Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Comprehensive Primary Health Care In Local Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,635,268.00
Summary
This research will develop and implement a program logic evaluation in order to assess the effectiveness of various models of primary heatlh care service delivery. Although comprehensive primary health care holds considerable promise to meet the growing demands on the health system, it has not been thoroughly evaluated. Comprehensive primary health care is a large and complex area, therefore part of the project focuses on services and client experiences in two chromic diseases: diabetes and depr ....This research will develop and implement a program logic evaluation in order to assess the effectiveness of various models of primary heatlh care service delivery. Although comprehensive primary health care holds considerable promise to meet the growing demands on the health system, it has not been thoroughly evaluated. Comprehensive primary health care is a large and complex area, therefore part of the project focuses on services and client experiences in two chromic diseases: diabetes and depressionRead moreRead less
Implementation And Evaluation Of A Diabetes Intervention Program In Indigenous Australian Communities.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$173,625.00
Summary
Approximately 700,000 Australians have type 2 diabetes (also termed maturity-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes), which is a condition associated with reduced lifespan, eye disease, heart disease, renal disease, stroke, and foot complications leading to amputation. Indigenous Australians are at particularly high risk, with over 30% of adults affected by this condition in a number of communities, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis, healthy lifestyle ....Approximately 700,000 Australians have type 2 diabetes (also termed maturity-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes), which is a condition associated with reduced lifespan, eye disease, heart disease, renal disease, stroke, and foot complications leading to amputation. Indigenous Australians are at particularly high risk, with over 30% of adults affected by this condition in a number of communities, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis, healthy lifestyle modification and tight control of the blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol are the keys to preventing the complications of diabetes. Self-management is central to success, and education, support and encouragement play an important role. This research project incorporates an education program that has been developed in partnership with the indigenous health team at Cherbourg. Particular strengths include the emphasis on family involvement and community support. The central role of the indigenous health team will ensure continuity of benefit to the community. If proven to be effective, the program could be used as a model for interventions in other community settings to reduce the burden from type 2 diabetes in the indigenous Australian population.Read moreRead less
The Diamond Cohort Study - Long Term Outcomes Of Depressive Symptoms In Primary Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,538.00
Summary
The diamond study follows what happens to almost 800 people with depressive symptoms whom attend general practice for care over 5 years of their life. This study will map the severity of depressive symptoms, life circumstances, use of health care services and treatments and allow us to understand factors associated with relapse and recovery from depression in order to improve care. This will assist us to develop models of care that better suit the needs of people experiencing depressive symptoms ....The diamond study follows what happens to almost 800 people with depressive symptoms whom attend general practice for care over 5 years of their life. This study will map the severity of depressive symptoms, life circumstances, use of health care services and treatments and allow us to understand factors associated with relapse and recovery from depression in order to improve care. This will assist us to develop models of care that better suit the needs of people experiencing depressive symptoms.Read moreRead less
All current clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute low back pain (LBP) agree that acute LBP has an excellent prognosis with most cases recovering within 4-6 weeks. However, the information on prognosis is contradictory and in fact chronic low back pain could develop in as many as 56% of those with acute low back pain. There is also agreement among the guidelines that the rare cases of serious disease (eg cancer) can be detected with a routine clinical examination but no study h ....All current clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute low back pain (LBP) agree that acute LBP has an excellent prognosis with most cases recovering within 4-6 weeks. However, the information on prognosis is contradictory and in fact chronic low back pain could develop in as many as 56% of those with acute low back pain. There is also agreement among the guidelines that the rare cases of serious disease (eg cancer) can be detected with a routine clinical examination but no study has evaluated the accuracy of the complete clinical assessment, and there is only limited evidence on components of the clinical assessment. We will therefore investigate the 1 year prognosis of LBP and the accuracy of the clinical assessment for detecting serious disease in the back pain population. Our study will provide the first reliable estimates of prognosis of acute LBP and the accuracy of widely recommended clinical assessment procedures and thereby allow appropriate allocation of funds to this enormous problem.Read moreRead less
A Randomised Trial To Control Sexually Transmitted Infections In Remote Aboriginal Communities.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,847,403.00
Summary
This project will trial strategies for attaining clinical best practice in sexual health with an overall objective of reducing the high rates of sexually transmitted infection in remote Aboriginal communities in central and northern Australia. The trial will take place in 21 communities of which seven will be randomly assigned in each of the three years of the trial. This trial will determine whether strengthening primary health services can reduce the level of these infections.
Discrimination Or Discretion? Factors Contributing To Discrimination Of People With Hepatitis C In Health Care Settings.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,750.00
Summary
Hepatitis C is now the leading communicable disease in Australia and stigma and discrimination have been identified as major barriers to addressing this epidemic. This study builds on our previous work in which we have found evidence of discrimination against people with hepatitis C in health care settings. Discrimination, inappropriate and unfair treatment against people with hepatitis C, in health care settings is a major barrier to care, treatment and support. A key strategy for developing ef ....Hepatitis C is now the leading communicable disease in Australia and stigma and discrimination have been identified as major barriers to addressing this epidemic. This study builds on our previous work in which we have found evidence of discrimination against people with hepatitis C in health care settings. Discrimination, inappropriate and unfair treatment against people with hepatitis C, in health care settings is a major barrier to care, treatment and support. A key strategy for developing effective strategies to reduce both perceived and real discrimination of people with hepatitis C in health care settings is to gain a better understanding of the range of issues experienced by the health care providers themselves and factors in the broader health service context that impact on optimal care. The aim of this study is to identify these factors and the findings will influence policy and practice with the ultimate goal of removing barriers to equitable and appropriate health care for people with hepatitis C. The study will focus on both people (health care providers)- the knowledge, attitudes and practices among health care professionals in relation to infection control practices, hepatitis C and injecting drug use; and contexts (health care settings)- factors in the health care settings that contribute to discriminatory, inappropriate or unfair treatment of people with hepatitis C. The study will focus specifically on health care settings of general practice, dentistry, nursing and pharmacists. The outcomes will be used to develop practical and effective strategies for both improving health care for HCV positive individuals and improving the working relationships and environments for these health professionals working with this client population.Read moreRead less
FAST-Australia: A Phase II Study Of Family History Screening For Chronic Disease Prevention In Primary Care.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$343,429.00
Summary
Risk of developing certain cancers, heart disease and diabetes is increased by having an affected family member. People found to be at risk can be offered ways to prevent or detect these diseases early through lifestyle advice or disease screening. This project will develop and evaluate a family history questionnaire in preparation for a trial of family history screening and its impact on disease prevention.