Research Snapshot 2023
Foreword from the Acting Executive Director, Research
The accompanying research snapshot provides some great examples of how clinical research can transform clinical care, while supporting research career pathways and ensuring health equity across our health service. I hope you enjoy and are inspired by these stories.
Professor Steven Lane
Acting Executive Director, Research
Metro North Health
A HUB FOR WORLD CLASS RESEARCH
SSA
Approvals
in 2023
Journal Articles
Published
in 2023
1.1 million times in
past decade
NHMRC and MRFF grants awarded
over last 10 years
Pre-RHD
scholarships awarded in 2023
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 the future of research
The 2023 annual Metro North Research Excellence Awards attracted 69 phenomenal submissions that showcased the diverse and far-reaching research projects conducted by individual researchers and teams from across Metro North Health.
Research is vital in driving change in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes, and Metro North Health researchers are conducting ground-breaking research every day.
Research stories
Pre-hospital pathway improving heart attack outcomes
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.
Caboolture Hospital diabetic research attracting global attention
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.
Improving safety of kidney biopsies at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
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.
Breakthrough for diabetes foot ulcer sufferers in the form of an app
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.
Using artificial intelligence for polyp detection in colonoscopy
Researchers at STARS are investigating whether the use of artificial intelligence can improve the detection rates of polyps in colonoscopy.
Kids Pain Collaborative at Redcliffe Hospital
Clinicians from Redcliffe Hospital’s Emergency Department are working with university researchers to develop an improved model of pain management in children.
Virtual reality and education for low back pain
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.
Gestational diabetes screening could be easier thanks to COVID
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.
Whole Genome Sequencing pilot helps patients and families of rare disease
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.
QUT Metro North Nursing and Midwifery Academy
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.
Vertigo management key tool to preventing falls in older patients
A research project with older patients in the community care setting has highlighted the importance of managing vertigo to prevent falls.
Community dysphagia research highlights telehealth importance
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.
RADAR RR grant to provide hospital level care at home
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.
Does antibiotic delivery method improve health outcomes?
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?