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Background: Relational continuity, 'a therapeutic relationship between a patient and provider/s that spans health care events', has been associated with improved patient outcomes.Objectives: To evaluate whether an intervention incorporating patient enrolment and a funding model for higher-risk patients influenced patient-reported experience measures, particularly relational continuity.Methods: Cluster-randomized controlled trial over 12 months (1 August 2018-31 July 2019). Participating patients within intervention practices were offered enrolment with a preferred general practitioner, a minimum of 3 longer appointments, and review within 7 days of hospital admission or emergency department attendance. Intervention practices received incentives for longer consultations (dependent on reducing unnecessary prescriptions and tests), early post-hospital follow-up, and hospitalization reductions. The primary outcome was patient-reported relational continuity, measured by the Primary Care Assessment Tool Short Form.Results: A total of 774 patients, aged 18-65 years with a chronic illness or aged over 65 years, from 34 general practices in metropolitan, regional, and rural Australia across 3 states participated. Response rates for questionnaires were >90%. From a maximum of 4.0, mean baseline scores for relational continuity were 3.38 (SE 0.05) and 3.42 (SE 0.05) in control and intervention arms, respectively, with no significant between-group differences in changes pre-post trial. There were no significant changes in other patient-focussed measures.Conclusion: Patient-reported relational continuity was high at baseline and not influenced by the intervention, signalling the need for caution with policies incorporating patient enrolment and financial incentives. Further research is required targeting at-risk patient groups with low baseline engagement with primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an international interest in whether improved primary care can lead to a more rational use of health resources. There is evidence that educational interventions can lead to improvements in the quality of rational prescribing and test ordering. A new national platform for shared medical records in Australia, My Health Record (MHR), poses new opportunities and challenges for system-wide implementation. This trial (CHIME-GP) will investigate whether components of a multifaceted education intervention in an Australian general practice setting on rational prescribing and investigation ordering leads to reductions in health-service utilisation and costs in the context of the use of a national digital health record system.Methods: The trial will be undertaken in Australian general practices. The aim of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of components of a web-based educational intervention for general practitioners, regarding rational use of medicines, pathology and imaging in the context of the use of the MHR system. Our target is to recruit 120 general practitioners from urban and regional regions across Australia. We will use a mixed methods approach incorporating a three-arm pragmatic cluster randomised parallel trial and a prospective qualitative inquiry. The effect of each education component in each arm will be assessed, using the other two arms as controls. The evaluation will synthesise the results embedding qualitative pre/post interviews in the quantitative results to investigate implementation of the intervention, clinical behaviour change and mechanisms such as attitudes, that may influence change. The primary outcome will be an economic analysis of the cost per 100 consultations of selected prescriptions, pathology and radiology test ordering in the 6 months following the intervention compared with 6 months prior to the intervention. Secondary outcome measures include the rates per 100 consultations of selected prescriptions, pathology and radiology test ordering 6 months pre- and post-intervention, and comparison of knowledge assessment tests pre- and post-intervention.Discussion: The trial will produce robust health economic analyses on the evidence on educational intervention in reducing unnecessary prescribing, pathology and imaging ordering, in the context of MHR. In addition, the study will contribute to the evidence-base concerning the implementation of interventions to improve the quality of care in primary care practice.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ACTRN12620000010998 . Registered on 09 January 2020 with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overweight and obesity lead to higher probability of individuals accessing primary care but adiposity estimates are rarely available at regional levels to inform health service planning. This paper analyses a large, community-derived clinical database of objectively measured body mass index (BMI) to explore relationships with area-level socioeconomic disadvantage for informing regional level planning activities. Materials and Methods: The study included 91776 adults who had BMI objectively measured between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2011 by a single pathology provider. Demographic data and BMI were extracted and matched to 2006 national census socioeconomic data using geocoding. Adjusted odds-ratios for overweight and obesity were calculated using sex-stratified logistic regression models with socioeconomic disadvantage of census collection district of residence as the independent variable. Results: The prevalence of overweight