Randomised Trial Of Continuity Of Nursing Care In Vascular Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$190,648.00
Summary
Both overseas (Bruni, Hoosier-Paty and Hoffman 1996) and in Australia (Norman, Semmens, Laurence-Brown and Holman, under review), surgeons have become increasingly aware of the need to improve outcomes for patients undergoing arterial surgery for the lower limb. Unlike other areas of health care reform such as cardiac surgery or breast cancer, there is little confidence that the current links between acute facilities, community-based health services and general practice, work optimally together. ....Both overseas (Bruni, Hoosier-Paty and Hoffman 1996) and in Australia (Norman, Semmens, Laurence-Brown and Holman, under review), surgeons have become increasingly aware of the need to improve outcomes for patients undergoing arterial surgery for the lower limb. Unlike other areas of health care reform such as cardiac surgery or breast cancer, there is little confidence that the current links between acute facilities, community-based health services and general practice, work optimally together. Peripheral vascular disease is rarely studied. In NSW, there are about 4200 inpatient episodes for arterial surgery for ischaemia of the lower limb each year (AN-DRG 228 - 232), the majority involving older men. This study brings together a multi-disciplinary team of CIs comprising an academic nurse, two vascular surgeons and an expert in outcomes evaluation to conduct a randomised trial (n-586) of continuity of nursing care for patients admitted for arterial surgery of the lower limb. The intervention is comprised of a 'Patient Stay' Flowchart, continuing postoperative in-patient nursing assessment and staff consultation, Patient Education Discharge Booklet, Patient - Family Care Plan; proactive and reactive telephone follow-up and extensive GP liaison. Blinded outcome evaluation at six and twelve months will compare its differential effectiveness against usual care to which only the Patient Stay' Flowchart has been added. We will generate Level 2 evidence for the effectiveness of continuity of nursing care in improving outcomes for patients undergoing arterial surgery for ischaemia of the lower limb. To our knowledge, this would be the first Australian efficacy trial of its type.Read moreRead less
The SHARP-ER Study: Extended Follow-up Of The SHARP Study Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,106,265.00
Summary
The SHARP study, conducted from 2003 to 2010, recruited over 9,000 participants with kidney disease and showed, for the first time, that cholesterol-lowering was effective in preventing heart and vascular disease in people with advanced kidney disease. This study will extend follow-up to answers critical questions regarding long-term cardiovascular, renal and other health outcomes.
NHMRC Centre Of Research Excellence For Better Outcomes In Coronary Artery Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,500,000.00
Summary
One Australian suffers a heart attack every 10 min, many without any prior warning. What contributes to atherosclerosis beyond traditional risk factors, and how to manage patients that suffer a heart attack despite no risk factors is not well known. This CRE will establish new biomarkers and clinical pathways for detection of subclinical atherosclerosis as well as secondary prevention strategies whilst fostering the cardiovascular research leaders of the future.
Improving Patient-important Outcomes In Haemodialysis Through Validation And Implementation In Registries And Pragmatic Clinical Trials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,082.00
Summary
Haemodialysis is the most common treatment for kidney failure but is associated with poor survival, high symptom burden and drastically reduced quality of life. Research often does not address these patient-important outcomes, thereby limiting our ability to discover effective interventions. This program aims to improve haemodialysis outcomes that are critically important to patients and clinicians through validation and implementation in clinical practice, registries and clinical trial.
Heart rhythm devices have revolutionised the survival of patients with heart disease. However we still do not know precisely what the outcomes are in patients attending our local hospitals. We will develop a registry for these devices to monitor and benchmark their performance throughout the state. The development of a registry enables us to assess the quality of health services at a local level. This project has the potential to improve the health outcomes of 4 million people with heart disease
Partnering With Patients To Transform Practice And Policy For Improved Patient-centred Outcomes In Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,292,932.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of death and imposes a substantial burden on individuals and the healthcare system worldwide. In partnership with patients, this project will establish and implement core outcomes and measures. Patient-centred trials will address the research priorities of patients across all stages of CKD including: preventing the progression of CKD, improving fatigue in patients on dialysis, and optimising life participation in kidney transplant recipients.
Congenital aortic stenosis is a life-long condition caused by a narrowing of the aortic valve. It accounts for 2-6% of congenital heart disease, and if left untreated, results in heart failure and death. While several surgical and non-surgical interventions are available, the ideal treatment for this condition is unclear. My research aims to evaluate outcomes of aortic valve repair and compare it to other techniques.