Research projects
Current research
1. Rural / Remote Health Workforce Development
Research project |
Researchers |
Partners |
Description and model of Remote Area Nurses (RANs) This study builds on focus group results and uses a Delphi model of consensus building to define the role and characteristics of a remote area nurse, then building a model of remote area nursing. |
Katie Pennington |
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Developing the academic education workforce across an urban, rural and remotely distributed University College footprint This multi-stage qualitative project seeks to identify education capacity building needs and priorities of academic educators within the College of Medicine and Public Health (CMPH), develop contextualised capacity building activities and inform strategy development. The project will 1) support academic teaching staff and teaching program teams develop their educational expertise and skills including in embedding scholarship into practice, and 2) assist CMPH to identify and maximise the organisational and contextual supports for building educational capacity and expertise. |
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Effectiveness of an escape room to facilitate the acquisition of interprofessional practice knowledge and competencies in health professional students Fifty health discipline students studying or undertaking a placement in Darwin, attended one of eleven group education session involving an escape room and workshop. Analysis of participants’ self-rated achievement of learning goals and answers to a short quiz will be used to determine the educational value of these sessions. |
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Evaluation of a pilot student-implemented service to improve health and wellbeing of older people in East Arnhem. Using a pragmatic and iterative co-designed approach, this mixed-methods project will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an 8-week pilot allied health student service-learning model of service provision. The value of the service will be assessed using the Triple Aim framework that will report against older person’ health outcomes, service users and providers satisfaction with the service, and the cost of the service. Data collection methods will include quantitative service and workforce records, and qualitative satisfaction surveys, interviews and focus group records. |
Louise Brown Emily Armstrong Katrina Bird |
Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) |
Evaluation of a student-led service model to provide physiotherapy services for children with high needs attending Acacia Hill School in Alice Springs This evaluation is a multi-method approach using semi-structured interviews of individuals, focus groups of families and carers of children with disabilities, physiotherapy students and school staff, a survey of physiotherapy students, and a document review of program records, reports, meeting minutes and client data. It will examine the process of developing the student placements in the school and using the triple aim methodology to report on the health outcomes, participant satisfaction and cost of the project. |
Acacia Hill School NT PHN |
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Evaluation of Speech Pathology and OT clinics in Katherine schools This mixed-methods study includes an online survey of Occupational Therapy students post-placement in Katherine, face to face interviews with teachers and a focus group of families with children at schools. |
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Evaluation of the Indigenous Entry Stream (IES) of the Northern Territory Medical Program |
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Investigating the work location outcomes for health professional students who have undertaken Northern Territory placements. This is a longitudinal cohort study of students who have undertaken work-integrated placements in the Northern Territory, investigating factors that influence their work location choices. The analysis will look at the effect of student placements in the Territory and work location outcomes including factors associated with working in remote or rural locations.
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Retention strategies and interventions for health workers in rural and remote areas – systematic review This review is examining the association between strategies and interventions used to improve retention for rural and remote health workers and various retention outcomes such as length of employment, rate of return and others.
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John Humphreys |
Menzies School of Health Research |
Review of Australian Remote Area Nurse Safety Policies (RARSP) This cross-sectional survey aims to identify the current prevalence and impact of workplace safety issues for RANs working in Australian very remote PHC clinics and assess the implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at addressing these issues. |
Laura Wright Sabina Knight Nualnong Wongtongkam Katie Pennington Sue Crocker CRANAplus Kylie McCullough Santosh Jatrana Lynore Geia |
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Qualitative analysis of assessment feedback given by supervisors to medical students learning in full-time clinical placements – a perspective on continuity of supervision and context.’ This series of in-depth interviews will collect qualitative data from supervisors and students about how clinical practice feedback is given to students. Understanding the context of supervision and learning and factors that enhance learning will improve clinical learning.
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Understanding and responding to the cost and health impact of short-term health staffing in remote and rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health services. This study applies a previously proven mixed-methods approach to data collection and analysis. The design entails collection and analysis of retrospective quantitative data relating to staff turnover, quality of care, cost and effectiveness. Extensive fieldwork will collect primary qualitative data (interviews and focus groups) from staff and service users. A crucial design element is the close involvement of Aboriginal health services in the design, implementation, analysis and translation.
