Les is professor and has been head of the Department of General Practice since 1997. He is involved in General Practice education and research at all levels.
Les has been in part-time urban general practice in Christchurch for 29 years and in addition to his clinical role, is involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
He is actively involved both in multidisciplinary clinical research and in health system redesign and is a long term advocate for the promotion of rational, effective and patient-centred care, delivered though strong interdisciplinary teamwork.
Les has been a vocal critic of misleading marketing, instead promoting access to evidence informed, independent health information for all.
He provides clinical and academic advice to the emerging national integration framework and has sat on many government advisory committees over two decades. He is currently on the medicines classification committee and on the GPNZ national executive.
Les is Chair of the Pegasus Health Charitable group of companies, one of the largest New Zealand primary health network organisations. He was involved in setting and leading its unique interdisciplinary continuing education programme which has been running successfully for more than two decades and currently expanding throughout the country.
He also sits on the alliance leadership team of the multi award winning Canterbury Clinical Network which recently was awarded the Prime Ministers supreme award for public service.
Les has had long involvement with the RNZCGP, sat on its national council for twenty some years and currently chairs its Research and Education Trust.
Current Research Interests
- Inter professional education esp. around all aspects of prescribing and referred services and numerous investigator led RCTS to inform the same
- Clinical variation
- Antibiotic resistance
- Clinical indicators
- Integration and system redesign
- Asthma
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
Summer Student Supervision
2017-2018
Suli Tuitaupe
Topic: Understanding the ASH rates for Pacific children in Canterbury
Supervisor(s): Professor Les Toop and Deborah Callahan
Sponsor: Pegasus Health (Charitable) Trust
2016-17
Ga Hee Lee (Amy)
Topic: Understanding Canterbury's Pacific communities views about mental illness.
Supervisors: Professor Les Toop and Dr Lynley Cook
Sponsor: Pegasus Health (Charitable) Limited
2015-16
Tara Millar
Topic: Retrospective study of 50 patients with cellulitis treated under Acute Demand Management Service looking at duration of intravenous and oral antibiotics and time of switch between oral and intravenous
Supervisors: Dr Belinda van Gruting and Professor Les Toop
Sponsor: Pegasus Health (Charitable) Trust
2014-15
Sophie Bang
Topic: Developing Practice Managers: Understanding the General Practice Management Workforce
Supervisors: Leigh Aston and Professor Les Toop
Sponsor: Pegasus Health (Charitable) Ltd
Rosa Leggat
Topic: Understanding the Learning Needs of Community Physiotherapists
Supervisors: Charlotte Matthews and Professor Les Toop
Sponsor: Pegasus Health (Charitable) Ltd
2013-14
Ann Jun
Topic: Supporting patients in decision making
Supervisors: Prof Les Toop, Andrew Richardson (Pegasus Health)
Sponsor: Pegasus Health
2012-13
Annelise Basevi
Topic: Improving our clinical systems and care to help our patients have a better experience.
Supervisors: Dr Andrew Richardson, Professor Les Toop, Dr Paul Abernethy
Sponsor: Pegasus Health
2011-12
Amber-Jane Wood
Topic: Understanding the learning needs of community pharmacists.
Supervisors: Les Toop and Kelly Robertson
Sponsor: Partnership Health Canterbury
Rachael Stevenson
Topic: The Canterbury Methadone Maintenance Model of Care
Supervisors: Ian Sheerin, Les Toop, David Kerr
Sponsor: Pegasus Health
2010-11
Katie Jefferson
Topic: Exploring and understanding the learning needs of general practice administration support staff.
Supervisor: Les Toop
Sponsor: Partnership Health Canterbury
2009-10
Ben Seers
Topic: Designing and improving patient flow through a busy 24 hour accident & medical/urgent after-hours general practice.
Supervisors: Paul Abernethy, Les Toop, Simon Brokenshire
Sponsor: Partnership Health Canterbury
2008-09
Monica Johnson
Topic: Patient expectations for accessing after-hours health care in rural areas.
Awarded Best Speaker in the "Community" Category
Supervisors: Les Toop & Kelly Maw
Sponsor: Partnership Health Canterbury/Pegasus Health
2007-08
Dulia Halliday
Topic: General Practice Team Development Study
Supervisor: Les Toop, Co-Supervisors: Kelly Maw and Shelley Frost [Pegasus Health]
Sponsor: Partnership Health
2006-07
Anne-Marie Cumins
Topic: General Practice diabetes case detection audit.
