Evaluation Of The Associations Between Childhood Asthma Hospitalisations, Outdoor Fungal Spores And Environmental Effect Modifiers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$141,558.00
Summary
Asthma is a major cause of childhood hospital admission, impairs quality of life, contributes to high financial burdens on families and health system and can lead to chronic lung problems. Little is known about the combined effects of outdoor fungi, air pollutants and viruses in causing asthma exacerbations. This research aims to investigate the role of outdoor fungi in child asthma hospitalisations and how their role links with respiratory viral infections and changes in air quality.
Genetic And Functional Analysis Of Brain Malformations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,327.00
Summary
Disorders of early brain development are recognised as a significant cause of illness and disability in children. Unfortunately, the causes of these conditions are poorly understood, and treatment options are limited. It has become apparent that many of these conditions have an underlying genetic basis. This project will identify genes that regulate brain development and aid the development of improved treatment programs for brain and mind disorders.
Quantifying The Burden Of Systemic Sclerosis In Australia: From Data Linkage To Patient Reported Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,976.00
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease with the potential to cause significant physical, financial and psychosocial burden on patients, their family members and wider community. The true ‘burden’ of SSc in Australia is unknown. My study aims to quantify this burden of disease and use our results to advocate for appropriate allocation of resources with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and reducing the financial and human costs of this chronic rare disease.
Gender As A Determinant Of Health – Consolidating The Evidence Base. An Analysis Of Gender Equity And Health Outcomes In Lower Income Countries, With A Focus On Maternal And Neonatal Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Gender has been cited as a powerful influence on the extent and distribution of adverse health outcomes, especially maternal and neonatal mortality. It has been suggested that global health and development targets cannot be reached without adequate attention to gender equity. A strong evidence base is vital if gender is to be meaningfully considered in the post-2015 agenda. This thesis aims to extend this evidence base.
Often when people are sick they cannot communicate their wishes regarding medical decisions. This research will explore, through surveys and interviews, how older general practice patients understand these decisions and how their understanding compares with that of their loved ones and their general practitioner. We aim to provide an insight into the meaning people give to these decisions thereby assisting those who wish to plan for their future medical care and their doctors.
Improving Clinical Care In Patients With Cirrhosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
This PhD will evaluate the current state of cirrhosis care in Australia. Part one aims to determine the community prevalence of cirrhosis in a general practice cohort and assess the proportion of patients that have been already diagnosed. Part two will evaluate if patients with established compensated cirrhosis are receiving appropriate care and if not assess barriers to care. Part three will evaluate biomarkers to predict the risk of decompensation in patients with established cirrhosis.
Proactive Specialist Diabetes Inpatient Team To Improve Outcomes In Hospitalised Patients With Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,761.00
Summary
Diabetes is a major epidemic in Australia. Current care of hospitalised patients with diabetes is complex, suboptimal and contributes to longer hospital stay, poor outcomes and strain on healthcare resources. This research aims to improve diabetes care in hospitalised patients by implementing a proactive specialist diabetes team that will autonomously identify and provide specialist care for these patients. The expected findings have potential to shape a new approach to hospital diabetes care.
The Indigenous Australian Malnutrition project aims to explore the burden and impact of malnutrition particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in hospital. The project includes the development and validation of the Australian Nutrition Tool (ANT) and validating the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) as an appropriate screening tool for Indigenous Australian patients. The project also aims to determine the prevalence of adult malnutrition and explore its burden and impact.