Stroke In Australia: Understanding Variation In Clinical Care And Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Stroke is the major cause of death and disability. My ECF research project is designed to identify (1) factors that influence hospital readmissions (2) gaps in hospital care for specific groups who experience stroke using the largest national dataset (40+ hospitals, 17,000+ patients). These data will provide evidence for me to develop and test novel future interventions to reduce inequalities in health care access in order to reduce deaths and disability through improvements in stroke care.
Centre Of Research Excellence In Cognitive Health: Evidence, Intervention And Population Modelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,499,872.00
Summary
Cognitive health is essential for productivity at all ages. Common chronic diseases such as diabetes, and risk factors such as smoking, can reduce cognitive function and increase risk of cognitive decline. Our Centre aims to build evidence about the things that impact on cognitive health and lead to cognitive decline; to develop methods of reducing cognitive decline; and to measure the impact of cognitive impairment at the national level to inform the government on costs and planning.
This proposal supports a successful, productive mid career researcher to generate new knowledge in priority areas of women' health. Clinical, public health, health services and implementation research focuses on prevention and treatment of lifestyles/obesity related conditions across the lifespan. Activities include mentoring young researchers/ clinicians, leadership and collaboration, cross sector engagement and translation of research into practice delivering improved health outcomes.
Treatment Of Asymptomatic Candidiasis In Pregnant Women For The Prevention Of Preterm Birth: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,714,148.00
Summary
Prevention of early birth is a global priority. This study will establish if a simple process of screening and treating asymptomatic thrush in pregnancy prevents early birth. If positive the results of this study will change pregnancy management across the world to ensure a healthier start to life.
Screening For Colorectal Cancer: Attitudes Affecting Participation And Implementation Of Strategies For Improvement.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,760.00
Summary
There is good evidence that population screening for bowel cancer (CRC), based on the detection of blood in stools, is effective in reducing deaths from bowel cancer by around 30-40%. Screening depends on the use of a simple test to identify those who most need the complex and costly test which is capable of accurately detecting curable cancers and precancer lesions. This can be achieved with moderate effectiveness using simple tests (FOBTs) which detect microscopic amounts of blood in the faece ....There is good evidence that population screening for bowel cancer (CRC), based on the detection of blood in stools, is effective in reducing deaths from bowel cancer by around 30-40%. Screening depends on the use of a simple test to identify those who most need the complex and costly test which is capable of accurately detecting curable cancers and precancer lesions. This can be achieved with moderate effectiveness using simple tests (FOBTs) which detect microscopic amounts of blood in the faeces. If we are to reduce the rate of death from CRC, we must have an effective way of encouraging people to do these tests. While much has been learnt from experience with screening for breast and cervical cancer, CRC presents a series of quite different issues that have never been comprehensively studied. These are: (1) men and women need to be screened. (2) symptoms due to CRC are more complex , (3) the high-risk settings for CRC are much more complex), (4) the community is not as aware of the benefit of screening, (5) the initial test can be performed at personal convenience in one's home, (6) participants must handle bodily excretions, and (7) inconvenience of attending a central facility is avoided. We will survey participants and non-participants to more accurately identify the barriers to screening, and the proportion who have not participated for informed reasons. To test the real value of attempts to overcome these, we will then offer screening by various approaches designed to overcome these. We are in a unique position to do this as we have well-identified populations who have been offered faecal occult blood test (FOBT)-based screening These studies will assist in the design and implementation of effective screening programs for the early detection of CRC in Australia, which in the long term will significantly reduce deaths from this disease.Read moreRead less
Shared Team Approach Between Nurses And Doctors For Improved Risk Factor Management (STAND FIRM)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,945,676.00
Summary
There are many proven treatments for preventing people with stroke from having a recurrent event, e.g. maintaining blood pressure at acceptable levels. However, uptake of therapies is poor. We will assess whether patients receiving individualised management plans, prepared and administered by both doctors and nurses will have risk factors controlled better than those receiving usual care. The plan includes education of patients to help them have more control over their own care.