Are ‘potentially Preventable Hospitalisations’ A Valid Measure Of The Quality And Affordability Of Primary And Community Care In Australia?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,264.00
Summary
This project will investigate the validity of ‘potentially preventable hospitalisations’ (PPH) as a measure of the quality and affordability of primary and community care in Australia. We will explore relationships between use of primary care services, hospital admissions for PPH diagnoses, and health outcomes and quantify the contributions of person-, geographic- and service-level factors to variations in PPH. We will make recommendations regarding the ongoing use of PPH measures to track the i ....This project will investigate the validity of ‘potentially preventable hospitalisations’ (PPH) as a measure of the quality and affordability of primary and community care in Australia. We will explore relationships between use of primary care services, hospital admissions for PPH diagnoses, and health outcomes and quantify the contributions of person-, geographic- and service-level factors to variations in PPH. We will make recommendations regarding the ongoing use of PPH measures to track the impacts of health reform in Australia.Read moreRead less
The Diabetes Renal Project: Better Outcomes For Patients With Diabetes And Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$646,508.00
Summary
People with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) suffer from significant morbidity and premature mortality. Studies suggest a substantial gap between current recommended practices and treatment targets, which may be related to existing health services being unable to respond to these patients’ complex needs. This project aims to address this gap, by characterising the needs of patients, and the location, capacity and performance of existing health services. This work will ultimately inform ....People with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) suffer from significant morbidity and premature mortality. Studies suggest a substantial gap between current recommended practices and treatment targets, which may be related to existing health services being unable to respond to these patients’ complex needs. This project aims to address this gap, by characterising the needs of patients, and the location, capacity and performance of existing health services. This work will ultimately inform the design of a new model of care.Read moreRead less
Prevention And Treatment Of Viral Hepatitis Amongst Prisoners
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,102,510.00
Summary
Hepatitis B and C infection rates remain very high in some Australian populations, notably prisoners. As this group cycles frequently back to the general community, prevention of transmission is critical. Antiviral treatment uptake remains very low in Australia, yet the prison environment offers a unique opportunity to address this. This project aims to assess effectiveness of existing prevention strategies, guide new control measures, and to evaluate a novel nurse-led model for treatment.
The aim of the Healthy Living after Cancer program is to evaluate the integration of a telephone-delivered lifestyle intervention for cancer survivors into the existing Cancer Council 13 11 20 information and support telephone service offered by Cancer Councils South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia. The program is available to patients treated for any cancer with curative intent within the last five years, and who have completed treatment.
‘Caring For The Carer’: Implementing A Comprehensive Support Service Model For Family Caregivers Looking After Persons With Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$218,830.00
Summary
Blindness related to late age-related macular degeneration impacts not only the patient but also their family carers, placing them at risk of poor health outcomes. Together with our partners (Macular Disease Foundation Australia; Carers NSW), we will implement and evaluate a comprehensive support service that aims to help family caregivers by enhancing their psychosocial skills, so that they can manage their stress more effectively and better cope with the challenges associated with caregiving.
Improving Access To Psychological Services For People With Cancer: A Randomised Control Trial Of An Interactive Web-Based Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,715.00
Summary
Approximately 35% of people diagnosed with cancer will experience persistent significant distress, and unmet psychological supportive care needs in Australian cancer patients are highly prevalent. The web presents a unique method of delivery of supportive care. However, to our knowledge this type of intervention has not been examined. This two-phased study will develop and test a novel web-based intervention to improve psychological outcomes in cancer patients experiencing distress.
Improving Access For Community Health And Sub-acute Outpatient Services
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,791.00
Summary
Many patients face long waits for access to outpatient and community health services. Waiting lists with triage systems to allocate priority are commonly used to manage demand, but these systems often contribute to inefficiencies in service delivery. This project will trial implementation of an alternative approach using immediate allocation of new patients to triage appointments in a range of ambulatory services within a metropolitan health service.
Improving Evidence Based Care For Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$533,442.00
Summary
There is an urgent need to improve care for men with advanced prostate cancer if we wish to improve their survival. Compelling new evidence suggests we need to alter current practice by offering radiotherapy to high risk men – but will clinicians change their practice? We will develop and test ways to change practice within a network of 9 hopsitals. The study will provide crucial evidence about how to embed the recommended care into practice to improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer.