Refining Methods For Obtaining, Synthesising And Interpreting Research Evidence In Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,312.00
Summary
Research evidence plays a crucial role in improving clinical care. However the main forms of evidence and the tools that facilitate evidence use - namely randomised controlled trials (RCT) and structured systematic reviews of existing research - have had limited application in surgery for a variety of reasons. This project aims to promote the use of research evidence in surgical decision making by developing tools tailored to the predominance of non-RCTs in surgery and surgeons' information need ....Research evidence plays a crucial role in improving clinical care. However the main forms of evidence and the tools that facilitate evidence use - namely randomised controlled trials (RCT) and structured systematic reviews of existing research - have had limited application in surgery for a variety of reasons. This project aims to promote the use of research evidence in surgical decision making by developing tools tailored to the predominance of non-RCTs in surgery and surgeons' information needs.Read moreRead less
This program of research will develop and evaluate improved strategies for communication and decision making in medical testing for consumers, patients and clinicians. Better understanding about medical tests and improved interventions to support decision making will enable patients and clinicians make more informed and more appropriate decisions about when and when not to test. This work forms part of a broader objective to build health literacy and shared health decision making in Australia.
Nutraceuticals And Lifestyle Modification For Mood And Anxiety Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Mood and anxiety disorders cause immense societal impact, and current treatment can be greatly improved. One particular way is via evidence-based use of nutrients and plant-based medicines, in addition to encouraging specific lifestyle changes (e.g. increased physical activity and improved diet). Dr Sarris' research focuses on these areas, aiming to build a robust body of evidence as to which of these interventions work (and which do not) to enhance better treatment of depression and anxiety.
Fat Sensing In The Gut: Role In Appetite Regulation In Health And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,076.00
Summary
Dr Little has an international reputation for her research relating to the sensing of nutrients in the gut. During the next 4 years her goal is to establish herself as an independent researcher leading a team and program focussed on characterising the molecular and physiological mechanisms by which fat is sensed in the gut, and the role of these mechanisms in energy intake regulation in health and obesity. These insights are likely to result in more effective management strategies for obesity.
Advanced Technologies For Improved Molecular Diagnostic And Prognostic Of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,477.00
Summary
The aim of this interdisciplinary research is to develop innovative and clinically relevant technologies for improved molecular diagnostic of gastrointestinal cancers. It integrates technological advances in physics, bioengineering and nanoscience with state-of-the-art molecular technologies towards the delivery of both fundamental and translational outcomes. These technologies will be applied to address important fundamental questions such as the role of circulating tumour cells.
My research objectives centre on new technology development for improving diagnostics and therapeutics applied to skin. I have developed and patented novel devices for minimally invasive topical drug delivery and skin sampling. My leadership and tangible research outcomes are now enabling previously impossible skin research to be done and now are also impacting the commercial sector in addition to creating new knowledge in the field.
Using Good Measurement Principles To Examine Musculoskeletal Disease And Improve The Evaluation Of New Diagnostic Tests
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
This proposal will apply good measurement principles to 2 important but under-resourced areas: 1) To examine risk factors for musculoskeletal disease (particularly osteoarthritis or “wear and tear” arthritis) and to determine how changes in these risk factors in our community will affect the burden of disease, thus identifying new targets for disease prevention. 2) To improve our ability to evaluate how well new diagnostic tests function when introduced into our healthcare system.
Strengthening Primary Health Care Systems For Under-served Populations Worldwide
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,728.00
Summary
The World Health Organization has identified the strengthening of primary health care systems as a priority area for global health. My research program focusses on identifying, developing and testing innovative strategies to improve access to high quality primary health care for under-served populations in Australia (particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities), rural India, China and the USA.
Novel Health Data Systems For Translation And Impact
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Health research seeks to benefit society by improving health. However, there is a gap between the findings of research and healthcare practice. New systems are beginning to change the way research data are used to improve health outcomes. I am an HIV specialist developing and evaluating several new data systems and my vision for the next four years is to use these to improve the translation of health research into practice and policy for the benefit of people with HIV and society at large.