or obesity was 79.2% (males) and 65.8% (females); increased with age to 74 years; and was higher in rural (74%) versus urban areas (71.4%) (p<0.001). Increasing socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with increasing prevalence of overweight (p<0.0001), obesity (p<0.0001) and overweight or obesity (p<0.0001) in women and obesity (p<0.0001) in men. Socioeconomic disadvantage was unrelated to overweight (p = 0.2024) and overweight or obesity (p = 0.4896) in males. Conclusion: It is feasible to link routinely-collected clinical data, representative of a discrete population, with geographic distribution of disadvantage, and to obtain meaningful area-level information useful for targeting interventions to improve population health. Our results demonstrate novel area-level socioeconomic gradients in overweight and obesity relevant to regional health service planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A growing number of publications report variation in the distribution of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) at different geographic scales. A review of these variations may help inform policy and health service organisation. Aim: To review studies reporting variation in the geographic distribution of CMRFs and its association with various proxy measures of area-level socioeconomic disadvantage (ASED) among the adult (≥ 18 years) population across the world. Methods: A systematic search for published articles was conducted in four databases (MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) considering the interdisciplinary nature of the review question. Population-based cross-sectional and cohort studies on geographic variations of one or more biological proxies of CMRFs with/without an analysed contextual association with ASED were included. Two independent reviewers screened the studies and PRISMA guidelines were followed in the study selection and reporting. Result: A total of 265 studies were retrieved and screened, resulting in 24 eligible studies. The review revealed reports of variation in the distribution of CMRFs, at varying geographic scales, in multiple countries. In addition, consistent associations between ASED and higher prevalence of CMRFs were demonstrated. The reports were mainly from industrialised nations and small area geographic units were frequently used. Conclusion: Geographic variation in cardiometabolic risk exists across multiple spatial scales and is positively associated with ASED. This association is independent of individual-level factors and provides an imperative for area-based approaches to informing policy and health service organisation. The study protocol is registered in International prospective register of systematic reviews (Register No: CRD42018115294) PROSPERO 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a need for scalable clinician education in rational medication prescribing and rational ordering of pathology and imaging to help improve patient safety and enable more efficient utilisation of healthcare resources. Our wider study evaluated the effectiveness of a multifaceted education intervention for general practitioners (GPs) in rational prescribing and ordering of pathology and imaging tests, in the context of Australia's online patient-controlled health record system, My Health Record (MHR), and found evidence for measurable behaviour change in pathology ordering among participants who completed the educational activities. This current study explored the mechanisms of behaviour change brought about by the intervention, with a view to informing the development of similar interventions in the future. Methods: This mixed methods investigation used self-reported questionnaires at baseline and post-education on MHR use and rational prescribing and test ordering. These were analysed using multi-level ordinal logistic regression models. Semi-structured interviews pre- and post-intervention were also conducted and were analysed thematically using the COM-B framework. Results: Of the 106 GPs recruited into the study, 60 completed baseline and 37 completed post-education questionnaires. Nineteen participants were interviewed at baseline and completion. Analysis of questionnaires demonstrated a significant increase in confidence using MHR and in self-reported frequency of MHR use, post-education compared with baseline. There were also similar improvements in confidence across the cohort pre-post education in deprescribing, frequency of review of pathology ordering regimens and evidence-based imaging. The qualitative findings showed an increase in GPs' perceived capability with, and the use of MHR, at post-education compared with baseline. Participants saw the education as an opportunity for learning, for reinforcing what they already knew, and for motivating change of behaviour in increasing their utilisation of MHR, and ordering fewer unnecessary tests and prescriptions. Conclusions: Our education intervention appeared to provide its effects through providing opportunity, increasing capability and enhancing motivation to increase MHR knowledge and usage, as well as rational prescribing and test ordering behaviour. There were overlapping effects of skills acquisition and confidence across intervention arms, which may have contributed to wider changes in behaviour than the specific topic area addressed in the education. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000010998) (09/01/2020). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increased incidence of chronic and complex conditions in the community is placing pressure on human resources in general practice. Improving collaboration between GPs and registered nurses may help alleviate workforce stressors and enhance health outcomes.Objective: To explore the facilitators and challenges of collaboration between GPs and registered nurses in Australian general practice.Methods: Eight GPs and 14 registered nurses from general practices in New South Wales, Australia, participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and underwent thematic analysis.Results: The overarching theme 'Understanding collaboration in general practice' comprises four sub-themes, namely (i) interpreting collaboration in general practice, (ii) modes of communication, (iii) facilitators of collaboration and (iv) collaboration in practice.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that regular, formal avenues of communication, professional development and non-hierarchical environments facilitated collaboration between nurses and GPs. Implementing strategies to promote these features has the potential to improve inter-professional collaboration and quality of care within primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Before beginning any research project, novice researchers must consider which methodological approach will best address their research questions. The paucity of literature describing a practical application of naturalistic inquiry adds to the difficulty they may experience. Aim To provide a practical example of how naturalistic inquiry was applied to a qualitative study exploring collaboration between registered nurses and general practitioners working in Australian general practice. Discussion Naturalistic inquiry is not without its critics and limitations. However, by applying the axioms and operational characteristics of naturalistic inquiry, the authors captured a detailed 'snapshot' of collaboration in general practice in the time and context that it occurred. Conclusion Using qualitative methods, naturalistic inquiry provides the scope to construct a comprehensive and contextual understanding of a phenomenon. No individual positivist paradigm could provide the level of detail achieved in a naturalistic inquiry. Implications for practice This paper presents a practical example of naturalistic inquiry for the novice researcher. It shows that naturalistic inquiry is appropriate when the researcher seeks a rich and contextual understanding of a phenomenon as it exists in its natural setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With an ageing population and an increase in chronic disease burden in Australia, Patient Centred Medical Home (PCMH) models of care have been identified as potential options for primary care reform and improving health care outcomes. Adoption of PCMH models are not well described outside of North America. We examined the experiences of seven general practices in an Australian setting that implemented projects aligned with PCMH values and goals supported by their local Primary Health Network (PHN). Method: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected over a twelve month period, including semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and practice data to present a detailed examination of a subject of study; the implementation of PCMH projects in seven general practices. We conducted 49 interviews (24 pre and 25 post) with general practitioners, practice managers, practice nurses and PHN staff. Framework analysis deploying the domains of a logic model was used to synthesis and analyse the data. Results: Facilitators in implementing successful, sustainable change included the capacity and willingness of practices to undertake change; whole of practice engagement with a shared vision towards PCMH change; engaged leadership; training and support; and structures and processes required to provide team-based, data driven care. Barriers to implementation included change fatigue, challenges of continued engaged leadership and insufficient time to implement PCMH change. Conclusions: Our study examined the experiences of implementing PCMH initiatives in an Australian general practice setting, describing facilitators and barriers to PCMH change. Our findings provide guidance for PHNs and practices within Australia, as well as general practice settings internationally, that are interested in undertaking similar quality improvement projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) demonstrate significant geographic variation in their distribution. The study aims to quantify the general contextual effect of the areas on CMRFs; and the geographic variation explained by area-level socioeconomic disadvantage. A cross sectional design and multilevel logistic regression methods were adopted. Data included objectively measured routine pathology test data between years 2012 and 2017 on: fasting blood sugar level; glycated haemoglobin; total cholesterol; high density lipoprotein; urinary albumin creatinine ratio; estimated glomerular filtration rate; and body mass index. The 2011 Australian census based Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage (IRSD) were the area-level study variables, analysed at its smallest geographic unit of reporting. A total of 1,132,029 CMRF test results from 256,525 individuals were analysed. After adjusting for individual-level covariates, all CMRFs significantly associated with IRSD and the probability of higher risk CMRFs increases with greater area-level disadvantage. Though the specific contribution of IRSD in the geographic variation of CMRF ranged between 57.8 and 14.71%, the general contextual effect of areas were found minimal (ICCs 0.6–3.4%). The results support universal interventions proportional to the need and disadvantage level of populations for the prevention and control of CMRFs, rather than any area specific interventions as the contextual effects were found minimal in the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to describe the geography of serious mental illness (SMI)–type 2 diabetes comorbidity (T2D) in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region of NSW, Australia. The Secondary objective was to determine the geographic concordance if any, between the comorbidity and the single diagnosis of SMI and diabetes. Methods: Spatial analytical techniques were applied to clinical data to explore the above objectives. The geographic variation in comorbidity was determined by Moran's I at the global level and the local clusters of significance were determined by Local Moran's I and spatial scan statistic. Choropleth hotspot maps and spatial scan statistics were generated to assess the geographic convergence of SMI, diabetes and their comorbidity. Additionally, we used bivariate LISA (Local Indicators of Spatial Association) and multivariate spatial scan to identify coincident areas with higher rates of both SMI and T2D. Results: The study identified significant geographic variation in the distribution of SMI–T2D comorbidity in Illawarra Shoalhaven. Consistently higher burden of comorbidity was observed in some urban suburbs surrounding the major metropolitan city. Comparison of comorbidity hotspots with the hotspots of single diagnosis SMI and T2D further revealed a geographic concordance of high-risk areas again in the urban areas outside the major metropolitan city. Conclusion: The identified comorbidity hotspots in our study may serve as a basis for future prioritisation and targeted interventions. Further investigation is required to determine whether contextual environmental factors, such as neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage, may be explanatory. Implications for public health: Ours is the first study to explore the geographic variations in the distribution of SMI and T2D comorbidity. Findings highlight the importance of considering the role of neighbourhood environments in influencing the T2D risk in people with SMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) warrant significant public health concern globally. This study aims to utilise the regional database of a major laboratory network to describe the geographic distribution pattern of eight different cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs), which in turn can potentially generate hypotheses for future research into locality specific preventive approaches. Method: A cross-sectional design utilising de-identified laboratory data on eight CMRFs including fasting blood sugar level (FBSL); glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); total cholesterol (TC); high density lipoprotein (HDL); albumin creatinine ratio (ACR); estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); body mass index (BMI); and diabetes mellitus (DM) status was used to undertake descriptive and spatial analyses. CMRF test results were dichotomised into ‘higher risk’ and ‘lower risk’ values based on existing risk definitions. Australian Census Statistical Area Level 1 (SA1) were used as the geographic units of analysis, and an Empirical Bayes (EB) approach was used to smooth rates at SA1 level. Choropleth maps demonstrating the distribution of CMRFs rates at SA1 level were produced. Spatial clustering of CMRFs was assessed using Global Moran’s I test and Local Indicators of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA). Results: A total of 1,132,016 test data derived from 256,525 individuals revealed significant geographic variation in the distribution of ‘higher risk' CMRF findings. The populated eastern seaboard of the study region demonstrated the highest rates of CMRFs. Global Moran’s I values were significant and positive at SA1 level for all CMRFs. The highest spatial autocorrelation strength was found among obesity rates (0.328), and the lowest for albuminuria (0.028). LISA tests identified significant High-High (HH) and Low-Low (LL) spatial clusters of CMRFs, with LL predominantly in the less populated northern, central and southern regions of the study area. Conclusion: The study describes a range of CMRFs with different distributions in the study region. The results allow generation of hypotheses to test in future research concerning location specific population health approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Relational continuity is a core value of primary care. Little is known as to how it can be promoted. EQuIP-GP was a 12-month cluster RCT in 36 practices exploring whether financial incentives can improve relational continuity in general practice (GP). Objective: We examined a) how financial incentives are perceived and experienced by patients and GP teams and b) how routines related to relational continuity are influenced by financial incentives. Study Design: Mixed methods case study. Setting: Maximum variation sample of 6 (2 per state) of the 18 EQuIP-GP intervention practices from the Australian states of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Population: Each practice provided quantitative data on 30 patients aged =55 and qualitative data from patients, GPs, practice nurses (PN) and practice managers (PM). Intervention: Intervention practices received quality-linked financial incentives for offering