The Efficacy Of A Peer-to-peer Online Support Group And An Automated Self-help Internet Intervention For Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,855.00
Summary
Depression is the leading cause of disability in Australia. Many people do not receive professional help and prefer self help methods to antidepressants or face to face therapy. A significant number turn to Internet support groups. The Internet also has great potential for offering self-guided automated web-based therapy. This research investigates whether Internet support groups and self-help web therapy are helpful treatments for depression.
Social Aspects And Cultural Meanings Of Gynaecological Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment And Adjustment Of Victorian Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$158,500.00
Summary
Most research worldwide concerning gynaecological cancers has related to cervical cancer screening because of the effectiveness of Pap tests, while limited research has been conducted on social aspects of cancer. However, cancer of the uterus and ovary are among the top ten cancers in Australian women, and the diagnosis of a gynaecological cancer has a profound effect on women. This study is concerned with women's understandings of cancer disease, its treatment and outcomes, and with social fact ....Most research worldwide concerning gynaecological cancers has related to cervical cancer screening because of the effectiveness of Pap tests, while limited research has been conducted on social aspects of cancer. However, cancer of the uterus and ovary are among the top ten cancers in Australian women, and the diagnosis of a gynaecological cancer has a profound effect on women. This study is concerned with women's understandings of cancer disease, its treatment and outcomes, and with social factors that may influence their treatment decisions and care. The study will be conducted in metropolitan and rural Victoria. Women from a variety of ethnic, language and social backgrounds, who have been diagnosed with gynaecological cancer in the preceding three years, will be interviewed to gain insight into their understandings and experiences of the processes of disease, diagnosis and treatment procedures, the implications of for daily life, and the relationship of these events to their perceptions of their bodies, gender and sexuality. We will also interview oncologists and cancer support group facilitators, and participate in cancer support groups, to examine the role of such groups and to explore the experiences of health professionals providing care to women with these cancers. Research findings will be used to develop health educational information about gynaecological cancers, and to provide information to hospitals and clinicians to improve quality of clinical care and social support.Read moreRead less
Development And Validation Of An Australian Diabetes Health Policy Simulation Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$400,396.00
Summary
Diabetes imposes a heavy personal, societal and financial burden on Australia and this is predicted to increase over time. The aim of this project is to develop a computer simulation model that can be used to inform clinicians and policy makers in efficient allocation of resources to improve the quality of diabetes care.
Economic Evaluation Of The Costs And Benefits Of Options For Publicly Funded Dental Care Provision In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$219,135.00
Summary
Governments and administrators of public dental services (PDS) currently address resource allocation problems with little guidance from the public. This project will provide evidence of population priorities that can underpin planning for public dental care and provide direction for priorities in PDS A cost-benefit analysis of dental care, to guide future decisions, will be conducted by comparing the community's willingness to pay for dental services and the cost of providing those services.
Improved Patient Outcomes Through Dosage Individualisation Of The Newer Immunosuppressant Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,206.00
Summary
After organ transplantation, recipients need to take medicines continually to stop their immune system from rejecting their new organ. This treatment with immunosuppressant drugs is vital for long-term success of their graft. However, too many people are losing their transplant or are experiencing drug toxicity or infection due to poorly managed immunosuppression. The project aims to accurately define the best way to dose newer immunosuppressant drugs in Australian transplant populations.
A Behavioural Intervention For The Adoption & Maintenance Of Physical Activity In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$334,955.00
Summary
For people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) it is essential that blood glucose levels are managed well to reduce the risk of developing complications. Physical activity is essential for maintaining glucose levels because it helps make the muscles use glucose more effectively. In particular, being active through strength training not only improves blood glucose levels, but can be very effective for maintaining good physical functioning, which is known to be reduced by having T2DM. This study builds on ....For people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) it is essential that blood glucose levels are managed well to reduce the risk of developing complications. Physical activity is essential for maintaining glucose levels because it helps make the muscles use glucose more effectively. In particular, being active through strength training not only improves blood glucose levels, but can be very effective for maintaining good physical functioning, which is known to be reduced by having T2DM. This study builds on our earlier research which demonstrated significantly improved blood glucose levels from a strength training program for older adults with T2DM. The strength training program is to be administered nationally in a research to practice trial (Lift for Life); however, the original research found that those who did not complete the program as it was intended (ie, poor adherence) did not show significant improvements in blood glucose levels. Furthermore, maintenance of strength training exercises after completion of the program was poor and resulted in return of blood glucose levels back to pre-starting levels. In people without diabetes, we have collected pilot data that shows that the use of behavioural strategies based on behavioural theories whereby each person's motivations and barriers are taken into consideration is more effective than the traditional one-treatment-fits-all approach. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of using behavioural strategies for improving adherence and maintenance to the Lift for Life strength training program (Enhanced L4L) for older adults with T2DM compared with the Standard L4L program. It will also follow-up participants 6 months later to determine the extent to which the changes in behaviour can be maintained. The study will provide information that will assist in the design, delivery and uptake of programs to improve treatment strategies in older adults with T2DM through the maintenance of healthier behaviours and lifestyles.Read moreRead less
Referral Of Men Newly Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer To A Telephone-based Support Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,125.00
Summary
Cancer diagnosis and treatments are stressors of major proportions. There is compelling evidence that providing information, education and counselling services helps reduce emotional distress and improves quality of life among newly-diagnosed cancer patients. The public health challenge for improving the supportive care of cancer patients is to find a cost-effective way to deliver these services to this population. Our response to this challenge is to test an innovative program that involves the ....Cancer diagnosis and treatments are stressors of major proportions. There is compelling evidence that providing information, education and counselling services helps reduce emotional distress and improves quality of life among newly-diagnosed cancer patients. The public health challenge for improving the supportive care of cancer patients is to find a cost-effective way to deliver these services to this population. Our response to this challenge is to test an innovative program that involves the cancer specialist referring newly-diagnosed cancer patients to the Cancer Council Victoria's telephone information service staffed by nurse counsellors, as an integral part of the patient's treatment management. The program involves the nurse counsellor contacting patients and providing information and support at key times in the first six months after diagnosis. In this study, we will focus on prostate and male colorectal patients. The most common registrable cancers in males are prostate and colorectal cancer; male cancer patients are a group known to underutilise support services and among whom less research has been conducted on ways to improve adjustment to a cancer diagnosis and treatment. If effective, this program could provide a way for supportive care to be included among cancer patients, even those treated in rural centres, or where a multidisciplinary team is not yet available.Read moreRead less