Glycan-glycan Interactions Between Bacterial Pathogens And Host Cells: A Novel Mechanism Of Bacterial Adherence, A New Opportunity For Strategies To Treat And Prevent Disease And A New Paradigm In Interactions Between Macromolecules.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,059,344.00
Summary
Cell surface carbohydrates are ubiquitous throughout nature. Human cell surface carbohydrates are specifically targeted by microbial proteins. These interactions are crucial in causing disease. We have recently shown that the carbohydrates on our cells and those on pathogenic bacteria can interact with one another. Understanding the nature and role of these newly discovered interactions may lead to strategies to block them via new drugs and vaccines.
Increasing Engagement With Online Psychosocial Programs To Improve Mental Health In The Community
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$352,317.00
Summary
Online therapy programs have a strong evidence base in reducing mental health symptoms. However, take-up of these programs in the community is limited, and low adherence to these programs limits their impact. This project is a randomised controlled trial testing a novel approach to increasing uptake and adherence to psychosocial online programs, involving acceptance facilitation. Results will inform the dissemination of evidence-based psychosocial programs for a range of health conditions.
CareTrack Aged: Appropriate Care Delivered To Australians Living In Residential Aged Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,157,722.00
Summary
Given Australia’s rapidly ageing population, keeping up with future demands and maintaining quality of care in residential aged care facilities (RACF) is vital. This study will assess whether care delivered is consistent with the evidence in 15 conditions that are frequently managed in RACFs. These will include delirium, dementia, depression, pain management and medication management. We will also assess the quality of life of residents in RACFs.
Optimising Value And Equity In Access To Prescribed Medicines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,052.00
Summary
The strong opposition to the Federal government’s proposed increase in out-of-pocket healthcare costs in the 2014 budget demonstrates the significance of value-for-money healthcare to the Australian public. Using information from Canada and Australia, this study will help patients, regardless of socioeconomic status, to access the medicines they need in a way that is affordable for individuals and governments, resulting in wise and fair medicine use within the Australian healthcare system.
Patient-centred EHealth Approach To Improving Outcomes For Gout Sufferers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,354.00
Summary
Gout, caused by excessive urate, can be controlled by prescribing medication and patients adhering to them. We will conduct a 2-year controlled trial in primary care to test an eHealth tool to significantly improve gout patient outcomes. This tool tracks patients plasma urate, medication adherence, gout attacks and provides education, interaction with gout experts and reminders of medical visits. Nationwide rollout of this gout management tool will occur after improved outcomes are proven.
Quadruple UltrA-low-dose TReamenT For HypErTension - QUARTET
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,242,865.00
Summary
High blood pressure is common and a major cause of heart disease and stroke. While many people with hypertension are on some treatment, in over half blood pressure targets are not reached and their high blood pressure is hence uncontrolled. In this research we investigate whether an approach that combines 4 types of blood pressure lowering medications at quarter doses into one pill, may be a more effective way of controlling blood pressure and doing this with few side effects.