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John Humphreys Terry Dunbar Lisa Bourke Edward Mulholland Steven Guthridge Yuejen Zhao Michael Jones John Boffa Michelle Fitts Zania Liddle |
Menzies School of Health Research Monash University Australia National University The University of Melbourne Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation NT Government Macquarie University Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation
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2. Rural/ Remote Training Strategies
| Research project |
Researchers |
Partners |
Evaluation of Pharmacotherapeutics for Remote Area Nurses online course This is a mixed-method evaluation of the online Pharmacotherapeutics for Remote Area Nurses course, a course for Registered Nurses who work in or are planning to work in remote and isolated practice and aims to assist in developing knowledge and skills in quality use of medicines. The analysis will investigate the impact of the pharmacotherapeutics course on participant knowledge, confidence and competence and preparedness for nursing in remote locations. |
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PhD student: NZ study – Supporting allied professionals in rural areas of New Zealand This is a mixed-methods study to determine if there are fundamental differences in the professional skills of allied health care when delivered in rural areas as opposed to urban areas. Participants will include allied health professionals and specifically physiotherapists. Qualitative (interview) data from allied health professionals will be juxtaposed with quantitative data from consultation records characterising the scope of practice of rural and urban physiotherapists to better understand the skills required to practice successfully as an allied health professional in the New Zealand rural context. |
Sarah Walker (PhD candidate) Ewan Kennedy Garry Nixon Kati Blattner Jane George Katrina Pōtiki Bryant Leigh Hale |
University of Otago |
Remote Health Practice Evaluation This evaluation uses a retrospective cross-sectional study of former RHEP students (questionnaire and individual interviews) and a prospective longitudinal tracking study of current RHEP students. |
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The view from here: the perspectives of supervisors of allied health and nursing students undertaking placements in the Northern Territory. Using an online survey and semi-structured interviews with existing and potential supervisors of students, this project will identify and describe what participants perceive as being supportive of quality student placements and any gaps that may exist. The results will inform Flinders NT on how best to offer support which may enhance the quality and availability of placements in the Northern Territory. |
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3. Innovative rural/ remote service delivery models to enable the provision of health services to meet community needs
Research project |
Researchers |
Partners |
Planning for a better life under the NDIS There are many challenges for people with a disability from rural and remoted communities to access the new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Using semi-structured interviews and focus groups, we will elicit people’s experiences of engaging with LACs and Planners in rural and remote communities. We will identify the workforce needs of LACs and Planners to meet the needs of rural and remote Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people with disabilities. |
Sydney University Canberra University Deakin University Orange Land Council |
4. Health issues directly impacting on rural /remote people, with a focus on benefitting communities within the University’s catchment area through the delivery of better health service
Research project |
Researchers |
Partners |
Attitudes and practices towards the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Using an online cross-sectional survey and follow up interviews, this national project will investigate whether concerns about COVID-19 community transmission and adherence to social distancing rules and hygiene practices differ depending on infection rates in different Australian geographical locations (metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas). The results will highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic has been communicated, and received and actioned by the Australian public and can inform public health policy when communicating future disease precautions across locations. |
Geoff Argus Nicola Cotter Flora Rolf Lin Wegener Genevieve Baratiny Toni Murray |
Southern Queensland (UQ) |
Clinical features, response to treatment and long term prognosis of snakebite associated thrombotic microangiopathy: the Australian Snakebite Project This project is a systematic review and Australian multi-centre prospective cohort study of thrombotic microangiopathy in snakebite. This project includes a number of studies examining the clinical and laboratory features; outcomes including acute kidney injury, dialysis free survival, and overall survival; and the role of interventions such as plasmapheresis. |
Geoffrey K Isbister Bart Currie
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Menzies School of Health Research University of Newcastle |
Epidemiology of severe community-acquired pneumonia in Central Australia This is a retrospective study of critically ill patients in Central Australia, looking at the epidemiology and microbiology of severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP). This analysis will examine the incidence, demography and causal pathogens of SCAP in this setting and provide recommendations on prevention strategies, early identification of SCAP and empiric antibiotic regimens.
