The University Primary Health Care Network

The University Primary Health Care Network (UPHCN) was formally established in 2000, having been under development since 1997, as a research and teaching network in South Australia as well as making a direct contribution to the general practice workforce. The Network comprises family practices owned or affiliated with the Department of General Practice (Adelaide University) and Spencer Gulf Rural Health School (SGRHS).

The current UPHCN sites include:

The aims of the UPHCN are:

• to provide high quality education and training for medical and other health science students;
• to provide high quality multidisciplinary primary health care services to local communities;
• to conduct audit and research that is relevant to the practices and local communities; and
• to trial, develop and evaluate innovative models of delivery of general practice and primary care.

The University Primary Health Care Network has an established infrastructure to provide support for those interested in undertaking a research or educational project within the UPHCN sites. Key components include:

Research Manager/Co-ordinator - Ms Caroline Laurence

The role of the Research Manager/Co-ordinator includes the management of research projects, ensuring communication across the network, identifying problems within sites, the recruitment of additional practices, liaison with external stakeholders and identifying grant opportunities.

For GPs and Practice staff interested in developing a research project, the Research Manager is the first point of call. This ensures that each project within the Network can be registered, duplication is avoided and the opportunities for collaboration maximised.

Caroline's contact details are outlined below:

Email: caroline.laurence@adelaide.edu.au
Discipline of General Practice
Adelaide University SA 5005
Ph: (08) 8303 4951
Fax: (08) 8303 3511

UPHCN Advisory Group

A key aim for the Network in 2002 was to form a UPHCN Advisory Group. This Group is the key decision-making structure for the UPHCN and consists of UPHCN GPs and other staff interested in research and education. This group develops policy direction for the UPHCN, undertake review of research proposals and prioritise projects.

Annual meeting/forum of UPHCN members

The UPHCN holds an annual meeting of its members. This meeting is held over 1.5 days and provides members with a forum to discuss research projects, methodology, UPHCN issues and educational projects.

Access to expert advice such as research design, statistics analysis

Through the Department of General Practice and the South Australian Centre of Rural and Remote Health, UPHCN members can access expert advice for research and education projects.

Please contact Caroline Laurence to discuss your specific needs.

UPHCN Newsletter

To assist communication between the Network sites, a newsletter is produced several times a year. This provides members with information on current projects, staff changes, new grant programs and opportunities for new research.

University Family Practice Network News - Autumn 2001 (PDF Document)
University Family Practice Network News - Spring 2000 (PDF Document)

Note: To save PDF documents above, hold down right mouse-button and select "Save Link As..."

PHC RED Program

Network members can access a number of programs through the Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development Program at the Discipline of General Practice or SACRRH. This includes training and support for research.

IT support

Staff from the Discipline of General Practice and the SACRRH provide IT support for UPHCN sites.