Wounds are not just the simple cuts and abrasions that can be covered with a band-aid and healed within days with no major consequence. They are a largely unrecognised spiralling epidemic that is affecting millions of people world-wide. This project aims to develop new approaches to heal wounds with research that is innovative, cross-disciplinary and has the ability to transform current approaches for wound management.
AusCAN Risk Assessment For Sitting Acquired Pressure Ulcers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,707,297.00
Summary
Sitting acquired pressure ulcers are one of the major complications that occur after spinal cord injury. This project will determine factors that are associated with the development of sitting acquired pressure ulcers after spinal cord injury; and will develop a risk assessment tool that can identify those at high risk of pressure ulcer development. The cost of treating a pressure ulcer will also be assessed. This will enable cost-effective preventive treatment to be used in these individuals.
Wounds cause pain, discomfort and can compromise quality of life. They also place patients at risk of various complications such as deadly infections. This CRE in Wiser Wound Care will improve the care provided to hospitalised patients with wounds, resulting in better patient experiences and outcomes and savings to the health system. Almost all patients in hospital have a wound, whether it be a surgical wound, a wound from an intravascular device (drip) or a pressure injury (or bedsore).
Development Of A Novel Drug For Chronic And Infected Wounds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$482,362.00
Summary
Chronic wounds affect more than 9 million people worldwide and demand for wound care is increasing. The annual cost to healthcare systems in the US and Australia in treating such wounds is US$25 billion and AU$3 billion, respectively, and there is urgent need for more effective approaches.
Enhanced Sensory Perception Via Jitter Reduction And Neural Synchronisation Evoked By Subsensory Electrical Noise Stimulation – Restoring Sensitivity In Peripheral Neuropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,473.00
Summary
The elderly and patients with diabetes are at high risk of losing sensation in their feet and currently no treatment for this condition exists. This loss of feeling leads to falls, fractures and foot ulcers, which in many cases end with amputation. We have developed a new subsensory stimulation technique which for the first time restores lost sensation. Development of this novel treatment is made possible by a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, neuroscientists, physiologists and podiatrists.
Improved Ex-vivo Culture Of Keratinocytes For Clinical Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$275,203.00
Summary
Skin cells grown for clinical applications currently require animal-derived cells and-or non-defined products for their expansion in the laboratory; these reagents can potentially infect patients who receive these therapies. This project will identify the essential components provided by these reagents and develop a fully synthetic and defined culture system. This improvement will provide safer, cost-effective grafts and cell-based therapies that will benefit patients suffering burns and wounds.