longer consultations and early post-hospital review for enrolled patients. Outreach facilitators worked with practices to modify continuity routines. Instruments: Baseline practice attributes survey; Patient Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT); semi-structured interviews (13 patients, 10 GPs, 1 PN and 5 PMs). The 3 facilitators collected reflective notes of practice visits and participated in post-study interviews. Outcome Measures: Change in pre-post PCAT relational continuity using paired ttests and one-way ANOVA. Qualitative "practice intervention narratives" helped investigate the response to the intervention and concepts about financial incentives. Results. As with the EQuIP-GP trial, there was no change in relational continuity - PCAT and interview data both suggesting continuity was high at baseline. Participants saw relational continuity as a core component of primary care that should not need incentivising, seeing incentives as a "blunt instrument". Both patients and GPs favoured rewarding, rather than incentivising, quality care. Many felt that Equip-GP's incentive model increased attention to pre-existing routines rather than facilitating new ways of working. Conclusions: While financial incentives can help practices identify how existing routines can influence continuity, incentives for this core component of primary care seem better framed as a reward for good practice rather than an incentive for improvement. Further research could explore these issues in practices with lower baseline continuity of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a dearth of scholarly analysis and critique of the Australian newsprint media’s role in the medicalization of child behaviour. To begin to redress this lack this paper analyses newsprint media’s use of metaphors that re/describe and construct realities of ADHD with a medicalizing effect. The interdisciplinary team used theFactivaTMdatabase to locate and review 453 articles published in Australian national and metropolitan newspapers during the decade 1999–2009. Data analysis involved generating statistical descriptions of the dataset according to attributes such as: date, state, newspaper titles and author names. This was followed by inductive analysis of article content. Content analysis revealed pervasive and striking use of metaphor in newsprint media reporting of ADHD content, especially when describing health professionals, educators, parents and children. This collection of metaphors was striking, and while the metaphors deployed were varied, this diversity seemed underscored by a common functionality that increased the risk that child behaviour was explained using medicalized knowledge. We contend that these metaphors collectively and coherently functioned to simplify and delimit meanings of children’s health and behaviour to favour depictions that medicalize problems of children and childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Nutrition screening in older adults is not routinely performed in Australian primary care settings. Low awareness of the extent of malnutrition in this patient group, lack of training and time constraints are major barriers that practice staff face. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of including a validated nutrition screening tool and accompanying nutrition resource kit for use with older patients attending general practice. Secondary aims were to assess nutrition-related knowledge of staff and to identify the extent of malnutrition in this patient group. Methods: Nine general practitioners, two general practice registrars and 11 practice nurses from three participating general practices in a rural, regional and metropolitan area within a local health district of New South Wales, Australia were recruited by convenience sampling. Individual in-depth interviews, open-ended questionnaires and an 11-item knowledge questionnaire were completed three months following in-practice group workshops on the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Staff were encouraged to complete the MNA-SF within the Medicare-funded 75+ Health Assessment within this time period. Staff interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using qualitative analysis software QSR NVivo 10. Results: Four key themes were determined regarding the feasibility of performing MNA –SF: ease of use; incorporation into existing practice; benefit to patients’ health; and patients’ perception of MNA-SF. Two key themes related to the nutrition resource kit: applicability and improvement. These findings were supported by open ended questionnaire responses. Knowledge scores of staff significantly improved from baseline (52% to 66%; P < 0.05). Of the 143 patients that had been screened, 4.2% (n = 6) were classified as malnourished, 26.6% (n = 38) ‘at risk’ of malnutrition and 69.2% (n = 99) as well-nourished. Conclusion: It is feasible to include the MNA-SF and a nutrition resource kit within routine general practice, but further refinement of patients’ electronic clinical records in general practice software would streamline this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Good General Practice is essential for an effective health system. Good General Practice training is essential to sustain the workforce, however training for General Practice can be hampered by a number of pressures, including professional, structural and social isolation. General Practice trainees may be under more pressure than fully registered General Practitioners, and yet isolation can lead doctors to reduce hours and