Projects 2010

2010 FaCH research projects 

The impact of psychosocial assessments on mothers.

Researchers: A/Prof VA Schmied.
Partner/Funding Body: Australian Research Council linkage grant in partnership with Karitane.
Period: 2010

'Social and emotional problems in women during and after pregnancy have been linked to poor health outcomes for both mother and child’, explains Associate Professor Schmied. ‘Researchers estimate that thirty per cent of pregnant women and new mothers are living with two or more psychosocial risk factors. A proper assessment of mothers both pre- and postnatally to pick up if they are experiencing psychological conditions such as postpartum depression or social conditions, such as domestic violence, is one way for midwives and nurses to ensure women and their infants are offered the services they need. Endorsed assessment tools are currently used and this research will explore how the delivery of the assessment and the assessment itself impacts on the on women’s experience and uptake of services and their social and emotional health.'

Depression in the twilight years.

Researchers: Dr T Covic, Dr A Hills, A/Prof R Crino & Dr H Correia.
Partner/Funding Body: Bankstown General Practice Division Inc (BGPD) funding initiative.
Period: 2010

'The prevalence of depression in aged care facilities is estimated to be up to 30 percent in facilities where only a low level of care is needed and 51 percent in high care facilities’, says Dr Covic. ‘Although depression among the elderly is common, it is not normal and, therefore, it is important that interventions for depression are made available to such individuals. Elderly people may experience a loss of their independence, family and friends. They also experience a decline in their cognitive and physical abilities, and are faced with thoughts of their encroaching mortality. If those individuals are also experiencing depression, their quality of life may be further reduced. We are developing and evaluating a group intervention program in RACFs which aims to reduce residents’ depression and improve their sense of well-being, through increasing their activity levels. Individuals in these RACFs are of an advanced age that is under-represented in both research and intervention programs on depression. This project will provide an opportunity to contribute to both of those areas as well as engage with the local services such as the BGPD and RACFs.'

Avoiding "high tech‟ through "high touch‟ in end stage dementia: Protocol for aged care at the end of life. 

Researchers: Prof E Chang, Dr D Nicholls & Ms A Johnson.
Partner/Funding Body: Australian Department of Health and Aging in partnership with SWAHS, Domain Principal Aged Care, Australian Aged Care Pty Ltd and A/Prof Joyce Simard (Geriatric Consultant).
Period: 2010-2011

Developing elements of Effective Interventions for Heart Disease: Reduction and Maintenance in Asian Indians Living in Australia (DHARMA). 

Researcher: Dr R Fernandez, P Davidson, B Everett, D Thompson, J Rolley, S Mohan & R Rajaratnam.
Partner/Funding Body: University of Western Sydney Internal Research Grant.
Period: 2010-2011

Baby friendly initiative or unfriendly imposition? A study of the implimentation of a global health strategy into local action.

Researcher: Prof V Schmied
Partner/Funding Body: University of Western Sydney Internal Research Grant.
Period: 2010-2011

Consumer satisfaction with general practice nurses.

Researcher: Prof V Schmied
Partner/Funding Body: New Zealand College of Practice Nurses.
Period: 2010