Research in the Family and Community Health Research Group

Selected latest Family and Community Health research projects 

• Supporting healthy lifestyles
• Chronic and complex care
• Aged care and palliation (ACAP)
• Nurturing parents and parenting (NIPPER)
• Exploring pregnancy outcomes (ExPO)
• Support for vulnerable families
• Workforce education research in nursing (WERiN)  

Supporting healthy lifestyles

• Quit in General Practice: A cluster randomised trial of enhanced in-practice support for exercise.

Researchers: Prof NA Zwar, Dr JS Furler, Dr EJ Halcomb & Dr J Smith
Partner/Funding Body: National Health & Medical Research Council
Period: 2009-2011

Tobacco smoking remains the most common preventable cause of death and illness in Australia today. Smoking cessation programs are some of the most effective and cost effective strategies that can be undertaken in health care settings, including general practice. This project will test a new approach to supporting smoking cessation in general practice. This involves the practice nurse, GP and Quitline working in partnership to provide a flexible program of support to meet the needs of smokers.

The proposed project is a cluster randomised controlled trial testing two interventions to support smoking cessation in general practice against a control group who receive usual care.

 ^ Back to top

Chronic and complex care

• RCT comparing the effects of tap water vs normal saline on the infection and healing rates of wounds

Researchers: Prof R Griffiths, Dr R Fernandez, A/Prof ML McLaws, Mr G Sussman, Dr JT Rowland
Partner/Funding Body: National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Period: 2008-2011

The aim of this double blind randomised controlled trial is to investigate effectiveness of tap water compared to normal saline on clinical outcomes healing and infection rates, patient satisfaction acute and chronic wounds. Wound cleansing is fundamental to wound management; however there is little research to support the use of various solutions and no standard protocols to guide clinicians. Sterile normal saline (0.9%) is recommended increasingly by experts and the use of tap water has also been reported. Tap water has the advantages of being easily accessible, inexpensive, and can be used in large volumes to ensure a thorough irrigation which is an important factor in wound cleansing. This project will be undertaken in an area health service that includes metropolitan, urban and rural sites. Patients will be randomised to have their wounds cleansed with either unchlorinated tap water or normal saline. The outcome of most interest is the infection rate of wounds. Other outcomes assessed will include healing rates, quality of life, and cost effectiveness using validated tools. This study is unique as it will provide a Level 2 evidence for the effectiveness of tap water for cleansing various types of wounds. Given the extensive national and international interest in the topic, this trial is highly significant, with findings informing the development of evidence based guidelines for wound cleansing.

• Care of clients with chronic and complex conditions: Role of the community nurse in the multidisciplinary team

Researchers: Dr J Cioffi, Prof L Wilkes, Ms B Warne and Ms K Harrison
Partner/Funding Body: Sydney West Area Health Service
Period: 2007-2010

The growing number of clients with chronic and complex conditions is placing high demand on multidisciplinary health care teams in the community to provide quality care.  To date the role of the community nurse in this team has remained ambiguous.  Using focus groups and a Delphi survey of experts the role of this community nurse in the multidisciplinary team in community health services in an area health service will be delineated.  The outcome will be that community nurses can more comprehensively perform their role in the multidisciplinary team as team members and independent clinicians.

 ^ Back to top

Aged care and palliation (ACAP)

• Depression in the twilight years.

Researchers: Dr T Covic, Dr A Hills, A/Prof R Crino &Dr H Correia.
Partner/Funding Body: Bankstown GP Division of Aged Care
Period: 2010-2011

This project aims to reduce residents in residential aged-care facilities depression levels and improve their sense of self worth through increasing activity levels. Encouraging elderly people in residential aged-care facilities to maintain positive activities, no matter how small, as part of their day-to-day lives is important, contributing to better mental, emotional and physical health.

• A model of integrated care for dependant older people living in the community.

Researchers: Dr EJ Halcomb, Prof R Griffiths & Dr S Sloggett.
Partner/Funding Body: ARC Linkage Project with Carrington Centennial Care, Schwartz Family Practice & Tunstall Australasia.
Period: 2009-2011

This project aims to develop an innovative model of care to support and maintain ageing individuals within the community setting. Many existing programs aimed at supporting older people living in the community fail to bridge the gap between community and primary care. In fact, existing programs do not focus on early interventions in response to changes in the health status of elderly members of the community at all. The use of community carers to support self-management is a novel approach to address current limitations in health service provision and assist elderly people to remain in their homes for as long as possible. The project is embedded within National Research Priority areas: promoting & maintaining good health & ageing well, and ageing productively.

