Using Big Data To Reduce Inappropriate Medication Use
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Potentially inappropriate medication use both increases patient harm and wastes considerable health resources. However methods for measuring patterns of use are not well developed nor utilised in policy. This research will measure the scope, variation and burden of potentially inappropriate medication use in Australia. My unique combination of biostatistical, data and policy expertise will enable this research to create new actionable tools for evaluating the Australian healthcare system.
Although medical tests and procedures can save lives, sometimes too much medical intervention can be harmful. In low back pain, for example, high numbers of X-ray, CT and MRI scans are provided unnecessarily. There is good evidence that imaging scans for low back pain can cause more harm than good. At the same time, people can miss out on treatments that we know to be effective. This fellowship will enable me to discover ways to ensure people receive the right care for low back pain.
Therapeutic Thermal Regulation In Critical Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,384.00
Summary
Patients who are admitted to intensive care units often develop abnormalities of their body temperature as part of their illness. Common illnesses include infections and injuries to the brain from trauma or strokes. Clinicians are unsure of how to react to these changes in temperature. My research is designed to provide high quality evidence on body temperature and the use of treatments, so that clinicians can improve patient outcomes.
Adequate nutrition is necessary for recovery from illness. 30-40% of hospitalised patients may be malnourished. The critically ill are at higher risk because of increased energy requirements yet often receive less than 50% of required nutritional intake. Adequate nutrition therapy is associated with improved patient outcomes, such as reduced mortality and reduced infectious complications. Robust strategies to implement of evidence-based recommendations for nutrition therapy are required.