$20 million in research funding will go toward projects seeking to advance equity in primary care.
The government is now offering grants of up to $3 million for research on improving equity in primary care.
Administered through the Medical Research Future Fund, there is a total of $20 million up for grabs.
The funding forms part of the Primary Health Care Research initiative, which provides $100 million over 10 years for research related to primary care.
All MRFF trials funded through the Primary Health Care Research initiative must investigate and trial approaches, including adapting successful trials, to advance equity in primary health care services and must be co-designed with primary health care stakeholders.
“The intended outcome of the research is to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians by advancing equity in primary health care services,” the grant opportunity reads.
Only MRFF eligible organisations can apply for the grants.
Related
Separately, the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Partnership Project scheme will also be funding the development of a “trusted online decision aid” to help women make decisions about menopausal hormone therapy.
This project was funded under the Partnership Project scheme, which draws from a different bucket of money than the Primary Health Care Research initiative.
Where the primary care research funding is coming from the Commonwealth, the majority of funding under the partnership scheme comes from non-federal government sources like charities, hospitals, and health service providers.
“Millions of women experience menopause, and around one quarter report symptoms severe enough to affect their daily lives, and while effective treatments are available, treatment decisions are often made in the context of confusing, incomplete, or inaccurate information,” menopause tool research lead Professor Martha Hickey said.
“While MHT is the most effective treatment for menopausal hot flushes and nights sweats that affect most women at this time, it’s not suitable for everyone and carries small but well-defined risks that vary person to person.
“This project will be the first evidence-based tool co-designed with consumers and clinicians to empower women to make informed choices MHT, based on their own values and needs.”
