A Multi-site Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing The Severity Of Constipation Symptoms Experienced By Palliative Care Patients Receiving Usual Care Compared To Those Diagnosed And Managed According To The Underlying Pathophysiology.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$498,795.00
Summary
This research aims to consider whether the problems of constipation in palliative care are less severe when the physical changes that underlie the problem are explored.
Does Palliative Chemotherapy Palliate? Measuring Symptom Benefit In Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Using Patient Reported Outcomes: The Symptom Benefit Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,024.00
Summary
Clinical trials for women with recurrent ovarian cancer traditionally use a reduction in tumour size and time to progression to measure the benefit of chemotherapy, but do not document whether women have symptom improvement as well. The aim of the Symptom Benefit Study is to validate an instrument that will allow patients to report their symptoms and degree of improvement and for the first time allow clinical trials to include a measure of symptom improvement when new drugs are being tested.
Use Of Emergency Departments By Vulnerable Groups During Their Last Year Of Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Vulnerable people in their last year of life who attend Emergency Departments (EDs) could often be better cared for elsewhere. Our severely overcrowded EDs, and the staff who work in them, are poorly equipped to provide appropriate end-of-life care. This research describes how these groups use the ED, the impact of this use upon ED services and how the provision of adequate community care may be a more appropriate and economically viable option for people at the end-of-life.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Aetiology Based Antiemetic Guidelines For Reducing Nausea In Advanced Cancer Patients.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,152,116.00
Summary
Nausea is a problem that can be very distressing to patients, and one that is difficult to assess and manage in patients with advanced cancer due to its multiple potential causes for this group. This study aims to test the effectiveness of an intervention which uses available anti-nausea medication specifically targeted to the likely cause of nausea for that individual to reduce the severity and impact of the symptom. It also tests second line medicatioins where nausea is unrelieved.
Reducing Demand On Emergency Departments In The Last Year Of Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,049.00
Summary
People in their last year of life who attend emergency departments (EDs) could often be better cared for elsewhere. Our severely overcrowded EDs, and the staff who work in them, are poorly equipped to provide appropriate end-of-life care. This research describes how people in their last year of life use EDs, the impact of this use upon ED services and how the provision of adequate primary care and supportive care services in the community care may be a more appropriate and economically viable op ....People in their last year of life who attend emergency departments (EDs) could often be better cared for elsewhere. Our severely overcrowded EDs, and the staff who work in them, are poorly equipped to provide appropriate end-of-life care. This research describes how people in their last year of life use EDs, the impact of this use upon ED services and how the provision of adequate primary care and supportive care services in the community care may be a more appropriate and economically viable option for people at the end-of-life.Read moreRead less
A Double-blind Randomised Controlled Multi-site Study Of Sertraline Compared With Placebo For Refractory Breathlessness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,517.00
Summary
People with optimally treated emphysema often have breathlessness at rest or with little effort (dressing, preparing a meal). No medications are registered to reduce this breathlessness. This 3 year project will study whether a commonly used anti-depressant, sertraline, can reduce this breathlessness even if people are not depressed. Across Australia, 150 people will take part for at least 4 weeks to rate the unpleasantness of their breathlessness on sertraline or an identical sugar tablet.
Organizational Change And Treatment Of Depression And Dementia In Aged Care Facilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,052.00
Summary
Mental health disorders are common in aged care settings. However, these problems are not well managed. This situation results in distress for residents and family members, as well as high levels of burnout and turnover among staff. This project will address the organizational barriers with the aim of better managing and treating depression and behavioural problems associated with dementia.
Telehealth In Residential Aged Care Facilities: Improving Access To Specialist Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$972,606.00
Summary
People in long term residential care have complex and chronic care issues. The staff may be able to provide more focused care if they have the support of specialists for advice on the care of residents. This project considers the value of a geriatric specialist assessment for all new residents via video conferencing, directly to the residential care facility. This will be supplemented by access to a wide range of other specialists coordinated through a telehealth service model on an "as needs" b ....People in long term residential care have complex and chronic care issues. The staff may be able to provide more focused care if they have the support of specialists for advice on the care of residents. This project considers the value of a geriatric specialist assessment for all new residents via video conferencing, directly to the residential care facility. This will be supplemented by access to a wide range of other specialists coordinated through a telehealth service model on an "as needs" basis.Read moreRead less
Stepping Up To Insulin: A Cluster Randomised Trial Of Team-based Transition To Insulin In Primary Care For Patients With Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$796,751.00
Summary
Helping people control their diabetes through the best possible medical care is important. Most people with diabetes eventually need insulin yet this is a step in treatment that is often resisted by patients and GPs. This study will help GPs and Practice Nurses work with patients who have reached this stage make the change to insulin treatment in a safe, effective, convenient and timely way. This will have enormous benefits through reduced diabetes complications and improved quality of life.
A Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomised Trial (SMART) Of Nursing Interventions To Reduce Pain Associated With Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$713,418.00
Summary
Modern chemotherapy treatments can result in damage to the peripheral nerves, resulting in a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This condition is characterised by a range of sensory and functional changes that can cause pain and reduced ability to perform daily activities. This project will test various non-pharmacological pain management measures to determine if they are effective in improving the quality of life of patients who experience this problem.