Translating A Drop Of Blood Into Effective Antibiotic Dosing In Infants And Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The optimal use of currently available antibiotics is of utmost importance at a time when few new antibiotics are being developed and there is a continued emergence of antibiotic resistant ‘superbugs’. This Fellowship will establish evidence-based, effective antibiotic dosing regimens for children with severe infection - using just a drop of blood. By applying innovation in microsampling, my research will advance our treatment of infection and result in better outcomes for sick children.
RCT Of Headbox Oxygen Vs CPAP For Neonatal Respiratory Distress In Non-tertiary Hospitals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$225,500.00
Summary
Each year in NSW hundreds of babies are transferred from local general hospital nurseries to a hospital with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) because of breathing difficulties. Frequently, mothers are unable to accompany their babies at the time of transfer, leading to stress. When a mother is eventually transferred she is often separated from her partner and local supports causing further anxiety. In addition, if a baby has to be transferred, invasive procedures may be needed to ensure safet ....Each year in NSW hundreds of babies are transferred from local general hospital nurseries to a hospital with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) because of breathing difficulties. Frequently, mothers are unable to accompany their babies at the time of transfer, leading to stress. When a mother is eventually transferred she is often separated from her partner and local supports causing further anxiety. In addition, if a baby has to be transferred, invasive procedures may be needed to ensure safety. Currently, babies who need oxygen in a local hospital are placed in a crib with a clear plastic box around their head and oxygen is run into the box (headbox oxygen). There is an alternative method of providing oxygen called CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). This involves giving the oxygen directly into the baby's nose via soft rubber prongs. CPAP has been used since the 1970's. It is the main form of respiratory support for infants in many NICUs in Australia and the world. There is some evidence that death and lung disease may be reduced. However, the babies in these studies are sicker and smaller than babies in local hospital nurseries. CPAP is used in some local nurseries in New Zealand, however no studies have been done to see if CPAP reduces the need for inter-hospital transfer. The study will involve hospitals that have been selected because of their level of on site medical and nursing staff. These hospitals will have support and advice from two NICUs that use CPAP as their main form of respiratory support. Babies who need oxygen will be randomly allocated to either have headbox oxygen or CPAP. If the baby becomes so unwell such that certain preset criteria are met, the baby will be transferred to a NICU in the usual way. If CPAP safely reduces the need for inter-hospital transfer, many parents will be saved the anxiety associated with transfer, and the separation it often causes.Read moreRead less
Improving Treatment And Outcomes Of Congenital Hearing Loss At The Population Level
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,138.00
Summary
Around 600 Australian babies are born with congenital hearing loss each year. Despite great advances in early diagnosis and treatment, affected children have language and other skills well below what they can potentially achieve. My research will a) examine trends in congenital hearing loss outcomes, b) enrich existing data with novel genetic and clinical data, to enable early prediction of future outcomes to direct management, and c) discover ways to prevent hearing loss progression.
Improving The Design Of Pragmatic Clinical Trials In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Whilst clinical research is designed to investigate interventions that improve patient health, to date, patients (including children) and their families have had no say in deciding what health outcomes matter most to them. The voices of patients and their families must be heard and used to inform how studies are designed if we are to achieve an improved model of health care and health service delivery. We propose to investigate and provide recommendations as to how this is best achieved.
A Study Of The Impact Of Treating Electrographic Seizures In Term Or Near-term Infants With Neonatal Encephalopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,365,184.00
Summary
Seizures in the newborn infant are common and may be harmful to the developing brain. They are not always recognised. This study investigates whether or not treating all seizures detected using a bedside brain activity monitor improves developmental outcome, compared to just treating seizures that doctors recognise.
Improving Communication Processes And End Of Life Care In The Neonatal Period: Drawing On The Experiences Of Parents And Health Care Professionals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
The parents of infants who have died in newborn intensive care, as well the professionals who care for these infants, will be invited to share their experiences of the conversations that took place around the time of the infant's death and how these contributed to the care provided. It is intended that the care of future infants who die under the care of the neonatal team will be improved through dissemination of this knowledge and associated improvements in training of professionals involved in ....The parents of infants who have died in newborn intensive care, as well the professionals who care for these infants, will be invited to share their experiences of the conversations that took place around the time of the infant's death and how these contributed to the care provided. It is intended that the care of future infants who die under the care of the neonatal team will be improved through dissemination of this knowledge and associated improvements in training of professionals involved in this field.Read moreRead less