Supervisors: Les Toop, Graham McGeoch and Maggie Wilson [Dept Public Health & General Practice and Pegasus Health]
Sponsor: Pegasus Health
Publications
Bagshaw, P., Potter, J. D., Hornblow, A., Hudson, B., Toop, L., Nicholls, M. G., Frampton, C., Bagshaw, S., Gauld, R., & Frizelle, F. (2023). Assessment of unmet secondary elective healthcare need: Itself in need of acute care in Aotearoa New Zealand. New Zealand Medical Journal/Te ara tika o te hauora hapori, 136(1569), 7-10. Retrieved from https://journal.nzma.org.nz/
Pigden, A., Stokes, T., Crengle, S., Dowell, T., Hudson, B., Toop, L., McBain, L., … Atmore, C. (2022). Developing a national primary care research network: A qualitative study of stakeholder views. Journal of Primary Health Care. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1071/HC22081
Aindow, S., Crossin, R., Toop, L., & Hudson, B. (2021). Managing the misuse potential and risk of psychological harm from gabapentinoids in primary care in New Zealand. Journal of Primary Health Care, 13(4), 302-307. doi: 10.1071/hc21011
Wilson, G., Windner, Z., Bidwell, S., Dowell, A., Toop, L., Savage, R., & Hudson, B. (2021). Navigating the health system during COVID-19: Primary care perspectives on delayed patient care. New Zealand Medical Journal, 134(1546), 17-27. Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal
Wilson, G., Windner, Z., Bidwell, S., Currie, O., Dowell, A., Halim, A. A., Toop, L., Savage, R., Ranaweera, U., Beadel, H., & Hudson, B. (2021). 'Here to stay': Changes to prescribing medication in general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. Journal of Primary Health Care, 13(3), 222-230. doi: 10.1071/hc21035
Mintzes, B., Toop, L., & Mangin, D. (2009). Promotion to consumers: Responding to patient requests for advertised medicines. In B. Mintzes, D. Mangin & L. Hayes (Eds.), Understanding and responding to pharmaceutical promotion: A practical guide [Working draft for pilot field testing]. (pp. 81-104). World Health Organization & Health Action International. Retrieved from http://www.haiweb.org/11062009/drug-promotion-manual-CAP-3-090610.pdf
Chapter in Book - Research
Toop, L. J. (1998). Patient Centred Primary Care. In Core Values in Primary Care. London: BMJ Books.
Chapter in Book - Research
Toop, L. (2013). Public Health and General Practice. In P. Joyce, G. Nicholls, K. Thomas & T. Wilkinson (Eds.), The Christchurch experience: 40 years of research and teaching. (pp. 53-55). Christchurch, New Zealand: University of Otago.
Chapter in Book - Other
Toop, L., & Mangin, D. (2013). Marketing of pharmaceuticals. In P. Joyce, G. Nicholls, K. Thomas & T. Wilkinson (Eds.), The Christchurch experience: 40 years of research and teaching. (pp. 177-182). Christchurch, New Zealand: University of Otago.
Chapter in Book - Other
Toop, L. (2004). Principles of drug prescribing. In Volume 1: Principles and concepts: Oxford textbook of primary medical care. (pp. 242-245). Oxford University Press.
