HCF launches annual research grant program

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The HCF Research Foundation is making its tenth annual call to the research community to boost the evidence base for improving the delivery of health services.

The foundation is now seeking expressions of interest from research teams for their Health Service Research Grants to support the following areas:

1. Emerging health care solutions and alternative models that engage and support health care users:

  • Use of technology and innovative digital health care solutions;
  • Evaluation of new models of telehealth that could improve health care accessibility; and,
  • Evaluation of emerging models of acute care delivered in the community, including General Practitioner led models of care.

2. Management of joint pain:

  • Supporting people with pain to self-manage their condition (e.g. back pain);
  • Innovative non-invasive solutions to assist people with joint pain; and,
  • Standardising clinical care to improve adherence to best practice.

According to HCF Research Foundation chair, Lisa McIntyre, “At the HCF Research Foundation, our aim is to ensure clinical researchers can access funding to help improve a variety of gaps and issues in the delivery of health services to patients.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced that as a health care system we need to constantly evolve and adapt in order to meet Australians’ needs. With this year’s funding we are specifically calling on researchers who are actively looking to alternative and improved solutions ensuring patients receive the right care, in the right place and at the right time.

“We’re proud to be the only research foundation that commits 100 per cent of its funding to health services research undertaken by Australian researchers.”

The foundation said applications will be assessed on scientific merit as well their ability to effect meaningful change to health services provision. "There will more weight given to applications that demonstrate a strong opportunity and considered approach for translation of research outcomes into practice," it said.

The closing date for applications is 5 pm on Thursday 13 August 2020 (AEST). More information is available online.