Research Snapshot 2024
Foreword from the Executive Director Research
The 2024 Research Snapshot is a great example of how our Metro North researchers are continually transforming and improving clinical care. I hope you enjoy reading these stories and are inspired by their achievements, we are very proud to acknowledge their contributions to research in this snapshot.
Professor Steven Lane
A/Executive Director, Research
Metro North Health
Delivering world class research
publications
in 2024
130
new clinical
trials in 2024
IN NHMRC and MRFF grants awarded
IN 2024
in swift grants
in 2024
Making research possible
Metro North Health’s high standard of research would not be possible without the support of the Metro North Research Coordinator Grants, Collaborative Research Grants, the RBWH Foundation and The Common Good.
Showcasing research excellence
The 2024 Metro North Research Excellence Awards celebrated the invaluable contribution and incredible achievements made by our researchers. These awards are a chance to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements in research made across our vast health service.
Research is vital in driving innovation and change in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes, and Metro North Health researchers are conducting ground-breaking research across our health service every day. Our world-class Metro North researchers are dedicated and determined to improve patient outcomes and change clinical practice through research.
Showcasing research excellence
The 2024 Metro North Research Excellence Awards celebrated the invaluable contribution and incredible achievements made by our researchers. These awards are a chance to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements in research made across our vast health service.
Research is vital in driving innovation and change in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes, and Metro North Health researchers are conducting ground-breaking research across our health service every day. Our world-class Metro North researchers are dedicated and determined to improve patient outcomes and change clinical practice through research.
Research stories
Generations of Metro North innovation graduates making bold changes
Across Metro North, generations of innovators are tackling new challenges every day, armed with a comprehensive grounding in implementation science and innovation and lessons learnt through practical, real-world application.
Nurse practitioners leading the way
A research project focusing on the advanced skills and capabilities of nurse practitioners is streamlining flow and improving patient care at Caboolture Hospital.
Caboolture-led trial challenges long-held beliefs about vasopressor delivery in critically ill patients
A Caboolture-based feasibility study is reshaping how vasopressor infusions may be delivered, paving the way for a future multi-centre trial that could change global clinical practice.
Revolutionising paediatric care: new research tackles feeding disorders in culturally diverse children
A new research initiative led by Caboolture Hospital and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is taking a culturally sensitive approach to treating feeding disorders in children.
Understanding the psychosocial benefits of a dementia choir
The benefits of choir singing for people and carers living with dementia will be under the microscope thanks to a new research project.
Supported exercise intervention to prevent parastomal hernias
An investigation into parastomal hernia prevention has shown that patient fear and limited medical understanding and advice can lead to lower patient outcomes.
Robotic dementia study aims to modernise residential aged care
A targeted study is underway to assess how robotic animals can help with the psychosocial wellbeing of aged care residents living with dementia.
Improving the patient experience in Redcliffe Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit
Research at Redcliffe Hospital is examining the impact of nutrition and sleep interventions on the patient experience of patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).
Improving central venous catheter dressings for ICU patients
New research at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) into central venous catheters (CVC) dressings in intensive care units (ICU) is improving outcomes for patients, one CVC at a time.
Can AI lead to better hearing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children?
Clinician researchers at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) are using artificial intelligence to improve ear disease diagnosis for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Research focus leading to deadly dental service at home
A significant new research study is designing and assessing the benefits of a proposed new model of care in oral health services to be delivered in the home for First Nations people in Brisbane north and Moreton Bay.
Technology-Enhanced Group Based model of care following Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) surgery
Research at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital is investigating the acceptability and feasibility of a technology-enhanced group based (TEG) model of care for people following carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery.
Evidence-based rehabilitation program providing hope to those with aphasia
The Comprehensive, High-dose Aphasia Treatment (CHAT) program, based at the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), is the first of its kind to be embedded within an Australian healthcare service.
Living Heart Project offers new hope for patients waiting for donor heart
The Critical Care Research Group (CCRG) is reshaping the future of heart transplantation by investigating novel ways to increase the number of hearts available for transplant.
Sub-tropical climate a focus for improving CF care
Researchers at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) are investigating whether Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate might affect how Metro North cares for people with cystic fibrosis.
Atrial fibrillation – more than just some palpitations
Research demonstrates the need to consider atrial fibrillation as a chronic disease requiring a focus on prevention and aggressive risk factor reduction.
First-day mobilisation is the key to hip fracture recovery
Evidence suggests that early mobilisation following surgery for hip fracture is associated with reduced complications such as pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis and pressure injuries.
Research project reducing suicidal ideation
A research project investigating intensive daily delivery of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for young people with suicidal ideation is showing some encouraging results.
Reducing complications with paediatric intravenous devices
Reducing intravenous catheter complications for children by improving catheter selection is the focus of a research study involving paediatric clinicians at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH)
Consumer feedback cooking up better meals
A consumer-led research project at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) is seeking to make ongoing improvement to the taste and presentation of meals served to patients.
New hope for critically ill patients
An international clinical trial led by Metro North Health researchers is delivering new hope for patients critically ill with sepsis.
Caboolture Hospital leads national first in trialling anti-racism intervention
A Caboolture Hospital trial of a system-wide, Indigenous-led, anti-racism intervention in a major public hospital setting is paving the way for a scalable model that will transform cultural safety across the Australian healthcare sector.
Redcliffe Hospital’s leading role in co-designing inclusive and holistic obstetric care
A lack of screening and support for fathers during the obstetric journey has led Redcliffe Hospital to play a leading role in co-designing inclusive and holistic obstetric care.
Optimising dosing of antimicrobials in ECMO patients
Researchers at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) are developing strategies for improved antibiotic dosing and timing in critically ill patients to improve patient outcomes and reduce antimicrobial resistance.
Comprehensive Breast Cancer Institute (CBCI)
The CBCI's new Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy (IORT) service and scaffold-guided breast surgery clinical trial are facilitating best practice care for our patients.
Research partnership addressing bowel cancer screening and diagnosis inequalities
A research partnership is hoping to address inequities in bowel cancer screening and diagnosis for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.