General practice research priority setting in Australia: informing a research agenda to deliver best patient care

Background: General practice research is the subsection of primary care research that addresses gaps in evidence about care delivered in general practice. Despite delivering care to 85% of the Australian population annually, general practice receives a paucity of government health research funding when compared with tertiary healthcare settings. However, general practitioners (GPs) require evidence-based tools and guidelines applicable to their patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish a set of general practice research priorities to guide resource allocation, and to inform a research agenda that optimises the delivery of the bestpatient care. Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, followed by a modified two-round Delphi survey of general practice stakeholders. Results: There were 67 general practice research priorities identified. Top priorities included quality care and evidence-based practice. Discussion: The results provide a contemporary reference point for an Australian general practice research agenda that helps prioritise and advocate for funding, and enables delivery of evidence-based patient care.

Australian Journal of General Practice

Australian Journal of General Practice

48

2208-7958

N/A

11

7