, up to two grants to a total value of up to $250,000 (excl. GST) will be offered for up to 24 months to fund general practice research focusing on one or both of the following themes:

• The financial sustainability of general practice and the potential role of Private Health Insurers.

• Collaborative approaches to non-pharmacological interventions within the broader health ecosystem, including the potential role of Private Health Insurers. Interventions may include social prescribing, health promotion, and/or illness prevention.

Applications that consider accessibility for patients in rural and remote areas will be highly regarded. 

The impact

The grant aims to identify and fund quality GP-led research projects that explore possible solutions to systemic issues in the Australian healthcare system.

We have a focus on supporting research that is translational and which can be implemented to drive quality policy, advocacy, and real outcomes for patients and communities across Australia.