Almost every member of clinical staff in hospitals now carries a smartphone or tablet. These devices can improve staff performance when life-saving information such as reminders of complex procedures during medical emergencies are delivered in a clear way. This fellowship applies design processes used in other high-risk industries such as in military and nuclear power settings to devise ‘e-aids’ for clinicians to improve outcomes in health emergencies.
Better Use Of Established Medications For The Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,768.00
Summary
My PhD research showed that placing several heart protection drugs into one pill helped many more people take these drugs. I am now looking at the best way to use ‘polypills’ in ‘real-life’. I will identify what is preventing use of polypills, in a country where they are currently available. I will examine new strategies that promote identifying patients who are eligible for polypills. I will also investigate whether the same concept can be used to improve blood pressure control.
Real-time Surveillance For The Early Detection Of E-health Related Adverse Events
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
Health care delivery has become increasingly dependent on information technology. There is growing concern about the risk of harm caused by e-health technology. Current methods for error detection are minimal, and healthcare software remains largely unregulated. This research aims to develop innovative surveillance technologies to provide real-time monitoring and to facilitate early detection of e-health generated adverse events, as a critical step to improve the safety of e-health technology.
Towards A Broader Economic And Social Perspective On Chronic Disease Evaluation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,182.00
Summary
This project tackles an important public health and economic issue. I examine the factors that influence and determine economic and social consequences (e.g.out-of-pocket costs, changes in work) in people with chronic disease in Canada and Australia. I also develop and test a measure for assessing such outcomes and translate the lessons from this research to decision-makers to improve the ability of health systems to address the economic and social consequences of living with chronic disease.
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.
An Integrated Approach To Improving Patient-centred Care In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,768.00
Summary
My research project aims to improve patient-centred care in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as emphysema, by developing, testing and implementing a decision aid for shared decision making. The decision aid will be for use during the patient-health provider encounter and will facilitate tailoring of COPD treatment to patient-defined health priorities and needs, thus improving adherence and outcomes.
Enhancing Quality In Primary Health Care Services Through Better Use Of Data And Information Systems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$143,758.00
Summary
The performance of PHC services has increasingly been scrutinized due to the rise in prevalence of chronic diseases, growing demand for care, rising health care costs, and evidence of unexplained variations in clinical practice. The use of performance monitoring frameworks has increased and it is anticipated this process will become a regular activity. A key element to ensuring the successful engagement in performance monitoring activities is the effective management of information systems.