Quality, Research and Achievements

Researchers

Dr Clarice Tang

Associate Professor Annemarie Southcott

Dr Lizzie Skinner

Ms Kathryn Barker

Associate Professor Felicity Blackstock

In simple terms, explain the aim of this research project and the most significant achievement/milestone reached

This pilot study aims to investigate the optimal timeframe to implement pulmonary rehabilitation for people with COPD so as to ensure increase participation and completion rates in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Explain why this research is important for our community

Identifying the optimal timeframe of implementing pulmonary rehabilitation for people with COPD will enable clinicians to be able to encourage patients to participate and complete pulmonary rehabilitation at the right time. This will in turn have an effect in optimising the benefits of this highly effective evidence-based intervention.

Collaborators

Physiotherapy department, Western Health

Respiratory and sleep disorder unit, Western Health

Physiotherapy discipline, La Trobe University

Physiotherapy department, University of Western Sydney

Ethics Approval/Governance Authorisation

Approved by Western Health Low Risk Ethics Panel on the 10/03/2016. Project reference HREC/16/WH/11.

Researchers

Ms Lucy Troup,

Mrs Kelly Fleury,

Dr Kimberley Haines,

Professor Gustavo Duque,

Ms Rita Kinsella

In simple terms, explain the aim of this research project and the most significant achievement/milestone reached

To establish whether a high dose exercise program or use of NMES is more effective in maintaining quadriceps strength and function compared to a low dose exercise program (control) during the NWB period in an elderly, cognitively intact, inpatient population. $20000 research grant received from the Western Health Research Foundation.

Explain why this research is important for our community

There is no current research evidence to guide frequency and type of exercise required to achieve optimal outcomes for an elderly, non weight bearing, cognitively intact inpatient population.

Optimal care of this patient cohort is vital to minimise length of stay for this patient group which aligns with organisational priorities. The results will ultimately inform and guide our physiotherapy practice at Western Health and beyond.

Collaborators

Western Health Physiotherapy Department in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS)

Ethics Approval/Governance Authorisation

High risk ethics application being prepared for submission in March.

Researchers 

Professor Edward Janus, A/Prof Harin Karunajeewa, Ms Melanie Lloyd, Dr Elizabeth Skinner, Professor Anne-Maree Kelly, Ms Melina Shackell, Dr Clarice Tang, Ms Stephanie Lowe, Dr Parul Bali, Dr Soe Ko Ko.

In simple terms, explain the aim of this research project and the most significant achievement/milestone reached

This study aims to improve evidence-based clinical management of community-acquired pneumonia within the General Medicine units, and combines best-practice medical, nutrition and physiotherapy interventions. Recruitment of a target 1000 patients is currently underway.

Explain why this research is important for our community

Routine implementation of evidence-based interventions has the potential to accelerate time to recovery, and reduce hospital length-of-stay and readmissions.

Collaborators

Haines, T, Monash University

Karahalios, A, University of Melbourne

Ethics Approval/Governance Authorisation 

Approved by Melbourne Health High Risk Ethics Committee on 15 June 2016. Project reference HREC/16/MH/014.

Researchers 

Dr Kimberley Haines, Ms Belinda MacLeod-Smith, Ms Clare Holdsworth, Ms Kate Cranwell, Mr Grey Searle, Prof Bodil Rasmussen, Dr Elizabeth Skinner, Ms Samantha Bates, Assoc/Prof Craig French, Assoc/Prof Lynne Maher

In simple terms, explain the aim of this research project and the most significant achievement/milestone reached

The aim of this project is to co-design a peer support model with survivors of critical care and staff then test the efficacy of this model to reduce negative psychological outcomes (anxiety, depression, PTSD) and improve positive psychological outcomes (social support, resilience) in patients and families.

Explain why this research is important for our community

This world-first research will evaluate the use of co-design methods in critical care and identify whether a novel approach to improving recovery (enhanced social support) reduces Post-Intensive Care Syndrome.

Collaborators

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s international THRIVE Peer Support Collaborative

Ethics Approval/Governance Authorisation 

High risk ethics application under review at Melbourne Health.

A pilot study.

Researchers 

Ms Alesha Sayner, Ms Sarah Davies, Dr Kimberley Haines, Dr Emily Karahalios, Dr Irmina Nahon, Ms Cindy Ogluszko

In simple terms, explain the aim of this research project and the most significant achievement/milestone reached

This randomized controlled pilot study aims to compare 2 modes of pre-operative pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). It will investigate whether one group demonstrates superior continence outcomes post operatively. It is also a feasibility study assessing whether a larger scale and multi- site study can be developed in future.

This project has been awarded the 2016 Western Health Research Grant to the amount of $8, 000.

Explain why this research is important for our community

Low numbers of studies exist in men’s health physiotherapy. This study will contribute to ongoing investigation in this field and identify feasible elements for development of a larger study. Identifying management strategies that result in improved post-operative continence outcomes will assist in improving patient quality of life and drive appropriate management pathways for this population.

Collaborators

Western Health Physiotherapy Department

Western Continence Service – Western Health

Ethics Approval/Governance Authorisation 

Approved by Western Health Low Risk Ethics Panel on 07/11/2016. Project reference HREC/16/WH/143