PReVENT-NEURO: PRophylaxis against VENTilator-associated infections in NEUROlogically injured ICU patients
Background
Ventilator-associated infections (VAI) represent a significant health burden among ICU patients, particularly those suffering from acute brain injuries. Conditions such as traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid haemorrhage, stroke, and status epilepticus often lead to reduced consciousness and impaired airway reflexes, which increase the risk of aspiration and subsequent lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia. These infections can exacerbate brain injury by causing hypoxia and increased intracranial pressure, both of which are linked to higher mortality rates and poor clinical outcomes. Globally, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is reported to affect between 9% and 27% of intubated patients, with particularly high mortality rates among those with neurological injuries.
In this vulnerable patient group, preventing infections is critical to reducing mortality and long-term disability. However, the use of prophylactic antibiotics remains contentious due to concerns
DAYARA: Developing and testing An intervention to promote psYchological wellbeing Among Scheduled TRibe communities in Andhra Pradesh
Background:
More than 104 million (approximately 8%) of India’s population belongs to Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. About 35% of STs live below the poverty line and compared to other social groups, have poorer health and social indicators. Many live in remote areas or forest areas and have poor physical access to health facilities. ST communities have also been disproportionately affected by displacement and forced migration due to development projects. Although ST communities are exposed to a combination of social, economic and environmental factors that may affect their mental health and wellbeing, there is limited data related to mental health needs of tribal communities in India, with few mental health interventions involving tribal communities and limited evidence of appropriate mental health promotion interventions. Mental health promotion (MHP) is based on broader principles of health promotion in which the focus is not on disease or pathology but on promoting overall health and ps
PATANG: Promoting Community Action for Health - A Co-Produced, Technology-Enabled Platform to Achieve National Goals
BackgroundIn the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Community Action for Health (CAH) is considered a crucial strategy. CAH empowers communities to define their healthcare priorities and monitor the effectiveness of implemented reforms. With a long history in India, CAH has been incorporated into national policies like the National Rural Health Mission and the National Health Policy. Globally, CAH is associated with improved health outcomes, increased health literacy, and stronger healthcare systems. However, despite its potential, CAH faces challenges in India. While a pilot program showed positive impacts, concerns about its confrontational nature led to a shift towards less confrontational methods. Currently, CAH is considered underutilized and under-researched.A 2020 review called for more systematic and nuanced documentation of CAH experiences, urging the need to identify contexts that enable or hinder its success, as well as scalable and adaptable tools. Current research is fragmented, focusing
INTErGenerational intervention to Reduce fraIlTY trial (INTEGRITY)
BackgroundIt is a huge achievement that we are living longer than before but sometimes older age also comes with poorer health. Frailty, defined as having an increased vulnerability, and dementia or cognitive decline are more common at older ages and often result in heightened care requirements and transition to aged care. Approximately 12-24 percent of older adults are identified as frail, while an additional 40 percent are categorized as 'prefrail' or mildly frail, and around 10% of adults over 65 have a diagnosis of dementia.But what if we could reduce the risk of becoming frail and help to protect our brain health and thinking or cognitive skills? We know that having greater physical activity, social engagement and using our brains in cognitive activities are linked to lowering the risk of developing frailty and cognitive decline. Increasing these aspects of our day to day life may help us. A fun way to do this can be through intergenerational practice.Intergenerational practice unites different generatio
8quity: Embedding Equity in our Research Processes
Background
Global health research reflects and can either perpetuate or challenge the complex power hierarchies and inequities that characterise our health systems and the societies in which they are situated. The imperative to embed equity in health research aligns with broader efforts globally to promote equitable partnerships among researchers, and between researchers and the communities potentially impacted by their research, or with whom knowledge is co-produced.
Aim
Our primary aim is to increase the capacity of public health researchers all over the globe to enhance equity integration across their research, regardless of their design, size or location. We want to improve conceptual understandings, know how and skills in application of ethical and equity-related principles, and contribute towards growing a culture of ethical praxis in global public health research.
