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Introduction to Primary Care Research (GENP40002)

HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1 (Early-Start) - On Campus
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This subject uses a structured approach to introduce students to the processes and skills which are essential to the conduct of human research in the primary care setting. In a series of 10 x 2 hour workshops and weekly 1 hour tutorials, the following topics will be covered:

• Why primary care research is needed
• Framing research questions for human populations
• Qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate to primary care
• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Primary care ethics
• Consumer engagement in research
• Sensitive issues; sensitive populations
• Rural health issues
• Writing for a primary care professional audience
• Community feedback

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of primary health care.
  • Develop a mature understanding of research design and analysis in primary care by participating in the research training program.
  • Develop a literature search strategy for generating the research question(s).
  • Evaluate research ethics processes and the ethical conduct of research.
  • Generate a detailed written research proposal, that includes the identified gaps in the field of study and the methodology used to conduct the research.

Generic skills

  • Literature searching, development of research proposal
  • Skills in research methods and analysis
  • Written and oral communication

Last updated: 19 November 2025