BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 80% of people over their lifetime, with estimates projecting an increase in prevalence in coming years. In addition, LBP places substantial economic strain on individuals and healthcare systems, with an estimated annual cost of AUD $4.8 billion annually to the healthcare system alone. While visits to a general practitioner (GP) contribute to these costs, many patients receive care that is not evidence-based, such as opioids and routine imaging.Waiting rooms present an opportunity to deliver health education-based multimedia interventions to improve the uptake of evidence-based care. Multimedia interventions delivered in GP waiting rooms have improved lifestyle habits, healthcare utilisation, and patients understanding of their condition in people with asthma, at risk of sexually transmitted diseases, and depression. Clinician-targeted, multifaceted interventions for LBP in emergency departments (EDs) ha

Background Research priority-setting (RPS) processes in the Philippines have applied a combination of principles and RPS frameworks such as the James Lind Alliance framework, Philippine National Health Research System Guidelines for Health Research Prioritization, bottom-up with top-down inputs approach, multi-criteria decision analysis, nominal group technique, and consensus-building. In a 2023 case study, the gaps identified highlight the need for ethical considerations and equity in RPS in the Philippine setting. Strengthening ethical considerations in health research is necessary to prevent perpetuation of inequities in global and national health systems Aim This project aims to: Analyse ethical and equity considerations in health RPS exercises conducted by the Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes (AIHO) in the Philippines. Develop recommendations for better integration of ethics and equity in future RPS activities by AIHO and in the Philippines. Research

BackgroundAneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a severe and life-threatening form of stroke that affects approximately 2,000 Australians each year, with a mortality rate of around 30%. Survivors often experience long-term disability and reduced quality of life, contributing to the loss of 25,000 disability-adjusted life years annually. Despite advances in stroke care, no new treatments have emerged in the past 15 years to improve outcomes for these patients. Our research group, recognising this gap, formed a collaboration in 2017 to address the urgent need for improved clinical interventions in aSAH. Through a multicentre, binational study, we revealed that the case fatality rate of 29.2% has remained stagnant over the last decade, with patients requiring ICU admission facing a higher mortality rate and prolonged hospital stays compared to other neurological conditions.Further research into the long-term outcomes of aSAH patients identified significant functional impairment six months after their ICU

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

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

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

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