GoldNet Research was established in 2019 to support practice-based primary care research in our region. The practice-based research network (PBRN) offers opportunities to learn about and be involved in research with the support of Bond University, Griffith University, General Practice Gold Coast (GPGC) and the Gold Coast PHN. Information about upcoming events and research opportunities are available on the website.
Since the PBRN was established, we have supported 15 research projects, and hold two research networking events, and two virtual journal clubs annually. In the latter half of 2022, GoldNet hosted a collaborative networking event and a virtual journal club:
Research Event: “Long COVID Era”
“Long COVID Era: long COVID and recurring waves” was a collaboration with General Practice Gold Coast (GPGC), on Oct 27 at the RACV Royal Pines Resort.
GoldNet has collaborated with GPGC since the PBRN was first established. The connection between general practice and research is vital to understand the practical implications and opportunities of research in primary care.
Key messages from the collaborative event:
- Long-COVID has added to the workload of primary care and broader workforce
- Diagnosis and management of Long-COVID is complex and requires a collaborative approach between primary care and the broader health system
- National Clinical Evidence Taskforce – COVID-19 Resource
Journal Club: “Weight Loss Interventions in Primary Care”
On Oct 12, Assistant Prof Loai Albarqouni led our virtual journal club, joined by an expert panel: author on the article, Dr Liz Sturgiss (Monash Uni), Assistant Prof Kieran Le Plastrier (Bond Uni), and Prof Nick Zwar, (GoldNet Steering Committee chair). The article discussed: “Effectiveness of weight management interventions for adults delivered in primary care: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.”
Key messages for primary care:
- Over 12 months, intervention groups lost ~2.3kg, and clinicians discussed how this amount of weight loss may not be significant to those who may wish to lose greater amounts of weight
- Longer term (>12 month) interventions were not included
- A team approach to weight loss should be implemented
- We should be cautious of weight loss interventions in those at risk of disordered eating and body dysmorphia
- A statement from Assistant Prof Le Plastrier highlights the complexity to body weight and autonomy: “Your body is not yours; it is actually in a social-cultural context. It represents and reflects its connection to the world around it.”
The article, journal club recording, and slides can be fond on the GoldNet website.