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Fabian Chiong Paul Secombe Penny Stewart Khin Moe Hnin Rajendra Goud Richard Woodman Jason Roberts Jeffrey Lipman Saliya Hewagama |
UQCCR Alice Springs Hospital |
Evaluation of Vaccine Story health promotion resource This is a mixed-method evaluation of a health promotion video, Vaccine Story (https://vimeo.com/user66418024), aimed at all people involved in the vaccine supply chain. The evaluation will involve key stakeholder interviews and an online survey of remote health staff.
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Angela Young Mary Bushell Suzanne Belton Lyn Byers |
Central Australian Health Service University of Canberra CARPA Menzies School of Health Research |
Exploring Aboriginal people’s perspectives of living with renal dialysis This qualitative project is exploring Yanangu Pintupi-Luritja patients and their family’s experiences of Kurrunpa Wanka’ (a good life) while having chronic kidney disease. |
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Health and support service utilisation by Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) individuals with disability in Australia: a scoping review This scoping review examines reported use of health services of people with disabilities who are also from culturally and linguistically diverse groups with the aim of identifying service gaps in the literature. |
Jacqueline Pho Aidan Tan David Lim |
University of Western Sydney |
Impact of climatic variations on chronic oedema: a systematic review This systematically literature review examines the evidence about the impact of variations in climatic conditions on chronic oedema. Its secondary aim will be to provide direction for further research into understanding environmental and climatic influences on chronic oedema to enable recommendations for treatment and management. |
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| Lymphoedema management and service provision in rural and remote Settings (NT & WA) |
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Monitoring vaccine cold chain in the Northern Territory: an exploratory study from distributer to the point of administration This is a mixed-method study involving qualitative interviews with authorised immunisers, and measurement of temperature exposure for individual vaccines from supply centre to point of administration in a remote clinic. The qualitative arm involves telephone interviews with 10 registered nurses who provide immunisations assessing their experiences, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in relation to vaccine cold chain. The quantitative arm involves the monitoring of temperature exposure of 60 individual vaccines via continuous data-logger temperature monitors from dispatch from a remote hospital pharmacy to remote clinics during summer. Vaccine administration details and cumulative temperature exposures outside of 2-8°C are assessed. |
Angela Young Mary Bushell |
Central Australian Health Service University of Canberra |
Predication accuracy of pneumonia severity scores in Australian Indigenous patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia This is a retrospective study of critically ill Aboriginal patients in Central Australia with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP), looking at the predictive accuracy of pneumonia assessment scores of SCAP in Aboriginal patients. This analysis will look at how well the scores predict mortality and requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation or vasopressor therapy, as well as determining risk factors for poor clinical outcome. The application of accurate pneumonia severity scores can reduce mortality and morbidity by assisting clinicians in early identification of patients requiring intensive care. |
Fabian Chiong Paul Secombe Penny Stewart Khin Moe Hnin Rajendra Goud Richard Woodman Jason Roberts Jeffrey Lipman Saliya Hewagama |
UQCCR Alice Springs Hospital |
| The effectiveness of rural & remote lymphoedema screening in the NT (Darwin & remote NT) |
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The Top End experience of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome: clinical features, treatment response and clinical outcomes This is a single centre retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome in the Top End of the Northern Territory. It examines the clinical and laboratory features, treatment, obstetric and clinical outcomes Indigenous versus non-Indigenous patients. |
Nil |
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The Top End experience of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: clinical features, treatment response and clinical outcomes This is a single centre retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura in the Top End of the Northern Territory. It examines the clinical and laboratory features, response to treatments, clinical outcomes and overall survival of Indigenous versus non-Indigenous patients. |
Nil |
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Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) and Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome Registry, incorporating Thrombotic Microangiopathies The TTP registry is a national disease registry aiming to better define the incidence, natural history, clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with TTP, HUS and other thrombotic microangiopathies |
Erica Wood
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Monash University |
Understanding climatic influences on lymphoedema symptoms and management An international approach using a mixed methods research design including in-depth interviews, questionnaires and comparative measurements to evaluate connections between various environmental conditions and the subsequent influence on lymphoedema symptoms. |
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5. Improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Research project |
Researchers |
Partners |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in health: Object-Based Learning (OBL) This pilot project is informed by object-based learning theory and practice-led research demonstrating transformational impacts of art on student outcomes. It has a focus on FUMA’s nationally significant collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Research completed to date includes a literature and background review of comparative models and tools, detailed methodological analysis, consideration of teaching themes and concepts and planned pilot roll out into selected potential topics. This has led to a focus on the development of an Online Toolkit for use by teaching staff to enable effective incorporation of OBL and Indigenous perspectives into teaching and learning. |
College of Medicine and Public Health (Capacity Education Uplift Program) and Flinders University Museum of Art (FUMA) |
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Appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in remote Central Australia This is a retrospective study investigating antibiotic prescribing practice in Australian remote primary healthcare clinics. This study assesses guideline adherence and appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions using a validated evaluation tool.