Research Methodology
Case Study
We will develop case studies of research projects at The George
Factors influencing lung cancer outcomes in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations
Background
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally and in Australia, with 8,691 deaths recorded nationally in 2023. People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds experience disproportionately poorer outcomes, yet the reasons behind these disparities are not fully understood. Given that nearly one-third of Australia's population is born overseas, and a significant proportion come from CALD backgrounds, understanding and addressing these inequities is crucial.
CALD patients often face barriers such as language difficulties, cultural insensitivity, stigma, and limited health literacy, which can hinder access to timely diagnosis and treatment. About one-third of lung cancer patients in NSW present through emergency departments, often due to delays in care or lack of continuity. Bulk-billing practices, while more accessible, can be time-constrained and less conducive to preventive care discussions, particularly for patients requiring longer
Strengthening cancer care in the Asia-Pacific region
Background
Cancer incidence is rising rapidly worldwide, with projections estimating 24 million new cases annually by 2035. Low- and middle-income countries are expected to bear over 70% of this burden, with the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) particularly affected. In 2020, APAC accounted for nearly 60% of global cancer deaths, and cancer remains the second leading cause of mortality in the region, responsible for approximately 4.5 million deaths in 2016. A significant challenge in APAC is the shortfall in radiotherapy services, with projections indicating that over 5 million cancer patients annually will require radiotherapy by 2035. Despite technological advancements, audits of radiotherapy services across the region have highlighted gaps in quality and accessibility, underscoring the urgent need for investment in infrastructure and data-driven improvements.
A key factor in enhancing radiotherapy services is the effective use of information systems, which can store and analyse crucial data on pa
Ethnicity, migration and cancer Understanding disparities in access and outcomes
Background
Cancer remains a major public health challenge in New South Wales (NSW), responsible for over 14,000 deaths in 2017. The state’s diverse population, with approximately 30% of residents born overseas, reflects the broader global trend of increased migration. Worldwide, more than 272 million people are classified as migrants, with nearly 30% being refugees or displaced individuals. Refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants at risk face significant healthcare barriers, including financial constraints, language difficulties, and unfamiliarity with local health systems. These challenges contribute to disparities in disease detection and outcomes, particularly for conditions like cancer.Emerging research suggests that infection-related cancers are more prevalent in certain migrant populations compared to Australian-born individuals. However, due to the absence of refugee status identifiers in health datasets, these vulnerable groups remain underrepresented in cancer research and policy plan
Impact story - Sravanthi's story
Sravanthi's story
Sravanthi lost her first baby in the eight month of pregnancy due to pre-eclampsia. When she became pregnant again, she was enrolled in the SMARThealth Pregnancy program. This time, an ASHA worker diagnosed her high blood pressure and helped her manage her condition through to the birth of her baby boy.
“My health improved, my blood pressure stabilised, and I was able to carry the pregnancy to term. I feel much better now, both physically and mentally. I no longer live in fear.By: SravanthiSMARThealth user
Sravanthi's story
Struggling to make a living on low wages and handouts from family members, life got even harder for newly married Sravanthi when she became pregnant for the first time and had to give up her part time job processing tobacco leaves.
During the fifth month of her pregnancy, she started to experience some worrying signs that something was wrong – her legs, face, and whole body swelled up.
"At the hospi
Improving social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through contemporary Indigenous/cultural dance “Dance2Kinnect”
Background
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people connection with family, community, culture and Country are all integral to a healthy self-concept. Cultural identity and cultural connectedness have been found to be associated with positive mental health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Additionally, dance is known to have multiple positive benefits for physical health, social and emotional wellbeing. Both connection to culture and cultural identity will be fostered through this contemporary cultural dance pilot program.
Aim
To better understand and articulate factors influencing successful uptake of an innovative program aimed at reducing risk factors for non-communicable disease through cultural dance among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth
To apply this knowledge to inform effective upscale and translation of proven and promising programs across Australia.
Research Methodology
This program will be
A national framework to support government investment in prevention
Policy & Practice Report
Meaningful progress or empty promises? An analysis of how gender features in NCD action plans
Policy & Practice Report