 ^ Back to top

Nurturing parents and parenting (NIPPER)

• Perinatal mental health; psychosocial risk, service use and outcomes for mothers and infants.

Researchers: A/Prof V Schmied, S Matthey, M Johnson, M-P Austin, L Kemp & T Covic
Partner/Funding Body: Australian Research Council (ARC) Grant
Period: 2011-2012

• A study of contemporary family, social and cultural influences on first time mothers' decisions about infant feeding and early parenting practices.

Researchers: A/Prof V Schmied, Dr J Fenwick, Dr K Gribble, Dr D McGrath, Dr A Sheehan, F Dykes & J Reid
Partner/Funding Body: Australian Research Council (ARC) Grant, University of Western Sydney, University of Central Lancashire, Avondale College & Kids of Macarthur Health Foundation.
Period: 2009-2012

• Baby friendly initiative or unfriendly imposition? A study of the implementation of a global strategy into local action

Researchers: A/Prof V Schmied
Partner/Funding Body: UWS Internal Grant
Period: 2010-2011

• Establishing breastfeeding: An analysis of the language and practices used by midwives and lactation consultants when interacting with new mothers

Researchers: A/Prof V Schmied, Dr J Fenwick, Dr A Sheehan, Mrs Saxton and Mrs Passant
Partner/Funding Body: Campbelltown Hospital, John Hunter Hospital
Period: 2008-2011

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of midwives’ language practices, education and public policy on first-time mothers’ breastfeeding experiences in the early postpartum period. This research will focus specifically on the interactions between midwives and lactation consultants (LCs) and women and the impact these have on women’s breastfeeding experiences. The research team are interested in investigating the ways in which health professionals interact with women in relation to breastfeeding, including what type of advice and support they give women, how they portray breastfeeding, how they represent the mother-child relationship and if these practices differ in hospitals that have achieved BFHI accreditation.

• Improving the quality of postnatal care, breastfeeding support and health outcomes for new mothers, infants and families

Researchers: A/Prof V Schmied, Prof D Jackson & Industry Partner
Partner/Funding Body: International Research Initiatives Scheme (IRIS)
Period: 2007-2010 

 ^ Back to top

Exploring pregnancy outcomes (ExPO)

• Improving the oral health of pregnant women: A multicentre psuedo randomised control trial of midwifery oral assessment and referal to dental services.

Researchers: M Johnson, Dr A George, Prof H Dahlen, S Ajwani, A Bhole & A Blinkhorn
Partner/Funding Body: National Health and Medical Research Council
Period: 2011-2012

• The perninatal journey: The process and impact of psychosocial assessment.

Researchers: A/Prof V Schmied, Dr LA Kemp, Dr T Covic, Prof BE Barnett, Mr RJ Mills, Mrs DA Nemeth & Mrs MM Hughes
Partner/Funding Body: ARC Linkage Project
Period: 2009-2012

This study of the process and impact of psychosocial assessment and depression screening during pregnancy and after birth will have immediate national application and benefit as Australian governments prepare policy to implement universal psychosocial assessment. Findings will provide evidence-based approaches to assessment and service delivery impacting positively on large numbers of Australian women who use maternity and early childhood nursing services. Most importantly, skillful early identification of women in distress or 'at risk' is the first step in providing appropriate services and support to ensure better child outcomes. The research will be at the cutting edge internationally and directly addresses National Research Priorities.

• Motherhood choices: A decision aid for women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers: Dr T Covic, Dr A Sharpe, A/Prof J Pallant, A/Prof N Manolios & Mrs D Aspinall.
Partner/Funding Body: ARC Linkage project with SWAHS.
Period: 2008-2010

Decisions about pregnancy in the context of debilitating rheumatoid arthritis impact directly on both the mother and the child as well as their family and wider social unit. Providing evidence-based information to support women in making informed decisions about motherhood is critical in maximizing the well-being of the mother and ensuring a healthy start to life for a baby. The project will contribute to the national research priority area of promoting and maintaining good health, addressing the goal of supporting a healthy start to life.