Chapter in Book - Other
Pigden, A., Stokes, T., Crengle, S., Dowell, T., Hudson, B., Toop, L., McBain, L., … Atmore, C. (2022). Developing a national primary care research network: A qualitative study of stakeholder views. Journal of Primary Health Care. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1071/HC22081
Journal - Research Article
Camargo, Jr, C. A., Toop, L., Sluyter, J., Lawes, C. M. M., Waayer, D., Khaw, K.-T., … Scragg, R. (2021). Effect of monthly vitamin D supplementation on preventing exacerbations of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in older adults: Post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 13(2), 521. doi: 10.3390/nu13020521
Journal - Research Article
Hudson, B., Williman, J. A., Stamp, L. K., Alchin, J. S., Hooper, G. J., Mangin, D., Lennox Thompson, B. F., & Toop, L. (2021). Nortriptyline for pain in knee osteoarthritis in general practice: A double blind randomised controlled trial. British Journal of General Practice, 71(708), e538-e546. doi: 10.3399/bjgp.2020.0797
Journal - Research Article
Wilson, G., Currie, O., Bidwell, S., Saeed, B., Dowell, A., Halim, A. A., Toop, L., Richardson, A., Savage, R., & Hudson, B. (2021). Empty waiting rooms: The New Zealand general practice experience with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. New Zealand Medical Journal, 134(1538), 89-101. Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal
Journal - Research Article
Wilson, G., Windner, Z., Bidwell, S., Currie, O., Dowell, A., Halim, A. A., Toop, L., Savage, R., Ranaweera, U., Beadel, H., & Hudson, B. (2021). 'Here to stay': Changes to prescribing medication in general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. Journal of Primary Health Care, 13(3), 222-230. doi: 10.1071/hc21035
Journal - Research Article
Wilson, G., Windner, Z., Bidwell, S., Dowell, A., Toop, L., Savage, R., & Hudson, B. (2021). Navigating the health system during COVID-19: Primary care perspectives on delayed patient care. New Zealand Medical Journal, 134(1546), 17-27. Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal
Journal - Research Article
Wu, Z., Camargo, Jr, C. A., Sluyter, J., Waayer, D., Toop, L., & Scragg, R. (2021). Effect of monthly vitamin D supplementation on antibiotic prescribing in older adults: A post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 114, 314-321. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab015
Journal - Research Article
Camargo, Jr, C. A., Sluyter, J., Stewart, A. W., Khaw, K.-T., Lawes, C. M. M., Toop, L., … Scragg, R. (2020). Effect of monthly high-dose vitamin D supplementation on acute respiratory infections in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 71(2), 311-317. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciz801
Journal - Research Article
Malihi, Z., Wu, Z., Lawes, C. M. M., Sluyter, J., Waayer, D., Toop, L., … Scragg, R. (2020). Risk factors for reporting adverse events and for study withdrawal in a population-based trial of vitamin D supplementation. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 197, 105546. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105546
Journal - Research Article
Wu, Z., Camargo, Jr, C. A., Reid, I. R., Beros, A., Sluyter, J. D., Waayer, D., … Toop, L., … Scragg, R. (2020). What factors modify the effect of monthly bolus dose vitamin D supplementation on 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations? Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 201, 105687. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105687
Journal - Research Article
Malihi, Z., Lawes, C. M. M., Wu, Z., Huang, Y., Waayer, D., Toop, L., … Scragg, R. (2019). Monthly high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation and self-reported adverse events in a 4-year randomized controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition, 38, 1581-1587. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.07.034
Journal - Research Article
Malihi, Z., Lawes, C. M. M., Wu, Z., Huang, Y., Waayer, D., Toop, L., … Scragg, R. (2019). Monthly high-dose vitamin D supplementation does not increase kidney stone risk or serum calcium: Results from a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 109, 1578-1587. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy378
Journal - Research Article
Win, S. S., Camargo, Jr, C. A., Khaw, K.-T., Lawes, C. M. M., Sluyter, J., Waayer, D., Toop, L., & Scragg, R. (2019). Cross-sectional associations of vitamin D status with asthma prevalence, exacerbations, and control in New Zealand adults. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 188, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.11.016
Journal - Research Article
Wu, Z., Camargo, Jr, C. A., Sluyter, J. D., Khaw, K.-T., Malihi, Z., Waayer, D., Toop, L., … Scragg, R. (2019). Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and self-reported chronic pain in older adults: A cross-sectional analysis from the ViDA study. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 188, 17-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.11.018
Journal - Research Article
Scragg, R., Khaw, K.-T., Toop, L., Sluyter, J., Lawes, C. M. M., Waayer, D., … Camargo, Jr, C. A. (2018). Monthly high-dose vitamin D supplementation and cancer risk: A post hoc analysis of the Vitamin D Assessment randomized clinical trial. JAMA Oncology, 4(11), e182178. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2018.2178
Journal - Research Article
Wu, Z., Camargo, Jr, C. A., Khaw, K.-T., Waayer, D., Lawes, C. M. M., Toop, L., & Scragg, R. (2018). Effects of vitamin D supplementation on adherence and persistence with long-term statin therapy: Secondary analysis from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ViDA study. Atherosclerosis, 273, 59-66. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.04.009
Journal - Research Article
Wu, Z., Camargo, Jr, C. A., Malihi, Z., Bartley, J., Waayer, D., Lawes, C. M. M., Toop, L., … Scragg, R. (2018). Monthly vitamin D supplementation, pain, and pattern of analgesic prescription: Secondary analysis from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Vitamin D Assessment study. Pain, 159(6), 1074-1082. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001189
Journal - Research Article
Bagshaw, P., Bagshaw, S., Frampton, C., Gauld, R., Green, T., Harris, C., Hornblow, A., Hudson, B., … Toop, L. (2017). Pilot study of methods for assessing unmet secondary health care need in New Zealand. New Zealand Medical Journal, 130(1452), 23-38. Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal
Journal - Research Article
Khaw, K.-T., Stewart, A. W., Waayer, D., Lawes, C. M. M., Toop, L., Camargo, Jr, C. A., & Scragg, R. (2017). Effect of monthly high-dose vitamin D supplementation on falls and non-vertebral fractures: Secondary and post-hoc outcomes from the randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled ViDA trial. Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 5(6), 438-447. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30103-1
Journal - Research Article
Scragg, R., Stewart, A. W., Waayer, D., Lawes, C. M. M., Toop, L., Sluyter, J., … Camargo, Jr, C. A. (2017). Effect of monthly high-dose vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular disease in the Vitamin D Assessment Study: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Cardiology, 2(6), 608-616. doi: 10.1001/jamacardio.2017.0175
Journal - Research Article
Sluyter, J. D., Camargo, Jr, C. A., Stewart, A. W., Waayer, D., Lawes, C. M. M., Toop, L., … Scragg, R. (2017). Effect of monthly, high-dose, long-term vitamin D supplementation on central blood pressure parameters: A randomised controlled trial substudy. Journal of the American Heart Association, 6, e006802. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.117.006802
Journal - Research Article
Sluyter, J. D., Camargo, Jr, C. A., Waayer, D., Lawes, C. M. M., Toop, L., Khaw, K. T., & Scragg, R. (2017). Effect of monthly, high-dose, long-term vitamin D on lung function: A randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 9(12), 1353. doi: 10.3390/nu9121353
Journal - Research Article
Scragg, R., Waayer, D., Stewart, A. W., Lawes, C. M. M., Toop, L., Murphy, J., … Camargo, Jr, C. A. (2015). The Vitamin D Assessment (ViDA) Study: Design of a randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, acute respiratory infection, falls and non-vertebral fractures. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 164, 318-325. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.09.010
Journal - Research Article
Hudson, B., Toop, L., Mangin, D., Brunton, C., Jennings, L., & Fletcher, L. (2013). Pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09: Risk of infection in primary healthcare workers. British Journal of General Practice, 63(611), e416-e422. doi: 10.3399/bjgp13X668212
Journal - Research Article
Mangin, D., Murdoch, D., Wells, J. E., Coughlan, E., Bagshaw, S., Corwin, P., Chambers, S., & Toop, L. (2012). Chlamydia trachomatis testing sensitivity in midstream compared with first-void urine specimens. Annals of Family Medicine, 10(1), 50-53. doi: 10.1370/afm.1323
Journal - Research Article
Hudson, B., Toop, L., Mangin, D., & Pearson, J. (2011). Risk communication methods in hip fracture prevention: A randomised trial in primary care. British Journal of General Practice, 61(589), e469-e476. doi: 10.3399/bjgp11X588439
Journal - Research Article
Toop, L. (2011). 1998 vision for year 2003 for members of Pegasus Medical Group. Journal of Primary Health Care, 3(1), 79-81.
Journal - Research Article
Vitry, A., Lexchin, J., Sasich, L., Dupin-Spriet, T., Reed, T., Bertele, V., … Toop, L., & Hurley, E. (2008). Provision of information on regulatory authorities' websites. Internal Medicine Journal, 38(7), 559-567.
