A Solution Based Approach Developing Child Health Research With A Focus On Preventive Interventions For Common Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,599,538.00
Summary
There is an increasing recognition that research into child health should focus not only on disease but also on common childhood disorders such as obesity, depression and poor literacy. In addition, such research should include solution-based activity. That is, child health research should have an active program of testing new interventions to prevent the onset of disorders, or to allow optimal early management. The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, the largest Australian child health resear ....There is an increasing recognition that research into child health should focus not only on disease but also on common childhood disorders such as obesity, depression and poor literacy. In addition, such research should include solution-based activity. That is, child health research should have an active program of testing new interventions to prevent the onset of disorders, or to allow optimal early management. The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, the largest Australian child health research institute, is in a very good position to develop Australia's capacity further with regard to a coordinated research program into preventative interventions in child health. This is because of: - the Institute's location at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, the largest paediatric health service provider in Australia - the many individual relevant research projects that are already occurring in MCRI - the strong existing teams of researchers with skills in many different fields of child health such as psychology, speech pathology, clinical-medical care, epidemiology and biostatistics, and laboratory science including genetics. This capacity building program will coordinate population health work to develop the knowledge and skills of eight population health researchers. This development will occur within the context of an internationally competitive research program with structured continuing education and training to promote public health leadership. The capacity building program will develop skills not only in study design, conduct and analysis, but also in collaboration and the translation of research findings into better health services, government policy and parental knowledge to prevent problems and improve the health and well being of children and their families. To care for children in the best way, parents, families, schools, health care providers, and government need the best evidence base possible on the prevention of common child disorders.Read moreRead less
Reducing Childbirth Related Fear And Preference For Caesarean Section: A RCT Of A Midwife-led Psycho-education Intervention (APRIME)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$487,116.00
Summary
In 2008 34% of mothers had a caesarean section in Queensland. Women who are fearful are more likely to want and have a surgical delivery. We will recruit and train midwives to provide counselling and education about birth choices to fearful women during pregnancy. Our program (APRIME) enables women to work through fearful elements of childbirth, review their expectations/ experiences and develop a realistic plan. We predict that women receiving APRIME will report less fear and prefer a normal bi ....In 2008 34% of mothers had a caesarean section in Queensland. Women who are fearful are more likely to want and have a surgical delivery. We will recruit and train midwives to provide counselling and education about birth choices to fearful women during pregnancy. Our program (APRIME) enables women to work through fearful elements of childbirth, review their expectations/ experiences and develop a realistic plan. We predict that women receiving APRIME will report less fear and prefer a normal birth.Read moreRead less
Impact Of Co-morbidities On Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment And Survival Of Cervical Cancer Amongst Australian Indigenous And Non-Indigenous Women: 1997-2009
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$98,236.00
Summary
Indigenous women are more likely than non-Indigenous Australian women to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and are less likely to survive it. This study will investigate the impact of co-exisiting chronic diseases (co-morbidities) on cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and survival outcomes for Indigenous compared to non-Indigenous women. Results from this study will assist in directing future public health initiatives that aim to improve outcomes for women with cervical cancer.
Population Outcomes And Cost-effectiveness Of Universal Newborn Hearing Vs Risk Factor Screening At Age 5 Years.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,423.00
Summary
Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) is being widely implemented because it is thought to greatly improve outcomes for children with congenital deafness. However, it is also very costly. Between 2003-5, all New South Wales babies were offered UNHS, while Victorian babies were offered a risk-factor screening and referral program. This two-year 'natural experiment' paves the way for a unique population effectiveness and cost-effectiveness study of UNHS as the children reach 5 years of age.