Identification And Quantification Of Risk Of Falls In Cognitively Impaired Older Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,741.00
Summary
This study represents the first systematic approach to understanding the complex interaction of factors that contribute to risk of falling in cognitively impaired older people. The results will provide much needed information on how to intervene to prevent falls and fractures in this high risk population. In the last decade, 25 randomised controlled trials have been published which show it is possible to prevent falls in older people. However, a major disappointing outcome of research in this fi ....This study represents the first systematic approach to understanding the complex interaction of factors that contribute to risk of falling in cognitively impaired older people. The results will provide much needed information on how to intervene to prevent falls and fractures in this high risk population. In the last decade, 25 randomised controlled trials have been published which show it is possible to prevent falls in older people. However, a major disappointing outcome of research in this field is that trials that have included or specifically focused on older people with cognitive impairment have been unsuccessful in preventing falls. Cognitive impairment has long been known to be a major risk factor for falls and fractures but little research has been undertaken to understand the underlying mechanisms as to why this is the case. It is likely that previous falls prevention trials involving people with cognitive impairment were unsuccessful because they did not directly assess mechanisms for falls in this group and simply translated intervention strategies from studies undertaken in cognitively intact older people. This study aims to develop our understanding of the important factors that contribute to risk of falling in older people with cognitive impairment and dementia. Participants will be recruited from a number of sources including hospitals, out-patient clinics, retirement villages, hostels etc. Whilst some participants will be able to consent to take part, all participants must have a nominated person responsible. Consenting participants will undergo a series of assessments, the majority of which can be undertaken in their own home. These will include medical and medication history, measures of gait and balance and tests assessing performance of different regions of the brain. An MRI scan will allow us to determine whether risk of falling relates to any specific pathology in different parts of the brain. We anticipate that we will be able to identify which risk factors and underlying mechanisms are most strongly associated with falling in cognitively impaired older people. We then hope to use the information to design targeted and tailored intervention strategies to reduce falls and fractures in this high risk population.Read moreRead less
User-centred Design Of A Technology-mediated, Theory Driven, Intervention Package To Reduce Incorrect Use Of Child Car Restraints
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$691,342.00
Summary
This project aims to develop and optimise an efficient, cost-effective intervention that provides instruction on how to correctly use child car restraints, as well as promoting behaviours required to achieve correct restraint of children in cars. This work offers potential paradigm shifting solutions to a long-standing problem that is currently putting more than 50% of children travelling in cars at a three-fold increased risk of serious injury and death
Centre Of Research Excellence - Better Health Outcomes For Compensable Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,500,000.00
Summary
Many people do not recover after a road traffic injury but develop chronic pain, disability and poor mental health. Health outcomes are worse for people who lodge a claim for injury compensation and/or engage a lawyer. The CRE will extend research and implementation beyond health services to the compensation and legal systems. Results will improve health outcomes advancing knowledge of system processes mediating recovery and implementing interventions that promote not hinder recovery.
Preventing Injury Through Evidence Based Product Design, Standards & Guidelines For Use
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
By 2020, road traffic injuries are predicted to become the third leading contributor to the global burden of disease. My vision is to prevent road crash-related by improving the performance of protective equipment. I will work to improve access to effective child restraint systems that are easy to use correctly; enhance safe mobility of older people; determine potential for improved motorcycle safety by enhanced design of vehicle and equipment; and appropriate use of motorcycles by children.
Developing Effective And Implementable Solutions To Reduce Traffic Injury Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
By 2020 traffic crashes will be the 3rd leading cause of death and illness worldwide. This research works towards real solutions to reduce injury risk among child and elderly car occupants and motorcyclists by studying child restraints integrated into cars; restraint designs to improve comfort and protection for elderly occupants; education interventions for new immigrants; and risk factors for motorcycle crashes.
A New Clinical Tool To Assess Fitness-to-drive In Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,963.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects 1 in 4 middle aged adults. OSA results in impaired neurobehavioral function, excessive sleepiness, and more than 2-fold increased motor vehicle crash risk and workplace accidents. However, not all patients are impaired and identifying patients at risk is a daily clinical challenge. This project proposes new and simple measures that can accurately identify patients with OSA who are most vulnerable to alertness failure and motor vehicle accident risk.
Musculoskeletal injuries sustained as a consequence of road traffic crashes are common and costly to the Australian community. Many people do not recover well after the injury but suffer ongoing pain and disability. The Centre for Research Excellence in Recovery Following Road Traffic Injury will target a clear need to improve health outcomes for injured individuals through research, capacity building and end-user engagement with a focus in primary care.
An Evaluation Of How Well Brief Screening Instruments Can Classify Safe And Unsafe Older Drivers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$877,030.00
Summary
This proposal seeks to evaluate a screening instrument that will assess the safety of older drivers. The assessment takes less than 10 minutes and involves measuring aspects of vision, reaction time, and balance. We will assess this instrument in persons who are potentially at risk of being unsafe drivers due to visual, cognitive or medical problems. The instrument will be evaluated against the results of an on-road driving assessment and compared to other methods of evaluating older drivers.