Systematic Expansion Of The Clinical Evidence Base In Opioid Prescribing For Refractory Dyspnoea At The End Of Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$414,535.00
Summary
Morphine can relieve breathlessness in the palliative setting. But many important questions remain. What is the best dose, should the dose change over time, do different medications provide the same relief, and how common is dyspnoea in the general population? This three part project will extend our knowledge to answer these questions. Population data will provide critical background to plan best care for future palliative patients distressed by breathlessness.
Using N-of-1 Trials To Determine Effectiveness Of Paracetamol In Advanced Cancer Patients On Opioids
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$49,996.00
Summary
In advanced cancer, the prevalence of pain is very high (70-90%). Chronic pain is the most feared symptom and is not controlled in a large proportion of cancer patients. The impact on function (physical, mental, social and spiritual) and quality of life (QOL) is very significant. The role of paracetamol in the management of pain in patients with advanced cancer on opioids needs to be defined. Managing pain with treatment supported by the best possible evidence for individual patients and produci ....In advanced cancer, the prevalence of pain is very high (70-90%). Chronic pain is the most feared symptom and is not controlled in a large proportion of cancer patients. The impact on function (physical, mental, social and spiritual) and quality of life (QOL) is very significant. The role of paracetamol in the management of pain in patients with advanced cancer on opioids needs to be defined. Managing pain with treatment supported by the best possible evidence for individual patients and producing any improvement in pain will improve patients’ functional status, and will greatly improve QOL for patients and carers. N-of-1 trials are randomized, double-blind cross-over comparisons of active drug with placebo or another drug. The patient is their own control. N-of-1 trials provide objective means of testing effectiveness of medicines in individuals, providing evidence stronger than randomised controlled trial evidence for the efficacy of that drug in that individual. We will pilot N-of-1 trials of paracetamol for pain in 10 patients. If feasible, this will be a new method of obtaining strong evidence in a difficult to research population: palliative care patients.Read moreRead less
Cardiovascular Disease; Priorities And Outcomes For People With Chronic And End Stage Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,976.00
Summary
This thesis will investigate the patterns, causes and effects of heart disease in chronic kidney disease patients; how heart disease impacts on hospital admission patterns and mortality over time. We will explore the relationship between cognition, cardiovascular and kidney disease; the impact on patient outcomes and quality of life. Finally, we will explore how current research funding reflects disease burden, research output and the stated priorities of patients with chronic kidney disease.
Discussing Prognosis & End-of-life Issues In Palliative Care: Current Practice & Dvlpmnt Of Evidence Based Trng Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$149,955.00
Summary
Discussing prognosis and end-of-life issues is of key importance to palliative care patients and their families. We will a) prepare evidence based communication guidelines on these topics, b) analyse audio-taped consultations to see how these issues are currently discussed and c) develop and pilot a communication training module for palliative care clinicians. This could improve clinical practice, enhance patients' and families' psychological well-being and help patients to make appropriate deci ....Discussing prognosis and end-of-life issues is of key importance to palliative care patients and their families. We will a) prepare evidence based communication guidelines on these topics, b) analyse audio-taped consultations to see how these issues are currently discussed and c) develop and pilot a communication training module for palliative care clinicians. This could improve clinical practice, enhance patients' and families' psychological well-being and help patients to make appropriate decisions and prepare for their death.Read moreRead less
Targeting The AGE-RAGE Axis In Diabetes Associated Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,859.00
Summary
Based on extensive preliminary data we porpose that the AGE intercation with RAGE plays an important role in diabetes associated atherosclerosis. We will perform studies using a soluble form of the receptor RAGE which will trap AGEs in the blood and tissues and thus prevent diabetes related blood vessel damage. Furthermore, we will investigate if RAGE receptor on inflammatory cells such as macrophages plays a pivotal role in blood vessel injury in diabetes.