A framework for conducting policy-relevant primary care research: a COVID-19 case study in Australia

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures profoundly affected healthcare delivery globally.
• Australian primary care services experienced significant disruptions, necessitating an understanding of practice activity changes.
• Assessing these impacts is crucial for evaluating response effectiveness and planning future healthcare strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on general practice activity in Australia.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of implemented response measures on primary care services.
• To provide insights for future primary care service planning and research.

Main Methods:

• Employed an action research methodology involving collaboration between researchers, general practitioners, and primary health networks.
• Utilized repeated cycles of action research incorporating electronic general practice data.
• Engaged participatory involvement from key stakeholders throughout the research process.

Main Results:

• The study successfully determined the impact of the pandemic on Australian general practice.
• The collaborative action research approach facilitated the production of relevant knowledge outcomes.
• Lessons learned highlight the adaptability of the methodology for future primary care research.

Conclusions:

• Action research and interdisciplinary collaboration are effective for generating knowledge relevant to clinical practice.
• The project's approach and outcomes can inform future research in primary care settings.
• Understanding pandemic impacts is vital for resilient and adaptive primary healthcare systems.