 ^ Back to top

Support for vulnerable families

• Investigating the feasibility of implementing a national approach to child and family services

Researchers: A/Prof V Schmied, A/Prof S Kruske, Prof C Homer, Prof LM Barclay, Prof I Wilson, Prof CM Fowler, Dr LA Kemp, A/Prof AM Fasher, Dr S R Goldfield, Dr B A Vernon & Ms C Randles
Partner/Funding Body: ARC Linkage Grant
Period: 2010-2013

Understanding and strengthening the way in which universal health services are provided to pregnant women, children and families has the potential to impact over a million Australian families annually. The findings of this study will have national application as federal, state and territory governments work towards implementing a national approach to child and family health services. The findings will inform effective multidisciplinary collaboration and service integration, address service gaps and duplication and lead to increased access to services. This study will generate new knowledge about characteristics of organisations, service delivery and professions that facilitate or hinder innovation.

^ Back to top

Workforce education research in nursing (WERiN)

• Consumer satisfaction with general practice nurses

Researchers: Dr EJ Halcomb, A/Prof Y Salamonson
Partner/Funding Body: New Zealand Nurses Organisation
Period: 2009-2011

"Nurses are often the most significant part of a patients experience within a hospital or general practice setting," says Dr Halcomb. "Ensuring that patients are comfortable with their nurse, and satisfied with the care they offer is essential to providing quality health care."
The study will comprise surveys and interviews with patients who are seen by general practice nurses. Patients who consult with these nurses will be asked to complete surveys about their experiences and a number will be selected to participate in telephone interviews about their consultation and their relationship with the practice nurse. Using both surveys and interviews allows the research team to gain a greater insight into the interactions, expectations and relationships between practice nurses and patients.

• Violence in the hospital setting: Testing the predictive validity of a violence assessment tool for nurses

Researchers: Prof D Jackson, Dr L Luck, Prof L Wilkes, M Clarke
Partner/Funding Body: ARC Linkage Project with SWAHS
Period: 2009-2011
Violence against nurses persists as an ongoing problem in the Australian health care settings. This form of violence negatively impacts on nurses' job satisfaction, performance and productivity, morale, retention and
recruitment and may cause physical and/or psychological injury. By developing a violence assessment tool, this project will enable nurses to routinely assess individuals for potential violence and address the issue before violence occurs. In addition, this project will provide evidence for policy makers and health care professionals to encourage a more pro-active approach to support vulnerable nursing staff against potential violence in the emergency and general ward area.

 ^ Back to top

Exploring pregnancy outcomes (ExPO)

• Improving the oral health of pregnant women: A multicentre psuedo randomised control trial of midwifery oral assessment and referal to dental services.

Researchers: M Johnson, Dr A George, Prof H Dahlen, S Ajwani, A Bhole & A Blinkhorn
Partner/Funding Body: National Health and Medical Research Council
Period: 2011-2012

• The perninatal journey: The process and impact of psychosocial assessment.

Researchers: A/Prof V Schmied, Dr LA Kemp, Dr T Covic, Prof BE Barnett, Mr RJ Mills, Mrs DA Nemeth & Mrs MM Hughes
Partner/Funding Body: ARC Linkage Project
Period: 2009-2012

This study of the process and impact of psychosocial assessment and depression screening during pregnancy and after birth will have immediate national application and benefit as Australian governments prepare policy to implement universal psychosocial assessment. Findings will provide evidence-based approaches to assessment and service delivery impacting positively on large numbers of Australian women who use maternity and early childhood nursing services. Most importantly, skillful early identification of women in distress or 'at risk' is the first step in providing appropriate services and support to ensure better child outcomes. The research will be at the cutting edge internationally and directly addresses National Research Priorities.

• Motherhood choices: A decision aid for women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers: Dr T Covic, Dr A Sharpe, A/Prof J Pallant, A/Prof N Manolios & Mrs D Aspinall.
Partner/Funding Body: ARC Linkage project with SWAHS.
Period: 2008-2010

Decisions about pregnancy in the context of debilitating rheumatoid arthritis impact directly on both the mother and the child as well as their family and wider social unit. Providing evidence-based information to support women in making informed decisions about motherhood is critical in maximizing the well-being of the mother and ensuring a healthy start to life for a baby. The project will contribute to the national research priority area of promoting and maintaining good health, addressing the goal of supporting a healthy start to life.

 ^ Back to top