South Western Sydney PHN is committed to establishing partnerships and supporting local researchers and other relevant stakeholders in our region to conduct innovative, high quality, ethical primary care research.

Research (and evaluation) is vital in building the evidence base we need to commission new services and transform existing services to improve the health outcomes of people living in South Western Sydney.

Our focus

Our research and evaluation activities have shifted towards a more targeted approach to allow us to maximise our involvement. These focus areas are informed by the priorities set out in our Strategic Plan and regular needs assessments. Research relating to these priority areas of focus will aid us in building our evidence base and addressing the health outcomes of South Western Sydney residents.

Our current areas of focus are:

  • Workforce
  • Digital health
  • Change management
  • Access to Medicare

Are you looking for research support?

Scroll down to find out about applying for research support.

Past projects

Active Breed partnered with WSU and Canterbury Bulldogs

Active Breed partnered with WSU and Canterbury Bulldogs

Did you know; Australian men are more likely to develop chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes in comparison to women, or that rates of these conditions are particularly high in the South-Western Sydney region?

Read more | Bulldogs website

An exploration of women’s experiences of accessing publicly available pregnancy care within SWSLHD

Partnered with SWSLHD and Western Sydney University to conduct investigations and complete a published literature review: Model of care matters: An integrative review – Women and Birth

HeLP-GP (Health eLiteracy for Prevention in General Practice)

HeLP-GP (Health eLiteracy for Prevention in General Practice)

Partnered with the Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity

HeLP- GP randomised trial will test a combination of mobile health and telephone coaching provided to overweight and obese patients to assist them to improve their diet, increase the level of physical activity they undertake, and generally improve their health.

Read more | cphce.unsw.edu.au

SUSTAIN (Strengthening Care for Children)

Working with UNSW, Sydney Children Hospital Network, Sydney Child Health Program and Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network to strengthen pediatric care within practices.

Apply for research support

SWSPHN accepts research proposals from:

  • External researchers looking for endorsement or promotion of research to stakeholders (for example, to recruit participants)
  • External researchers looking for SWSPHN participation in developing the proposal and/or implementing elements of a research project
  • External researchers looking to partner with SWSPHN on research grants
  • External researchers looking to collaborate on a research project to address local health needs

What you need to complete the online form

Have the following ready to complete the form

  • Contact details for project lead
  • Details of your project
  • Project timeline PDF
  • Project summary, target audience, aims etc
  • Details on PHN involvement

NB. To be considered for research support from SWSPHN requests must be in writing, using the Research Proposal Form below. Completion and submission of this form is necessary for the progression of your proposal.

Get started on your submission

Need more information or support with online form?

For more information about the process or support with the online form, please contact the research team.

Research policy

Research is one of the most important means by which we can pioneer innovation in primary health care in South Western Sydney. By establishing a research policy, SWSPHN can manage the multiple requests it receives for support and participation in research.