An analysis of funding for general practice research in Australia.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the current status of funding for general practice research in Australia.

DESIGN

A descriptive survey analysing funding arrangements of research projects included in a national research database, established by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Research projects involving, or directly related to, general practice that had commenced in Australia since 1 January, 1989. Responses were specifically sought from all universities, the Family Medicine Programme and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Extent and source(s) of funding received or requested, or both; relationship of funding received to the following: qualification and affiliations of the principal investigator; submission of the research project towards a higher degree; subject area(s) covered by the research; study design method used; and duration of project.

RESULTS

A total of 237 projects from 130 principal investigators were included in the analysis. Of these, 149 (63%) had been submitted for funding and 98 (66%) had been successful. The amount of funding ranged between $300 and $855,600. The most common source of funding was the General Practice Evaluation Programme. Research contributing towards a higher degree was associated with successfully receiving funding. Other variables, including the study design and study area, were not significantly associated with an increased success of funding.

CONCLUSIONS

The total amount of funds spent on general practice research is still small, relative to the size of the workforce. However, over half of general practice research undertaken in Australia is not submitted for funding. Of the research that is submitted, the success rate of receiving funds is high.