I am investigating several areas relating to Paediatric surgery in particular the quality and coverage of paediatric surgical trials. The context for this study is to evaluate the current state of paediatric surgical research for methodological rigour, aiming to establish an evidence base and agenda for future trials to improve outcomes in paediatric surgery. The project will involve epidemiological methodology studies and systematic reviews, data linkage and analysis of existing study datasets.
Cancer Risks From Low-dose Ionising Radiation Following Diagnostic Medical Procedures
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,579.00
Summary
Our study investigates cancer risk following exposure to low doses of ionising radiation from medical procedures. Our first major paper linked over 800,000 CT exposures to cancer outcomes in a cohort of almost 11 million young Australians, and found that CT exposure predicted an increased incidence of leukaemia and most solid cancers. In our ongoing work we will incorporate nuclear medicine and other diagnostic x-rays, and estimate radiation dose for individual procedures and to specific organs.
The Role Of Infant Food Allergy In The Natural History And Burden Of Allergic Disease Across The Early Years: The HealthNuts Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,722,373.00
Summary
The HealthNuts study of 4600 infants is the world’s first comprehensive population-based study of food allergy with objective measurement of true food allergy and will enable us to understand better the natural history of allergic disorders including food allergy, asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis and the interplay of risk factors for development of these conditions in the first 6 years of life. The study will have important implications for clinical guidelines and public health policy.
Enterovirus, Vitamin D Status And Inflammation At The Clinical Onset Of Type 1 Diabetes In Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,542.00
Summary
Type 1 diabetes is a serious disease that is increasing in incidence among Australian children. This project will build on an exsisting study to provide new information on the role of enteroviral infection, vitamin D status and the associated inflammatory changes in blood at the onset of disease.
Using Linked Population-based Health-related Datasets To Optimise Cancer Care And Reduce Survival Disparities.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,941.00
Summary
In partnership with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, we will use detailed health data from various sources to assess how care is provided to people with cancer and determine why some have better survival than others. The findings will be used to change government policy and clinical practice in order to improve cancer outcomes for those who fair worse. We will establish a data bank to enable this information to be used to improve services into the future.
Patterns Of Care And Quality Of Life In Patients With Pancreatic Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$680,010.00
Summary
Available evidence suggests that care of patients with pancreatic cancer is variable and dependent on a variety of factors such as geographic location, socioeconomic status and hospital volume. Variability in care may influence survival and quality of life of patients. We propose to conduct a comprehensive study of the management of patients with pancreatic cancer in NSW and, in a substudy in QLD, to determine how variation in management affects patient quality of life.
Ending The Global Tuberculosis Epidemic: The Role Of Patient Costs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
TB is an important public health problem worldwide. Rates of TB are declining but not fast enough to reach targets set by the World Health Organization to end the disease by 2035. One reason why TB remains an issue is the cost of health care for patients. My research will look at the costs of TB care for patients in Papua New Guinea and will compare costs between countries. I will look at policies to protect the sick and will conduct research to determine what works best in decreasing costs.
Defining Optimal Strategies For Sustained Control Of Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,845.00
Summary
My work helps us understand how infections spread between people, to work out the most effective use of vaccines and other protective measures. This fellowship will support research into the ways large family size, poor health care access, social connections and the environment increase infection risk in settings of poverty. We will find better ways to prevent infectious diseases in the populations worst affected, including Indigenous Australians and people living in low-income countries.