Improving Alcohol Treatment Outcomes: The Impact Of Client, Intervention And System Variables On Treatment Outcomes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,525,879.00
Summary
Patient outcomes are significantly influenced by a number of factors including the characteristics of the patient, the type of treatment provided, and the characteristics of the system in which care is delivered. This study aims to determine how these factors influence outcomes for people seeking treatment for alcohol dependence. It will provide critical information for policy makers on which to base minimum service standards.
PASSPORTS TO ADVANTAGE: Health And Capacity Building As A Basis For Social Integration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,894,012.00
Summary
This project will conduct a randomised controlled trial of a post-release intervention for adult prisoners in Queensland. The findings of the study will inform the development of an evidence-based post-release intervention for prisoners in Australia and elsewhere, as well as providing an unprecedented insight into the post-release experiences of prisoners in Queensland.
INVESTIGATING MORTALITY AMONG EX-PRISONERS IN QUEENSLAND: A DATA LINKAGE STUDY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$716,801.00
Summary
NOTE: At the time of submitting the NOI for this project we had not yet received feedback from a submission to a parallel NHMRC funding round concerned with social disadvantage. We have since received very positive reviews for the trial foreshadowed in our NOI, and consistent with the recommendations of one reviewer, we have modified our application to complement the proposed trial by conducting a record linkage study. The content area and ethical issues associated with the proposed project rema ....NOTE: At the time of submitting the NOI for this project we had not yet received feedback from a submission to a parallel NHMRC funding round concerned with social disadvantage. We have since received very positive reviews for the trial foreshadowed in our NOI, and consistent with the recommendations of one reviewer, we have modified our application to complement the proposed trial by conducting a record linkage study. The content area and ethical issues associated with the proposed project remain largely unchanged. Studies in Australia and elsewhere have identified a heightened risk of death among ex-prisoners, with drug overdose, suicide and 'accidents' three major causes. Many deaths occur soon after release. Although the high incidence of 'overdose' among ex-prisoners is often attributed to reduced tolerance,most fatal drug overdoses are due to the combined effects of multiple drugs. A detailed understanding of deaths among ex-prisoners is a prerequisite for evidence-based preventive strategies. The proposed study will: (a) Link the identities of prisoners released from custody in QLD between 1994 and 2006, with the National Death Index (NDI). The linked database will permit exploration of the incidence, timing, causes and risk factors for death among ex-prisoners. (b) Compare correctional records of deceased ex-prisoners and a random sample of ex-prisoners known to be alive, focussing on suspected risk factors including criminal history, behaviour in custody, health status, psychosocial adjustment, socio-economic status, and history and treatment for drug use. This will allow more detailed analysis of risk factors for death post-release. (c) Conduct in-depth analysis of causes of death among ex-prisoners, using the National Coroners Information System (NCIS). Information regarding cause and context of death will be coded by a research assistant and analysed to identify group differences (e.g., between ATSI and non-ATSI ex-prisoners).Read moreRead less
Alcohol use and harm minimisation among Australian university students. Alcohol-related harms cost Australians over $15.3 billion per year, and in 2008 were described by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as having reached 'epidemic proportions'. Young people are at greatest risk of alcohol-related damage and university students are among the heaviest drinkers, with up to 70% engaging in binge drinking. By examining the social dynamics of university students' drinking practices and their understanding of ....Alcohol use and harm minimisation among Australian university students. Alcohol-related harms cost Australians over $15.3 billion per year, and in 2008 were described by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as having reached 'epidemic proportions'. Young people are at greatest risk of alcohol-related damage and university students are among the heaviest drinkers, with up to 70% engaging in binge drinking. By examining the social dynamics of university students' drinking practices and their understanding of harm minimisation, together with the policies and measures offered by colleges and State health authorities, the proposed project will yield a new evidence base and innovative theoretical approach for developing fresh strategic harm minimisation interventions.Read moreRead less
What difference does treatment make? Psychometric properties of a measure of young people's progress in residential rehabilitation. This research is expected to: enhance evidence-based treatment outcome measures in residential rehabilitation services in WA, NSW and the ACT; provide high-quality research training for alcohol and other drug service staff; and contribute to long-term collaborative relationships between five partner organisations, five universities, and addiction specialists which w ....What difference does treatment make? Psychometric properties of a measure of young people's progress in residential rehabilitation. This research is expected to: enhance evidence-based treatment outcome measures in residential rehabilitation services in WA, NSW and the ACT; provide high-quality research training for alcohol and other drug service staff; and contribute to long-term collaborative relationships between five partner organisations, five universities, and addiction specialists which will assist ongoing service quality improvement. Enhancing the effectiveness of alcohol and other drug treatments for young people will also address the National Health Priority of injury prevention as young people are one of three groups at higher risk of harm.Read moreRead less
Substance Use in Prisons and Other Closed Settings: Identifying appropriate and effective legislative frameworks for a harm reduction approach. Influencing laws on drugs in closed settings to reflect public health approaches will directly benefit incarcerated individuals and wider communities in Cambodia and in Australia. Australian Red Cross has a long-standing commitment to improving vulnerable peoples' lives as well as a deep-seated community identity; it will facilitate the implementation o ....Substance Use in Prisons and Other Closed Settings: Identifying appropriate and effective legislative frameworks for a harm reduction approach. Influencing laws on drugs in closed settings to reflect public health approaches will directly benefit incarcerated individuals and wider communities in Cambodia and in Australia. Australian Red Cross has a long-standing commitment to improving vulnerable peoples' lives as well as a deep-seated community identity; it will facilitate the implementation of its research findings through its prisons programs. Collaborations with AusAID-funded HIV prevention, substance abuse and criminal justice reform initiatives (including HIV/AIDS Asia Regional Program (HAARP) and Cambodia Criminal Justice Assistance Program (CCJAP)) will strengthen Australia's contribution to civil society and public health in Cambodia, and simultaneously reinforce Australia's reputation as a leader on substance use and harm reduction issues.Read moreRead less