move away from rural practice. Virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) in business have been shown to be effective in improving knowledge sharing, thus reducing professional and structural isolation. This literature review will critically examine the current evidence relevant to virtual communities of practice in General Practice training, identify evidence-based principles that might guide their construction and suggest further avenues for research. Methods: Major online databases Scopus, Psychlit and Pubmed were searched for the terms "Community of Practice" (CoP) AND (Online OR Virtual OR Electronic) AND (health OR healthcare OR medicine OR "Allied Health"). Only peer-reviewed journal articles in English were selected. A total of 76 articles were identified, with 23 meeting the inclusion criteria. There were no studies on CoP or VCoP in General Practice training. The review was structured using a framework of six themes for establishing communities of practice, derived from a key study from the business literature. This framework has been used to analyse the literature to determine whether similar themes are present in the health literature and to identify evidence in support of virtual communities of practice for General Practice training. Results: The framework developed by Probst is mirrored in the health literature, albeit with some variations. In particular the roles of facilitator or moderator and leader whilst overlapping, are different. VCoPs are usually collaborations between stakeholders rather than single company VCoPs. Specific goals are important, but in specialised health fields sometimes less important than in business. Boundary spanning can involve the interactions of different professional groups, as well as using external experts seen in business VCoPs. There was less use of measurement in health VCoPs. Environments must be supportive as well as risk free. Additional findings were that ease of use of technology is paramount and it is desirable for VCoPs to blend online and face-to-face involvement. Conclusions: The business themes of leadership, sponsorship, objectives and goals, boundary spanning, risk-free environment and measurements become, in the health literature, facilitation, champion and support, objectives and goals, a broad church, supportive environment, measurement benchmarking and feedback, and technology and community. General Practice training is under pressure from isolation and virtual communities of practice may be a way of overcoming isolation. The health literature supports, with some variation, the business CoP framework developed by Probst. Further research is needed to clarify whether this framework is an effective method of health VCoP development and if these VCoPs overcome isolation and thus improve rural retention of General Practice registrars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the original publication of this article [1], the first name of the 3rd author is wrong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is international interest in whether improved primary care, in particular for patients with chronic or complex conditions, can lead to decreased use of health resources and whether financial incentives help achieve this goal. This trial (EQuIP-GP) will investigate whether a funding model based upon targeted, continuous quality incentive payments for Australian general practices increases relational continuity of care, and lessens health-service utilisation, for high-risk patients and children.Methods: We will use a mixed methods approach incorporating a two-arm pragmatic cluster randomised control trial with nested qualitative case studies. We aim to recruit 36 general practices from Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRN) covering urban and regional areas of Australia, randomised into intervention and control groups. Control practices will provide usual care while intervention practices will be supported to implement a new service model incorporating incentives for relational continuity and timely access to appointments. Patients will comprise three groups: older (over 65 years); 18-65 years with chronic and/or complex conditions; and those aged less than 16 years with increased risk of hospitalisation. The funding model includes financial incentives to general practitioners (GPs) for providing longer consultations, same day access and timely follow-up after hospitalisation to enrolled patients. The payments are proportional to expected health system savings associated with improved quality of GP care. An outreach facilitator will work with practices to help incorporate the incentive model into usual work. The main outcome measure is relational continuity of care (Primary Care Assessment Tool short-form survey), with secondary outcomes including health-related quality of life and health service use (hospitalisations, emergency presentations, GP and specialist services in the community, medicine prescriptions and targeted pathology and imaging ordering). Outcomes will be initially evaluated over a period of 12 months, with ongoing data collection for 5 years.Discussion: The trial will provide robust evidence on a novel approach to providing continuous incentives for improving quality of general practice care, which can be compared to block payment incentives awarded at target quality levels of pay-for-performance, both within Australia and also internationally.Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000105246. Registered on 23 January 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]