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Jarrod De Jong Fabian Chiong Lloyd Einsiedel Bronwyn Silver Debra Gray |
Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Alice Springs Hospital |
A systematic review of evidence-based strategies for reducing alcohol use amongst youth in rural and remote areas This review investigates community strategies used to reduce alcohol demand and use in rural and remote youth aged 12-24 years. |
Tim Carey |
University of Global Health Equity |
Evaluation of the Impact of Cross-Cultural Awareness Training (CCAT) for Newmont Tanami Operations (NTO) The project will investigate the impact of a one-day, face-to-face Cross-Cultural Awareness Training (CCAT) session delivered to all staff at Newmont Tanami Operations (NTO) as part of their Induction Program. The goal is to establish the impact of the program by assessing participant’s knowledge at three-time points: prior to the training; immediately following the training; and three months after the training. Cross-Cultural Awareness Training has become a popular training program within Induction programs. This project provides an opportunity to add to the literature and practice of CCAT within organisations. |
Robert Charles
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Newmont Goldcorp Tanami Operations
The Central Land Council
Granites-Kurra Ten Year Plan (the Plan)
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Exploring Pintupi-Luritja patients and their family’s experiences of Kurrunpa Wanka’ (a good life) while having chronic kidney disease. This is a qualitative research study with the Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation (WDNWPT), the Purple House. The research project will be co-designed with an Aboriginal Research Governance Team. The study involves Aboriginal Leaders from the communities of Papunya, Haasts Bluff, Mt Liebig and Walungurru (Kintore). Due to COVID-19 this project aims to commence in June 2020. |
Jeff Hulcombe Irene Nangala Monica Robinson Nangala Victor Robinson |
Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation (WDNWPT) – the Purple House |
Health Care Homes program evaluation The evaluation takes a case study approach, using both quantitative and qualitative data within specific communities across the NT and working with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. The case studies will assist in evaluating the Health Care Homes pilot program to see if it has contributed to the best practice model of care for patients with one or more chronic disease. The analysis of the case study will provide advice to the government of the program usefulness for patient care in remote communities. |
Patrick McDuff Jim Pearce |
Australian Government Department of Health UNSW UTS |
iECG point of care testing to detect for prevalence of atrial fibrillation for Aboriginal people aged 45 years and over. The proposed study aims to test the feasibility of an innovative, portable electrocardiogram (ECG) device, known as the AliveCor Heart Monitor iECG, to determine the prevalence of AF in Indigenous people living in rural and remote communities in NT, Australia and facilitate the referral and management of Aboriginal people diagnosed with AF. This study is part of a national study being conducted by the Poche network across NSW, WA and NT. |
Poche Centre Sydney University Brewarrina Multipurpose Service Albury-Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation |
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Instruments for the Assessment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's social and emotional wellbeing: a critical review of instrument suitability This review uses a novel methodology to triangulate the relationship between instruments used in studies of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing and domains of social and emotional wellbeing as identified in a framework developed by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group. |
Tim Carey Tanja Hirvonen JP Cacioli |
University of Global Health Equity |
Mapping the health promotion benefits of Arts Centres on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands: A knowledge translation and dissemination strategy This stage of the research will translate key findings from the qualitative PhD research Mapping the health promotion benefits of Art Centres on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY). It involves dissemination of research findings with all collaborating industry partners by:
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College of Medicine and Public Health FHMRI Seeding Grant |
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Optimising cefazolin dosing in indigenous patients requiring haemodialysis This is a prospective population pharmacokinetic project studying cefazolin dosing in Australian Aboriginal patients requiring haemodialysis. This project aims to validate the pharmacokinetics of a novel cefazolin dosing regimen allowing reduced dosing frequency, which preserves fistula access for Aboriginal patients haemodialysis.
