I am a Psycho-Oncologist who develops strategies to support decision-making in cancer care, and who explores psychosocial predictors of the development and outcome of disease.
This Fellowship will focus on psychosocial issues in cancer, empowering patients to participate in their care, and improving communication between patients and health professionals. Research aims to reduce distress in immigrant, rural, advanced and young cancer patients and reduce fear of cancer recurrence in survivors; better understand the role of stress, coping and social support in the development of breast cancer; and improve communication about prognosis and end of life issues.
Improving The Wellbeing Of People With Advanced Cancer And Their Family Carers: An Effectiveness-implementation Trial Of An Australian Dyadic Digital Health Intervention (FOCUSau)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,095,278.00
Summary
The end-of-life-wishes for many Australians are not upheld which has a negative impact on their quality of life as well as their family carers. However, patient and carer wellbeing is improved when they are supported together. Our research will adapt and then examine the clinical and health economic benefits of an internet-based strategy (developed in the USA) which aims to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer and their family carers.
An Exploration Of The Nature And Meaning Of Informal Communities In Cancer Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,745.00
Summary
The interactions that occur in cancer treatment with other patients, family members and staff are often unavoidable. Recent research examining patient's interactions has demonstrated the importance of these communications, as social support, a forum to exchange information and ideas, and a gathering of people facing the same challenges. This study aims to examine the role of these interactions between patients, staff and family members to explore the purposes and effects of these interactions.
Supportive Care And Patient Empowerment In The Cancer Context.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,910.00
Summary
This Senior Principal Research Fellowship will develop and evaluate system-wide interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes of Australians diagnosed with cancer, including Chinese-speaking immigrants; identify long-term challenges for cancer survivors; explore the impact of having multiple gene testing; and evaluate interventions to empower patients to make informed choices regarding cancer treatment.
Supportive Care In The Digital Age: Harnessing New Technologies To Improve Adjustment To Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,003.00
Summary
Cancer survivors consider talking to someone who has been through a similar experience to be an important part of ideal cancer care. With everday use of the internet increasing, this study will test if an online one-to-one peer support program leads to benefits for haematological cancer survivors. If effective, it would improve access to peer support services among survivors in rural and remote regions, and could be adapted to other cancer types and health conditions.