Research Snapshot 2023

Clinicians at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) have identified that reducing the time delay from diagnosis to in-hospital treatment can significantly improve a heart attack patient’s outcome and is associated with lower short and long-term mortality.  

A project trial started at Caboolture Hospital to define the best choice of fluid therapy for patients with severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is now attracting global attention. 

A study at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) is aiming to reduce the risk of bleeding during kidney biopsy procedures and improve patient outcomes.

A new mobile phone app developed by clinicians and researchers at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) and QUT in consultation with patients is assisting with improved home-management of diabetic foot ulcers, and reducing the risk of serious complications.

Researchers at STARS are investigating whether the use of artificial intelligence can improve the detection rates of polyps in colonoscopy.

Clinicians from Redcliffe Hospital’s Emergency Department are working with university researchers to develop an improved model of pain management in children.

Combining education and virtual reality gameplay using a cognitive behaviour therapy approach improves pain and pain-related fear of movement, researchers at STARS have found.

A team of dietitians at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) has partnered with universities and pathology laboratories to show that simpler forms of testing for Gestational Diabetes Melitus used during COVID-19 are equally effective as current methods of testing.

A successful Genetic Health Queensland pilot project offering Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has helped over 800 young people in Queensland since commencing the trial in 2021.

A partnership between Metro North Health and QUT is providing an integrated approach to education, recruitment and retention, development and support for nurses and midwives throughout their careers, including research pathways.

A research project with older patients in the community care setting has highlighted the importance of managing vertigo to prevent falls.

The use of telepractice in the community care setting is having positive outcomes to service delivery, efficiencies and the quality of care being provided to dysphagia patients.

The Residential Aged Care District Assessment and Referral Rapid Response (RADAR RR) has received a grant to embed its successful model providing emergency department equivalent acute care in the home.

Could the simple step of changing the way antibiotics are delivered – by administering a continuous dose daily rather than more frequent standard doses – result in significantly improved patient outcomes for patients with sepsis? 

The research trial of a new shield aimed at reducing radiation exposure to staff during cardiac x-rays has shown benefits in providing much greater protection. 

Caboolture Hospital clinicians will soon use artificial intelligence to help diagnose swallowing impairment and aspiration in children during routine mealtime observations.  

A world first algorithm is helping clinicians determine likely causes of one the most underdiagnosed conditions in a hospital setting. 

A new research project aims to highlight the importance of consumer partnerships in research by ensuring they are genuine and impactful. 

HBI engineers modelling patient-focussed care as they lend skills to Queensland surgery colleagues

For acute palliative care patients, their critical condition and progressing illness make them vulnerable to hospital-acquired complications such as pressure injury.

A Metro North Health feasibility study has shown that people living with a post-surgery stoma should undertake an abdominal exercise program to improve quality of life to reduce further complications. 

A qualitative research study by the Critical Care Research Group (CCRG) at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) has explored issues experienced by staff in the intensive care setting as part of a project to improve the intensive care unit (ICU) environment. 

Understanding the effects of menopause for women in the workplace is a strong focus for Caboolture Hospital physiotherapist Helen Edwards. 

A blooming research culture has helped deliver three of five Metro North Health nursing research internships to Redcliffe Hospital. 

Based at the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), the Queensland Aphasia Research Centre (QARC) is a partnership between The University of Queensland and Metro North Health.