Impacting Policy

The Institute is committed to engage with key decision makers to enact real change and improve health policy where it is most needed. Our experts are regularly called on for expert opinions and reviews for a variety of health challenges.

Strategies For Reducing Population Salt Intake

Eating salt is a leading cause of the progressive rise of blood pressure as populations age. High blood pressure is a major contributor to heart disease and stroke worldwide. As part of the ‘Drop the Salt!’ Campaign to reduce salt in foods and work with the Australian food industry, a Food Industry Salt Reduction Strategy was released in July 2008 by AWASH (Australian Division of World Action on Salt and Health).

Research examining risk factors and traffic trends in the Northern Territory over the last decade helped inform a report to the Northern Territory Department of planning and Infrastructure in 2008.

The Institute undertook the first comprehensive research to assess the economic burden of chronic kidney disease for Kidney Health Australia (KHA) in 2005.

The first series of results from the largest study of young drivers ever undertaken, the DRIVE study, were released in mid-2009. These results found that there were significant crash differences between rural and urban drivers. Rural drivers were found to be more likely to be involved in a single vehicle crash than urban drivers.

Compiled in conjunction with Prince of Wales Hospital and the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, this report shows the benefits of exercise in preventing falls in older populations. The report recommends highly challenging balance training to prevent falls in community settings, and details what an effective program should entail.

High profile research demonstrating the true effects of driving while using a mobile phone has been cited in at least two jurisdictions in Australia as the evidence for current legislation which now prohibits the use of hand-held phones whilst driving. This research has also been cited globally.

Results from the Auckland Regional Community Stroke Study (ARCOS) - a stroke incidence and outcome study conducted in 2002-2003 - have been used to inform government policy and healthcare planning in New Zealand and Australia.

Specific chapters of the Australian Falls Prevention Guidelines are under review from musculoskeletal researchers at the Institute to incorporate the latest evidence and practice.

The leading health researchers at the Institute work closely with a range of peak bodies and governments to address priority health issues, particularly addressing health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Researchers have provided input into absolute risk assessment guidelines in Australia, for use by general practitioners, Aboriginal health workers, other primary care health professionals and physicians, when assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults without known cardiovascular disease.

Commissioned to undertake research that would inform a state-wide approach to renal service planning in Tasmania, Australia, researchers at the Institute produced three reports that were accepted by the health minister and are currently in implementation phase.

Impacting Policy

Strategies For Reducing Population Salt Intake

Road Safety Recommendations In The Northern Territory

Reducing The Burden Of Kidney Disease In Australia

Recommendations To Support Young Driver Safety

Best Practice Recommendations For Physical Activity To Prevent Falls In Older Adults

Mobile Phones And Road Safety

Managing Depression Following Stroke

Guidelines For Falls Prevention

Addressing Chronic Disease Among Indigenous Australians

Assessment Of Absolute Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Developing Renal Service Plans

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