RESEARCH

Healthcare Access and Equity Research

Research to improve healthcare access and health equity.

Overview

Overview Our research Featured publications Research projects Partners

Overview

The Healthcare Access & Equity research group research group brings together researchers committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Our research spans prevention, early intervention, healthcare access, and health equity, with a strong focus on delivering real-world impact through collaboration with communities, health services, policymakers and industry.

Our Research

Our research examines health and wellbeing across the lifespan, from pregnancy and early childhood through to adolescence, family life and beyond.

We address critical public health challenges, including access to healthcare in rural and remote communities, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and the impacts of climate change and disasters on health and wellbeing.

Featured Projects

Using a mixed-methods approach, we combine robust epidemiological evidence with community perspectives to better understand where, how and why health inequities occur. We are committed to translating evidence into action. By working in partnership with communities, health services and policymakers, we translate evidence into action through the co-design of innovative, sustainable solutions that improve health outcomes and strengthen health equity.

Supporting migrant mothers to breastfeed successfully

This systematic review explores the experiences of migrant women who have successfully exclusively breastfed in high-income countries. The findings highlight the personal, cultural and healthcare factors that enable breastfeeding success and provide insights to help improve support for migrant families.

Improving ear and hearing care for Aboriginal children

This study examines stakeholder perspectives on ear and hearing health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It identifies opportunities to strengthen culturally safe, accessible and coordinated care to improve hearing health outcomes.

Protecting sexual and reproductive health during disasters

This scoping review investigates the impacts of disasters on sexual and reproductive health and identifies gaps in current evidence and service delivery. The findings can help inform more equitable and resilient healthcare planning before, during and after emergencies.

Understanding hearing loss in displaced children

This scoping review examines the prevalence, causes and challenges of hearing loss among forcibly displaced children. The findings highlight critical gaps in care and the need for targeted interventions to support the hearing health of vulnerable populations.

Supporting families through surgical wait times

This qualitative study explores the experiences of Australian parents waiting for their children to receive surgery for otitis media. It highlights the emotional, practical and healthcare challenges families face and identifies opportunities to improve support throughout the waiting period.

Research Partnerships and Funding

Our research is strengthened through the support of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Flinders Foundation and FireFly Foundation, and through partnerships with organisations including Far West Community Partnerships, E.M.U Consultancy and The Strategy Boutique. Together, these collaborations enable us to deliver impactful, community-led research that addresses real-world health challenges and improves healthcare access and equity.

Group Members

Associate Professor Jacqueline Stephens

PhD, Epidemiologist, (she/her)

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Samantha Rattos

MIntPubHlth, MClAud, Clinical Research Project Manager (she/her)

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Dr Celine Northcott

PhD, Research Associate, (she/her)

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Lisa Callahan

MPH MAud, PhD candidate & Audiologist (she/her)

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Amanda Machell

PhD, MPH, BEd, Adjunct Research Fellow (she/her)

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About the artwork

The artwork by Ngarrindjeri artist Jordan Lovegrove - owner of Karko Creations - encapsulates the essence of the Pathways Project, dedicated to improving early detection and treatment of ear infections among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

At its heart lies a central meeting place symbolising the project’s mission, surrounded by smaller meeting places representing the various health services and clinics that families connect with on their journey.

Footprints and pathways illustrate the journey families undertake for better ear health, the steps taken, the distances covered, and the connections made along the way.

White patterns signify the unity of diverse communities coming together, while coloured regions denote the project’s reach across different areas and Country.

Through its imagery, the artwork highlights the challenges families face in accessing ear health care, and the collaborative efforts of working with families and staff together, across different clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, and hospitals, to find a better way to coordinate this journey.