MET Dose Study
Principal Researcher: Dr Megan Robertson
The Medical Emergency Team is an Australian initiative that aims to identify patients who are declining clinically in hospital, and provide timely intervention to improve outcomes. This study aims to assess the variability in MET dose in approximately 60 MET-equipped Australian hospitals, the association between MET dose and patient outcomes and the in-hospital mortality of patients subject to MET review, in comparison to patients subject to ICU admission, as well as the hospital population overall.
Outcomes of gastric band fills as found with a patient self-reported questionnaire: The VEW Questionnaire
Principal Researcher: Mr Patrick Moore
The VEW (Vomiting, Eating and Weight Loss) Questionnaire has been developed as a method for the assessment of post bariatric surgery patients, as well as a research tool into the eating behaviour of these patients.
Translation of evidence into pain management practices in acute care environments
Principal Investigator: Professor Mari Botti
The aim of this study is to develop a post-operative, pharmacological pain management algorithm (MAPP) to effectively manage pain in the post-operative orthopaedic patients. The MAPP tool will be developed based on best available evidence and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary panel. Following consensus, the MAPP will be implemented and evaluated based on patients’ pain experience and pharmacological pain management practices across multiple sites.
GBS Active. Targeted active surveillance for Guillain-Barré Syndrome following the introduction of H1N1 vaccine
Principal Investigator: Dr Nigel Crawford
This project is being undertaken to explore the potential association between Panvax™ H1N1 vaccine (CSL) vaccine and occurrence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare neurological condition causing acute paralysis and is of public health importance. The information from this project is anticipated to benefit all people by helping to find out if GBS is seen at an increased rate in the six weeks after influenza vaccine.
Australian Sessile Colonic Polypectomy Audit
Principal Investigator: Dr Gregor Brown
This study aims to prospectively audit the removal of small colonic polyps in several major endoscopy centres across Australia in order to compare safety of various polypectomy techniques. Data will be pooled for analysis, that will specifically compare techniques with regard to immediate or delayed complications. Results will make an important local contribution to endoscopic practice in Australia and abroad.
Men’s Experiences at Melbourne IVF
Principal Investigator: Dr Sarah Phillips
This project will obtain information regarding men’s initial experiences at Melbourne IVF using a short satisfaction survey. Melbourne IVF will benefit from the information obtained, and may be able to improve customer care/patient services.
Hospital Survey on Patient Safety
Principal Investigator: Dr Megan Robertson
Unsafe medical care is a major source of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Patient safety is a critical component of the quality of health care and a prerequisite for high-quality care, encompassing the three components of quality: structure, process and outcomes. As part of the World Health Organisation High 5s program on medication reconciliation, this well-validated survey tool the ‘Hospital Survey on Patient Safety’ will be used to asses attitudes and perceptions regarding patient safety activities across Epworth Richmond.
Investigating the absorption of therapeutic compounds through human skin
Principal Investigator: Dr Nicholas Kennedy
Delivering therapeutic drugs directly through the skin has enormous potential in the treatment of diseases. This project aims to create topical creams for the delivery of medications across the human skin using a novel form of Vitamin E cream that promotes the co-delivery of a range of medications such as morphine.
Patient Attitudes Towards Surgical Training in Private Hospitals
Principal Investigator: Dr Murray Spencer
The aim of this study is to investigate patient’s attitudes to surgical training at Epworth HealthCare. With almost 3,000 medical students due to graduate in 2012 and an ageing surgical workforce plus the demand for surgical services, there is an increasing need for surgical training positions. Additional surgical training positions may be identified in the private sector.
Impact of food choice, energy intake and regurgitation symptoms on weight loss and compliance with population based dietary guidelines in post bariatric surgery patients
Principal Investigator: Ms Melanie McGrice
The obesity epidemic continues to grow in Australia. Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB) and Sleeve Gastrectomy are common surgical techniques that aim to restrict the ability to consume large quantities of food, thereby aiding weight loss. This project aims to explore food choices in post-surgical patients and the relationship this has to total energy intake, nutrient intake and degree of weight loss.
Prediction of death following withdrawal from life-sustaining treatments (PREDICT)
Principal Investigator: A/Prof Nerina Harley
Withdrawal from life-sustaining treatments has been established on ethical, legal and medical grounds over the last decade. However, limited data are available in Australia regarding the limitations or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments. This trial aims collect clinical information regarding clinician prediction of treatment withdrawal to death to enable the development of a tool to support decision making and help predict which patients will require prolonged palliative care planning from those which would only survive for a short period.
Tissue specific regulation of cortisol via 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogensase 1 and the metabolic syndrome
Principal Investigator: Dr Christina Jang
Type 2 Diabetes is a major public health issue in Australia. While insulin resistance and obesity are known to be closely associated, the molecular mechanisms underlying this link remain unknown. An emerging body of evidence implicates abnormal cortisol metabolism via 11βHSD1 as a pathogenic mechanism. This project will explore whether epigenetic alterations in 11 βHSD1 gene expression occur in patients with Type 2 diabetes by analysing samples of of fat, liver and muscle collected at the time of abdominal surgery.