Research Portfolio

Mixed methods study of the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention (GEDI)

As the population of Australia grows the percentage of those aged >65years is expected to double over the next 30 years. This will lead to more patients presenting to emergency of which a significantly larger portion will be frail and/or from residential care facilities (RCF). This vulnerable population is at significant risk of hospital acquired complications including acute confusion, falls, and infections if they suffer prolonged stays in the emergency department (ED) or on admission to hospital. The GEDI program is an innovative nurse led intervention designed to improve emergency care of frail older persons who develop an acute medical…

Principal Investigator: Dr Elizabeth Marsden
Amount Awarded: $37,500
Institution:

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Developing a regional strategy for reducing non-urgent emergency department presentations

Many people who attend hospital emergency departments (EDs) are triaged as having non-urgent concerns, which could be managed by other health services such as the GP. The way regional health services are designed can contribute to the rate of non-urgent presentations in EDs. The impact of non-urgent patients in EDs can result in crowding, ambulance diversion and access block, which are linked to poorer patient outcomes, increased morbidity and staff burnout. While some recognition of this problem exists nationally, many policies or strategies implemented to reduce the incidence of these presentations have not been evidence-based, effective or economically evaluated. We…

Principal Investigator: Dr Rose Jones
Amount Awarded: $69,603
Institution:

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Dermatology in the Emergency Department

Patients presenting to the Princess Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department with dermatological conditions present a significant demand on resources. It is estimated that in many Emergency Departments (ED) at least one in 25 patients present with a skin condition. Many dermatological presentations may be better managed in an alternative environment either because they are non-urgent or require more specialised and expert care. This project aims to better understand the presentation of skin conditions to a large adult Queensland ED. The research will describe the current diagnosis and management of this cohort to the ED, assess the resource implications and understand the…

Principal Investigator: Dr Tina Bazianas
Amount Awarded: $16,448
Institution:

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The impact of imaging referral guidelines on unnecessary x-ray examinations

In this project, the research team is investigating the effect, on x-ray request justification, of educating referrers and radiology staff on the existence and use of the Government of Western Australia’s Diagnostic Imaging Pathways. The project aims to improve clinical information provided on medical imaging requests, to assist in the assessment of justification, and reduce the number of unjustified examinations being performed. The expected impact of this project is in the removal of unnecessary x-ray examinations which provide little or no benefit to the patient. This will also have a benefit of reduced radiation exposure to patients and improved access…

Principal Investigator: Dr Sarah Boxall
Amount Awarded: $57,093
Institution:

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Reducing avoidable COPD emergency presentations: An integrated cross-health service initiative

Almost 3% of consumers of healthcare services in the Darling Downs, West Moreton and Gold Coast (Including Robina) regions are estimated to have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); which is somewhat higher than the state average of 2.4%. COPD is the second leading cause of avoidable hospital admissions. Anecdotal evidence indicates continued over-utilisation of frontline resources (e.g., Emergency Department [ED]), and potential gaps in outreach services (e.g. underutilised services). This project will inform the implementation and evaluation of referral treatment initiatives (e.g., anxiety management, smoking cessation referral, and quality intra-professional care [IPC] programs), based on identified causal factors.

Principal Investigator: Dr Alex King
Amount Awarded: $67,000
Institution:

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