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.
Preventing Overdiagnosis: A Research Programme To Investigate And Respond To The Health Impacts Of Expanding Disease Definitions And Lowering Diagnostic Thresholds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The “modern epidemic” of overdiagnosis is recognised as a source of harm and waste in healthcare. Overdiagnosis happens when someone is given a diagnosis for a disease that won’t harm them, leading to unnecessary treatment. This project will investigate how expanding disease definitions are helping drive overdiagnosis by labelling too many people, how to communicate about the problem, and how to improve the process of defining disease, so health resources can focus more on those most in need.
Improving Communication And Informed Decision Making In Prenatal Screening And Diagnostic Testing Among Women And Couples With Lower Education And Literacy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,115.00
Summary
It is widely accepted that women and couples should be given balanced information to help them make informed choices about undergoing tests to screen for, and diagnose, genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Current information, however, requires high reading levels and is not suitable for low literacy groups. This research aims to develop and evaluate information to support women and couples with lower education and literacy in making informed choices about prenatal screening and testing.