INTroducing A Care Bundle To Prevent Pressure Injury (the INTACT Trial)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,093,250.00
Summary
In Australia, hospital acquired pressure injuries (i.e. bedsores) range from 7.4% – 17.4%. A care bundle is a structured group of interventions associated with improved patient outcomes. The aim of this 3-year cluster randomised controlled trial is to provide rigorous evidence regarding the effect of a patient centred pressure injury prevention care bundle on the development of pressure injuries in patients at risk of developing a hospital acquired pressure injury.
Improving Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Outcomes Through Understanding Genomics And Treatment Toxicity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,013,282.00
Summary
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive cancer, as most patients will not survive for more than 5 years. Therefore we need to find better ways to treat patients. In this study we will identify the DNA mutations in oesophageal cancers that were part of clinical trial. The data allow us to determine why some tumours responded well to therapy, and why some patients had serious side effects to the treatment. The results will help inform on selection of therapy for future patients.
Improving Nurse-administered Sedation Practice In The Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
This research will provide evidence to inform nursing management of the potentially life-threatening complications that are associated with the administration of sedation in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Three studies will be conducted: an investigation of the prevalence and risk factors of hypothermia after sedation; a randomised controlled trial of active warming to prevent hypothermia; and a study to determine whether audit and feedback improves patient safety during sedation.
Macrophage Polarisation And Control Of Pulmonary Inflammation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$895,494.00
Summary
As key immune cells, macrophages are polarised to phenotypes that turn inflammation on or off. In cystic fibrosis, defective macrophage polarisation enhances inflammation and prevents lung repair. We are defining the molecules and cellular pathways that control this process and identifying targets for existing drugs that can be used to reprogram macrophages and restore lung repair to improve patient outcomes.
A New Master Adaptor Protein For Toll-like Receptor Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$869,288.00
Summary
Certain proteins on the surface of cells are able to sense danger and infection. These receptors use adaptor proteins to enable cells to respond appropriately. We have discovered a new adaptor that controls receptor signalling in inflammation. This new master adaptor likely has widespread roles in infection and inflammation. We aim to understand how this adaptor works, and to identify ways of blocking its actions. These studies may help us to control inflammation underpinning many diseases.
Improving Quality Of Life In High-risk Cancer Populations: A Randomised Trial Of A Structured Intervention For Head And Neck Cancer Survivors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$493,220.00
Summary
Patients treated for head and neck cancer commonly experience pain, disfigurement, eating difficulties, depression and fatigue, undermining confidence and quality of life. This study aims to help patients self-manage their ongoing health problems following completion of treatment. This will be achieved through a randomised trial in which patients will be assisted by a trained oncology nurse to develop a tailored survivorship care plan focusing on the patient’s specific medical and emotional conc ....Patients treated for head and neck cancer commonly experience pain, disfigurement, eating difficulties, depression and fatigue, undermining confidence and quality of life. This study aims to help patients self-manage their ongoing health problems following completion of treatment. This will be achieved through a randomised trial in which patients will be assisted by a trained oncology nurse to develop a tailored survivorship care plan focusing on the patient’s specific medical and emotional concerns.Read moreRead less
Harnessing Information Technology To Improve Self-management Behaviours And Health Outcome In People With Heart Failure: A Smarthome Ecosystem Living Lab Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,120,226.00
Summary
The burden of heart failure in Australia is substantial. Management of heart failure is complex and requires self-management of symptoms and behaviour change, which requires ongoing education and support to achieve. Current approaches for supporting self-management do not meet the needs of people with heart failure or the healthcare system. This Australian first project aims to co-design an intelligent smart home ecosystem (Smart Heart) to support the management for people with heart failure.
Innate Immune Signalling In Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,857.00
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health threat that causes 1.5 million deaths every year. This study will characterise a new molecular control mechanism that optimises the immune response to the bacteria that cause TB and determine how it contributes to controlling the infection. Such knowledge is essential to help improve patient management and develop better treatments for this devastating disease.
Which Heart Failure Intervention Is Most Cost Effective In Reducing Hospital Care (WHICH? II) Trial: A Multicentre, Randomised Trial Of Standard Versus Intensified Management Of Metropolitan And Regional-dwelling Patients With Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,891,210.00
Summary
Chronic heart failure (CHF) management programs are now the gold-standard to cost-effectively care for thousands of Australians hospitalised with CHF each year. We’ve shown that home-based management is most cost-effective in reducing hospital stay in CHF. The Which Intervention is most Cost-effective in reducing Hospital care (WHICH? II) Trial, a multicentre, randomised study, will determine if more intensive care (via home visits and remote care contacts) further improves poor outcomes in CHF.
Macrophages are important cells at the front-line of immunity where one of their main roles is to release anti-bacterial proteins. We will study the macrophage molecules, subcellular organelles and pathways that help to release these proteins to kill bacteria and fight infection. Our studies will identify new cellular targets for boosting immunity and treating inherited diseases with defective macrophage function.