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Carleigh Tongs Betty Zam Brynley Cooper Fabian Chiong Aadith Ashok Basant Pawar Cherian Sajiv Suzanne Parker Steven Wallis Jason Roberts |
UQCCR Alice Springs Hospital |
Optimising ceftriaxone dosing in Indigenous patients requiring haemodialysis This is a prospective population pharmacokinetic project studying ceftriaxone dosing in Australian Aboriginal patients requiring haemodialysis. This project aims to validate the pharmacokinetics of a novel cefriaxone dosing regimen allowing reduced dosing frequency, which preserves fistula access for Aboriginal patients haemodialysis.
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Brynley Cooper Betty Zam Carleigh Tongs Fabian Chiong Aadith Ashok Basant Pawar Cherian Sajiv Suzanne Parker Steven Wallis Jason Roberts |
UQCCR Alice Springs Hospital |
Reach for the Star: a scoping review protocol on factors that sustain Indigenous youth mentoring programs This scoping review examines the literature on Indigenous youth mentoring programs to identify those factors which are associated with successful mentoring programs |
Jade Millerick Elsa Barton Donna Quinn David Lim |
University of Western Sydney |
Realising the potential of remote art centres under consumer-directed care – opportunities to support older Aboriginal people and those living with dementia This qualitative research with Indigenous artists and stakeholders explores the ways art centres in remote communities can link older Aboriginal people to services under consumer-directed care. The results will provide the government with a model which can be readily translated to approximately 90 art centres in remote community settings where Aboriginal people aged over 55 years comprise around 30% of the artist population. Anecdotally art centres help Aboriginal people living with dementia and other conditions associated with ageing, but integration into the service system has not been explored to date. The prevalence of dementia in remote communities is up to five times higher than the general population and there is limited choice in health and support services. |
National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University of Western Australia Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Women's Council (NPYWC) Mangkatja Resource Centre and Ikuntji Artists |
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Redesigning Nana: applying the knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to codesign an educational activity for healthcare students. This project will use a co-design approach with Indigenous participants, facilitators and researchers to redevelop an educational session for healthcare undergraduate students. The aim of this project is to develop a new scenario that best reflects the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Top End and that may be used to facilitate the training of a culturally informed health workforce for the future. |
IAHA Poche |
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Registered Nurses' Experiences of Reading and Using Research for Work and Education: a qualitative research study This qualitative research study uses focus groups to bring together registered nurses and discuss their feelings and experiences of using research in practice and education to attempt to identify patterns and themes. 75 registered nurses will be recruited to a series of focus groups held online. |
Joanne Ramsbotham Fiona Coyer |
Queensland University of Technology |
Remote art centres supporting older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People This project uses focus groups, in-depth interviews and observation to explore how art centres in remote communities can link older Aboriginal people and those living with dementia to services under consumer-directed care. This participatory research-action process will provide the government with a model which can be readily translated to approximately 90 art centres in remote community settings where Aboriginal people aged over 55 years comprise around 30% of the artist population. |
National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) |
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The association between alcohol restriction policies and rates of alcohol-related harms in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities This review examines the relationship between alcohol restrictions such as alcohol management plans, purchase limits and other supply restriction strategies, and alcohol-related harms in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. |
Tim Carey |
University of Global Health Equity |
The effectiveness and appropriateness of culturally adapted approaches to treating alcohol misuse in Indigenous and First Nations people This review seeks to explore, using mixed-methods systematic review, whether culturally adapted approaches to alcohol treatment, whether inpatient or outpatient, are more effective and more culturally acceptable to Indigenous people in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. |
Tim Carey |
University of Global Health Equity |
Uses and value of Aboriginal traditional ‘Medijins’ in the Sunrise Health Service Region, Katherine NT, in improving patient wellbeing This research uses mixed methods in a culturally safe way, with a sample of community members and staff examining social and emotional wellbeing within their community through the Aboriginal Health Service. The analysis will look at the triple aim model to associate it with the practical and realities of living in a community, and the long-term sustainability through cultural regeneration to improve Aboriginal health, and embed cultural practices within the health system. |
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Jawoyn Association Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation |
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
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