Establishing The Capacity For H5N1 Challenge Of Ferrets Within Australia &optimizing Pandemic Vaccines In This Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,513.00
Summary
Australia is currently in the process of manufacturing vaccines for use in people against strains of avian influenza viruses circulating in South East Asia as part of a national preparedness program for an influenza pandemic. These particular avian flu viruses are capable of causing severe disease and death in humans as well as birds, although at present they are not highly transmissible between people. Should the avian influenza viruses mutate to gain this capability, it will be necessary to in ....Australia is currently in the process of manufacturing vaccines for use in people against strains of avian influenza viruses circulating in South East Asia as part of a national preparedness program for an influenza pandemic. These particular avian flu viruses are capable of causing severe disease and death in humans as well as birds, although at present they are not highly transmissible between people. Should the avian influenza viruses mutate to gain this capability, it will be necessary to institute widespread vaccination of the Australian population. It is not possible to test the vaccines in people for their effectiveness against avian influenza infection prior to a disease outbreak, so an animal model for the disease will be used to assist in optimizing the formulation of flu vaccines and in testing their efficacy in preventing infection or reducing the severity of disease. Ferrets are natural hosts for flu viruses, have similar responses to vaccination as people, and develop a similar disease to humans when infected with influenza. These animals will be used to assist vaccine manufacturers in providing the best type of vaccine for protection of Australians in the face of a global flu pandemic.Read moreRead less
Developing And Testing A Pain Management Program For Family Caregivers Of Advanced Cancer Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$119,500.00
Summary
To improve cancer patients' and family carers' knowledge and attitudes about pain management. A secondary aim is to examine the effect of a pain education program (PEP) on patients' actual pain experiences. This study builds on pilot data indicating that a pain education program (PEP) for family carers of cancer patients in a home based palliative service is effective in improving family carers' knowledge of pain management and family carers' attitudes toward managing the patient's pain. The PEP ....To improve cancer patients' and family carers' knowledge and attitudes about pain management. A secondary aim is to examine the effect of a pain education program (PEP) on patients' actual pain experiences. This study builds on pilot data indicating that a pain education program (PEP) for family carers of cancer patients in a home based palliative service is effective in improving family carers' knowledge of pain management and family carers' attitudes toward managing the patient's pain. The PEP will be tested with both patients with progressive or recurrent cancer and their family carers, taking into account three recommendations arising from the pilot study: Both patients and family carers should be included in the education sessions to ensure that they receive the same information because the attitudes and behaviours of those close to the patient can directly influence outcomes; Recruitment should occur at an early stage of the illness rather than the palliative stage so that patients will be well enough to participate in the education sessions and the information provided will be useful for a longer period of time; Education sessions should be short and be delivered in the outpatient oncology settings, which is more cost-effective and typical of the way that the intervention will be delivered in practice, if found to be effective.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Dynamics Of The Medical Workforce To Improve Population Health And Equity Of Access: The Australian Lo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,278,544.00
Summary
The health workforce is now a key area of government policy. The ageing of the medical workforce, combined with more women entering medicine and changes in doctors preferences over their work-life balance, are all likely to have important effects on the ability of health care system to provide good quality and accessible health care. However, there is little knowledge or understanding of how and why doctors make decisions on how many hours they work, their location of work, including working in ....The health workforce is now a key area of government policy. The ageing of the medical workforce, combined with more women entering medicine and changes in doctors preferences over their work-life balance, are all likely to have important effects on the ability of health care system to provide good quality and accessible health care. However, there is little knowledge or understanding of how and why doctors make decisions on how many hours they work, their location of work, including working in rural and remote areas, and decisions to leave the medical workforce and retire. These decisions have important effects on the population�s access to health care and therefore on their health status and quality of care received. The aim of this research is to examine those factors influencing doctors� labour supply decisions through the establishment of the Australian Longitudinal Survey of Doctors (ALSD). The survey will track 5,500 doctors over an initial four year period. The research will provide a rigorous analysis of medical workforce decisions that underpin workforce distribution and the working patterns of doctors. The survey will be used to evaluate and simulate policy changes and provide important evidence to support future policy developments.Read moreRead less
Keeping Kids On Track: An Initiative Developing The Resilience Of Aboriginal Students During A Critical Transition Phase
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,430,435.00
Summary
This initiative aims to build Indigenous children�s capacity to cope with life�s challenges and promote resilience through social and emotional skill development, cognitive development, community engagement and appropriate health provision. This will build children�s capacity as improved educational and employment outcomes accrue in the longer term. A model of the process will be developed. Indigenous researchers and community members will take part in governance and conduct of the study.
