PC4 / RACGP Training Award

PC4 has partnered with the RACGP to provide $10,000 to fund high quality cancer research in primary care that will strengthen the knowledge base of general practice. Awards will be funded annually.

Inaugural Recipient 2010: Dr Kylie Vuong

Qualifications: MBBS, BSc(Med), MIPH

Location: School of Public Health, University of Sydney

Role: Academic GP Registrar

Research Interests: Preventative care, remote health and health equality

Project: Feasibility of Tailored Skin Cancer Prevention in General Practice

Australia has one of the world’s highest rates of skin cancer. The purpose of the study is to determine whether it is possible to implement a tailored skin cancer prevention intervention to patients visiting general practices and whether this will lead to changes in self-reported sun protection behaviours. In one practice patients will receive generic sun cancer prevention material. In the other practice, patients will complete a skin cancer risk survey, be given tailored sun protection material based on their skin cancer risks, and the General Practitioner will reinforce these tailored prevention messages during the consultation.

In both practices the patients will be given a baseline and follow up sun habits survey to assess their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards sun protection. Patients and General Practitioners will be invited to provide feedback at the conclusion of the study.