Journal - Research Article
Corwin, P., Toop, L., McGeoch, G., Than, M., Wynn-Thomas, S., Wells, J. E., Dawson, R., … Pithie, A., Chambers, S., Fletcher, L., & Richards, D. (2005). Randomised controlled trial of intravenous antibiotic treatment for cellulitis at home compared with hospital. British Medical Journal, 330(7483). Retrieved from http://www.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/330/7483/129
Journal - Research Article
Mangin, D., Toop, L., Chambers, S., Ikram, R., & Harris, B. (2005). Increased rates of trimethoprim resistance in uncomplicated urinary tract infection: Cause for concern? New Zealand Medical Journal, 118(1225). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/118-1225/1726/content.pdf
Journal - Research Article
Richards, D. A., Toop, L. J., Epton, M. J., McGeoch, G. R. B., Town, G. I., Wynn-Thomas, S. M. H., Dawson, R. D., Hlavac, M. C., Werno, A. M., & Abernethy, P. D. (2005). Home management of mild to moderately severe community-acquired pneumonia: A randomised controlled trial. Medical Journal of Australia, 183(5), 235-238.
Journal - Research Article
Richards, D., Toop, L., Chambers, S., & Fletcher, L. (2005). Response to antibiotics of women with symptoms of urinary tract infection but negative dipstick urine test results: Double blind randomised controlled trial. British Medical Journal, 331(7509). Retrieved from http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/331/7509/143
Journal - Research Article
Botting, C., Sutherland, M., Wells, E., Town, I., Sainsbury, R., & Toop, L. (2003). The use of inhaled and related respiratory medications in Christchurch rest homes. New Zealand Medical Journal, 116(1187). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/116-1187/709/content.pdf
Journal - Research Article
Richards, D. A., Toop, L. J., & Graham, P. J. (2003). Do clinical practice education groups result in sustained change in GP prescribing? Family Practice, 20(2), 199-206.
Journal - Research Article
Richards, D., Toop, L., Brockway, K., Graham, S., McSweeney, B., MacLean, D., … Parsons, A. (2003). Improving the effectiveness of smoking cessation in primary care: Lessons learned. New Zealand Medical Journal, 116(1173). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/116-1173/417/content.pdf
Journal - Research Article
McGeoch, G. R. B., Lainchbury, J. G., Town, G. I., Toop, L. J., Espiner, E. A., & Richards, A. M. (2002). Plasma brain natriuretic peptide after long-term treatment for heart failure in general practice. European Journal of Heart Failure, 4(4), 479-483.
Journal - Research Article
Richards, D. A., Toop, L. J., Chambers, S., Sutherland, M. G., Harris, B., Ikram, R., … Peddie, B. A. (2002). Antibiotic resistance in uncomplicated urinary tract infection: Problems with interpreting cumulative resistance rates from local community laboratories. New Zealand Medical Journal, 115(1146), 12-14.
Journal - Research Article
Richardson, A. K., Sutherland, M. G., Wells, J. E., Toop, L. J., & Plumridge, E. W. (2002). Factors affecting general practitioner involvement in a randomised controlled trial in primary care. New Zealand Medical Journal, 115, 153-155.
Journal - Research Article
Williams, D., Barnett, P. S., & Toop, L. J. (1999). Preventive care in Canterbury general practice. New Zealand Medical Journal, 112(1088), 183-186.
Journal - Research Article
Chetwynd, J., Toop, L., & Botting, C. (1998). Impact of private medical insurance on the demand for child consultations with general practitioners. New Zealand Medical Journal, 101(842), 138-140.
Journal - Research Article
Toop, L. J. (1998). Making practice nurse collaboration a reality. New Zealand Family Physician, 25(2), 35-36.
Journal - Research Article
Toop, L. J. (1998). Patient centred primary care. British Medical Journal, 316, 1882-1883.
Journal - Research Article
Harre, E., Price, P. D., Ayrey, R. B., Toop, L. J., Martin, I. R., & Town, G. I. (1997). Respiratory effects of air pollution in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a three month prospective study. Thorax, 52(12), 1040-1044.
Journal - Research Article
Watson, P. B., Town, G. I., Holbrook, N., Dwan, C., Toop, L. J., & Drennan, C. J. (1997). Evaluation of a self-management plan for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. European Respiratory Journal, 10(6), 1267-1271.
Journal - Research Article
Gillies, J. D., Barry, D. M. J., Crane, J., Jones, D. T., MacLennan, L., Reid, J. J., Toop, L. J., & Pearce, N. E. (1996). A community trial of a written self management plan for children with asthma. New Zealand Medical Journal, 109, 30-33.
Journal - Research Article