A Randomised Clinical Trial To Test A Pain Education Program For Patients With Cancer And Their Family Carers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
This study seeks to improve cancer patients' and family carers' knowledge and attitudes toward pain management. A pain education program will be offered to patients with recurrent or progressive cancer and their primary family carers. The study addresses a palliative care concern that impacts upon a large number of Australians each year. The study has the potential to provide a brief, standardised protocol that could be taught and integrated into usual practice and to reduce health care costs fo ....This study seeks to improve cancer patients' and family carers' knowledge and attitudes toward pain management. A pain education program will be offered to patients with recurrent or progressive cancer and their primary family carers. The study addresses a palliative care concern that impacts upon a large number of Australians each year. The study has the potential to provide a brief, standardised protocol that could be taught and integrated into usual practice and to reduce health care costs for advanced cancer patients.Read moreRead less
Pall Care Approaches For Pain Management Education Among Care Assistants Residential Aged Care Hostels: A Feasiblity Stu
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$25,000.00
Summary
Pain is a devastating symptom that seriously diminishes quality of life1, yet few care assistants in residential aged care hostels are familiar with the principles of palliative care2. This project seeks to explore the feasibility of palliative approaches as a framework for developing a pain education program for these workers. The study will identify: required levels of knowledge; appropriate educational strategies; barriers to learning; best methods for evaluating programs; and cost implicatio ....Pain is a devastating symptom that seriously diminishes quality of life1, yet few care assistants in residential aged care hostels are familiar with the principles of palliative care2. This project seeks to explore the feasibility of palliative approaches as a framework for developing a pain education program for these workers. The study will identify: required levels of knowledge; appropriate educational strategies; barriers to learning; best methods for evaluating programs; and cost implications of providing pain management education in the hostel settings.Read moreRead less
Prospective Study Of Medical Emergency Team Calls To Define Issues Of End Of Life Decision Making
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$48,700.00
Summary
A Medical Emergency Team (MET) is a specialised team of doctors and nurses from the Intensive Care Unit who urgently come to patients on the general wards whose medical condition is very unstable. They have to make crucial decisions about their treatment in a very short time. The previous research in this area has been focussed on improving medical outcomes, however it is also apparent that the patients having MET calls are often seriously ill with life limiting illnesses. This study aims to exp ....A Medical Emergency Team (MET) is a specialised team of doctors and nurses from the Intensive Care Unit who urgently come to patients on the general wards whose medical condition is very unstable. They have to make crucial decisions about their treatment in a very short time. The previous research in this area has been focussed on improving medical outcomes, however it is also apparent that the patients having MET calls are often seriously ill with life limiting illnesses. This study aims to explore the broader aspects of care at this time, which are of paramount importance to patients and their families, such as various aspects of communication, particularly focusing on changing goals of care; and also the symptoms that may be causing significant distress for the patient. This project will provide information that will assist development of interventions that will both aim to improve quality of life and also communication in the setting of medical emergencies in patients with life limiting illness.Read moreRead less
Identification Of The Palliative Care Needs Of Home-based People With End-stage Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$50,000.00
Summary
This project seeks to identify the palliative care needs of home-based people with end-stage dementia. Although the need for home-based palliative care may apply to people with dementia as well as to those with cancer and other terminal illnesses, few people with end-stage dementia receive such care. For this reason, people with dementia may experience suffering and unmet needs towards the end of life. The proposed research is important because as the population ages and the prevalence of dement ....This project seeks to identify the palliative care needs of home-based people with end-stage dementia. Although the need for home-based palliative care may apply to people with dementia as well as to those with cancer and other terminal illnesses, few people with end-stage dementia receive such care. For this reason, people with dementia may experience suffering and unmet needs towards the end of life. The proposed research is important because as the population ages and the prevalence of dementia increases, home-based care will be the preferred option for many people. Palliative care practice however is not necessarily transferable between cancer care and dementia care. The needs of people with end-stage dementia may be different to those of people with cancers because of the different trajectories and symptoms experienced. There is evidence to suggest that a palliative care approach in dementia is favoured by formal and informal carers, however the preferences of people with dementia are not known. Understanding the palliative care needs of home-based people with end-stage dementia, carers and care providers is required, hence the motivation for this inquiry.Read moreRead less
Surveillance And Analysis Of Avian Influenza Viruses In Wild Birds In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,237.00
Summary
Birds are commonly infected with bird flu viruses but most of these viruses do not cause disease. However, certain types of bird flu viruses, such as the H5N1 strain, can cause severe illness and death in 100% of infected birds. There is currently an epidemic of H5N1 bird flu occurring in Asia. Occasionally humans become infected by bird to human transmission and since 2003, 130+ people have been infected with H5N1 resulting in 60+ deaths. There are 3 ways in which dangerous strains of the virus ....Birds are commonly infected with bird flu viruses but most of these viruses do not cause disease. However, certain types of bird flu viruses, such as the H5N1 strain, can cause severe illness and death in 100% of infected birds. There is currently an epidemic of H5N1 bird flu occurring in Asia. Occasionally humans become infected by bird to human transmission and since 2003, 130+ people have been infected with H5N1 resulting in 60+ deaths. There are 3 ways in which dangerous strains of the virus may be brought to Australia by; infected people, domestic birds and migratory wading birds. In order to monitor the import of these viruses by migratory birds we will catch and take samples from large numbers of these birds in important areas where they congregate close to humans and poultry farms. We will identify what types of bird flu viruses these birds are carrying and if the viruses are capable of causing disease in birds and humans. We will also see if they can be treated by the influenza drugs that we currently have and we will study these viruses to find new drug targets. These viruses are commonest in ducks. Migratory wading birds and local ducks live in the same habitats so there is the chance that the wading birds and ducks could pass the viruses to each other. There is an additional concern that non-disease causing viruses could mutate in ducks and become pathogenic and pass from bird to bird or even human to human transmission which could cause a major human epidemic of bird flu in Australia. So we will also take samples from local ducks that occur in the same areas as the wading birds and test them for viruses as well. Our results will show what kinds of viruses are being carried by wading birds and ducks and if these viruses are a danger to people and poultry. We can then manage important areas so that humans and poultry do not come into contact with these viruses.Read moreRead less