The HCF Research Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2023 Translational Research Grants (TRG).
It said six innovative research projects will receive grants that aim to address crucial health and wellbeing issues in our growing ageing population by translating research findings into practical solutions alongside healthcare providers.
“Our TRG scheme focuses on responding to key issues within healthcare communities, and enabling providers to implement innovative research into their settings. The scheme takes research findings and puts them into practice - having a direct impact on health outcomes,” said HCF Head of Research Foundation, Dr Chris Pettigrew.
“By taking traditional research into real-world scenarios, our Grants initiative aims to make a significant impact on the quality of healthcare treatments and services in Australia. We’re committed to helping researchers deliver better patient outcomes, improved experiences, and deliver more cost-effective health services for both patients and providers."
The Foundation has invested more than $28.5 million in research over 22 years.
The 2023 recipients of the HCF Research Foundation Translational Grants are:
- Dr Caroline Nicholson, Mater Research Institute and University of Queensland - Identification and provision of management support for people at risk of frailty in general practice to reduce potentially preventable hospitalisations
- Dr Jacqueline Francis-Coad, University of Western Australia - Enabling functional independence at home – training support workers to deliver a fall prevention program to frail, older adults.
- Mr Simon Davidson, HNELHD and University of Newcastle - HeLP (a Healthy Lifestyle program for Pain) for older people with musculoskeletal conditions and comorbid chronic disease risks.
- Dr Kimberly Van Schooten, NeuRA and UNSW - StandingTall eHealth balance exercise to foster mobility and prevent falls in older people receiving home care.
- Professsor Josephine Chow, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research - Implementing and evaluating an integrative palliative care model for older people in the community who wish to die at home.
- Dr Kristy Robson, Charles Sturt University - Age Well@Home program for rural Australians focusing on simultaneously improving the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of older people who are motivated to remain living at home.
"At the HCF Research Foundation, our mission goes beyond supporting and funding vital health and medical research. We also strive to ensure innovative and evidence-based research is effectively implemented in healthcare settings,” continued Dr Chris Pettigrew.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure all Australians have access to and receive better, more affordable healthcare where and when it is needed."