A Study To Pilot A Clinical Trial To Test Dignity Psychotherapy For The Frail Aged
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$25,000.00
Summary
One of the greatest challenges today is to preserve the dignity of the frail elderly. Our study will test and perfect a strategy to trial a new approach for this population, Dignity Psychotherapy. The approach will document aspects of the senior's life that they regard as meaningful, want remembered, or of which they are proud. Among the terminally ill, the approach has had positive outcomes. Benefits for elders may include that the approach forms a foundation for holistic care.
Understanding Women’s Experiences Of Endometriosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,595.00
Summary
Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting one in 10 women in Australia. It is associated with many debilitating symptoms including pelvic pain and infertility; which contribute substantial economic burden. It cannot be cured. Very little is known about how women experience this disease. The current study will invite women with endometriosis to participate in interviews about their experience. The findings of this research will contribute to improved health care for the management of endomet ....Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting one in 10 women in Australia. It is associated with many debilitating symptoms including pelvic pain and infertility; which contribute substantial economic burden. It cannot be cured. Very little is known about how women experience this disease. The current study will invite women with endometriosis to participate in interviews about their experience. The findings of this research will contribute to improved health care for the management of endometriosis.Read moreRead less
Biopsychosocial Risk And Protective Factors Of Trauma Exposure In First Responders: A Longitudinal Investigation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,137,427.00
Summary
Investigating individual differences in response to stress is crucial to improving both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for individuals at high risk for exposure to trauma. This world-first project will investigate pre and post-trauma psychological and biological trajectories associated with health outcomes in first-responders, contributing significantly towards our fundamental understanding of the biology of risk and resilience to trauma exposure, a key health issue.
Understanding And Overcoming Cardiovascular And Diabetes Inequalities In Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,370.00
Summary
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experience the highest rates of heart disease and diabetes of all Australians. The reasons for this large disparity is not yet fully understood. I propose to investigate the patterns, causes, complications and links between heart disease and diabetes in Indigenous populations to identify better ways of managing and preventing chronic disease in high risk communities.
Psychosocial Disability And Return To Work In Younger Stroke Survivors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,216.00
Summary
Each year about 12,000 Australians of working age survive a stroke. These younger survivors have responsibility for generating an income or providing care for families and state that their main objective is to return to work for financial reasons and to help rebuild confidence and independence. This observational 3 year study will determine thefactors are associated with returning to work, improving the wellbeing of thousands of stroke survivors and their families using multivariate regression.
Further Development, Evaluation And Dissemination Of The Chinese Peers For Progress Diabetes Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$219,961.00
Summary
This research will train diabetes patients who are becoming volunteer peer leaders (who lead face-to face peer group meetings and activities to help group members) in effective management of key self-care behaviors, which include taking prescribed medications, following diet and exercise regimens, blood glycemic self-monitoring, and coping emotionally with the rigors of living with diabetes.
Helping Family Caregivers Of Palliative Care Patients Manage Their Roles: Evaluation Of A Hospital Based Group Education
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$219,810.00
Summary
While most people would prefer to die at home, the reality is that about two thirds of people die in in-patient settings, such as palliative care units. A home death is more likely if family caregivers are well prepared and supported in their role. Palliative care services are expected to support family caregivers. Research shows, however, that many family caregivers lack the required information to effectively manage their role. They are also prone to suffer psychological distress while support ....While most people would prefer to die at home, the reality is that about two thirds of people die in in-patient settings, such as palliative care units. A home death is more likely if family caregivers are well prepared and supported in their role. Palliative care services are expected to support family caregivers. Research shows, however, that many family caregivers lack the required information to effectively manage their role. They are also prone to suffer psychological distress while supporting their dying relative. Caregivers have expressed a desire for structured information to better prepare them for their role, whether their dying relative is in hospital, a palliative care unit or at home. The aim of this project is to develop and evaluate an educational program offered to family caregivers who are supporting a relative who is receiving palliative care in an inpatient setting. The education program seeks to help family caregivers manage their role and to prepare them for the patient�s home care where appropriate. It is hoped that family caregivers who have attended the program will be more competent, better prepared and more informed about their caregiving role. An additional benefit from attending the program will be the opportunity for family caregivers to meet others in similar situations to themselves. Each education program will involve approximately six family caregivers; it will be conducted very soon after their relative has been admitted to the palliative care unit. The program will be of two hours duration (including time for data collection) and will be facilitated by a suitably qualified health professional. Written resources will be provided and caregivers will be given the opportunity to meet with staff from the multidisciplinary team. Referrals for scheduled consultations will be made where relevant. The program will be conducted in three sites (two in Victoria and one in Western Australia) and will be comprehensively evaluated. The caregivers who attend the program will be invited to provide feedback by completing several questionnaires designed to determine the effectiveness of the program. Group education programs of this kind have previously not been rigorously developed and tested. We seek to address this and hope to demonstrate that we can positively influence the family care giving experience.Read moreRead less