Research stories
Co-designed project to strengthen cultural safety in emergency departments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
A new multi-site research project is working to improve health outcomes through increased cultural safety in emergency departments by partnering directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers to redesign care experiences.
New research to improve infection control for vulnerable patients at Caboolture Hospital
A new PhD project at Caboolture Hospital is set to address a critical gap in infection prevention and control for patients experiencing behavioural disturbances – one of the most vulnerable and complex cohorts in healthcare.
New intensive care unit research puts patients at the centre of recovery outcomes
Caboolture Hospital research is reshaping how recovery after critical illness is measured - placing the voices of patients, families and clinicians at the centre of intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes.
Expanding non-invasive treatments for children’s oral health care
Access to a non-invasive treatment for tooth decay is being expanded to children across north Brisbane.
Innovation and Research internship creates launchpad for service improvement
A forward-thinking internship is building innovation and research capability, supporting succession planning and strengthening community health service development across the north of Brisbane and Moreton Bay.
Research review delves deeper into medicine prescribing for adult populations
An in-depth research review has uncovered some revealing opportunities to better support the management of patient’s use of multiple medications, particularly younger adults.
Telehealth group exercise classes help improve home visiting service
A successful research trial involving telehealth group exercise classes has improved access and patient outcomes for people aged over 65 being visited and cared for at home.
Wellness hub provides social connection for healthy ageing
Early research on the Brighton Wellness Hub is demonstrating its valuable contribution to healthy ageing.
Herston Biofabrication Institute takes vascular surgical training to new heights with advanced simulations
Researchers at Herston Biofabrication Institute and RBWH vascular surgeons are creating advanced highly realistic simulation models to enhance surgical planning and patient safety.
HeIDI research improving outcomes for cancer patients to make treatment easier
Even the most effective cancer treatments can bring significant and hard to tolerate side effects. Dr Midori Nakagaki is tackling the issue with her pharmacy knowledge.
Jamieson Trauma Institute steps up rehabilitation success with new sensor technology
Jamieson Trauma Institute (JTI) researchers are paving the way for tech integration in healthcare using a new sensor boot in an ankle fracture treatment feasibility study.
Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support SMS Support Program: a new lifeline for Queenslanders experiencing alcohol and other drug concerns
A Queensland-based SMS support program is providing an innovative and accessible solution for individuals wanting to change their alcohol and drug use.
Standardising electroconvulsive therapy for better patient outcomes
Metro North Mental Health clinicians have piloted a standardised protocol for patients receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), to ensure all patients receive the same high standard of care.
New tool to help adolescents recover after climate disasters
Metro North Mental Health clinicians have developed a resource to help adolescents cope with the mental and emotional challenges brought on by climate disasters.
World-first trial tests efficacy of popular Botox practice
Researchers at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) have put a popular procedure to the test for people with severe allergies in a world-first clinical trial.
Advancing neuroimmunology through research, equity and care
Metro North Health’s 2025 Researcher of the Year Professor Pamela McCombe is one of Australia’s leading clinician scientists, whose research has helped establish neuroimmunology as a cornerstone of modern neurological care.
Metro North Health leads study on cognitive impairment in hospitals
Professor Alison Mudge and her team at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) are leading research and action to improve hospital care for those with cognitive impairment.
RBWH physiotherapy research program driving global shift in joint pain care
A pioneering physiotherapy led research program at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) and Griffith University is reshaping global understanding of joint pain.
RADIANT study aims to improve weight inclusiveness in maternity care
A new study at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) is developing nationally agreed best practice principles for weight-inclusive maternity care, aiming to help end discrimination based on weight and body size in maternity.
Researchers link new human pathogen linked to fatal encephalitis
RBWH researchers have linked a fatal case of encephalitis with Trubanaman virus - likely the first time this Australian mosquito borne virus has been associated with human disease.
RIX research shows path to faster ED care
Redcliffe Hospital research is helping patients with musculoskeletal injuries receive care sooner in emergency departments.
Advancing post ICU care
A Redcliffe Hospital clinic is supporting patients experiencing Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) while also advancing research in what remains a relatively new field of study in Australia.
Using co-design to improve access and quality of hospital-based rehabilitation services for Queenslanders
STARS Physiotherapy Conjoint Research Fellow Dr Niru Mahendran is partnering with past rehabilitation consumers, health professionals and rehabilitation stakeholders to co-design an action plan that hopes to improve access to and quality of rehabilitation services.
Implementation of heart rate variability biofeedback for emotional self-regulation during rehabilitation
STARS Education and Research Alliance (SERA) conjoint research fellow, Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist Dr Elizabeth Beadle is investigating the use of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback as a support tool.
Co-creating virtual environments with patients to prepare for home after brain injury
Assessing a person with TBI’s abilities in hospital rehabilitation can be challenging. Lead researcher Dr Emmah Doig, STARS Education and Research Alliance (SERA) is investigating the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) as a potential solution.
CCRG researchers named recipients of Metro North Health scholarship and fellowship
Clinical Nurse Researcher Claire Wilson and Preclinical Research Lead A/Prof Gianluigi Li Bassi from the Critical Care Research Group are the 2025 recipients of a scholarship and a fellowship from Metro North Health.
Research unlocks the heart of cardiac patient pressure injury
Pressure injuries remain a persistent and often underestimated complication in adult cardiac patients, causing physical and emotional distress and increasing the patient’s length of stay in hospital.
New AI tools for emergency triaging could fast-track access urgent care for patients
Researchers are developing a new machine learning tool to support emergency department triage.
Nutrition research fuelling better outcomes for patients with lung disease
Dietitians at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) are exploring whether targeted nutritional interventions improve outcomes for patients undergoing antifibrotic therapy.
Enhancing ICU rehabilitation through virtual reality
Can virtual reality help intensive care patients mobilise early? That’s the question researchers at The Prince Charles Hospital are asking to support patient recover.
Unlocking the key to healthy ageing for Cystic Fibrosis patients
New medications are extending the lives of people with cystic fibrosis, opening a new field of research into the best way to treat over 65s with the condition and support quality of life.
