Our Current Research
Research projects that CESPHN is currently collaborating on, participating in, or supporting as a research partner.
My Health Choices my Way
Organisation: University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Summary: This research program aims to co-design culturally safe and appropriate transition pathways from paediatric to adult health services for young people with intellectual disability.
Improving patient outcomes and reducing the hidden burden of chronic wounds: a digitally enabled Wound Model of Care (The ENABLE Study)
Organisation: University of Sydney
Chief Investigator: A/Prof Michelle Barakat-Johnson
Summary: The ENABLE Study aims to improve access and outcomes for individuals with chronic wounds through collaboration, leadership, and the adoption of digital health innovation through the implementation of a Digital Wound Model of Care (digital wound platform and specialist wound care service).
A primary care multi-disciplinary team care approach, including pulmonary rehabilitation, to improve uptake and outcomes of comprehensive evidence-based care for COPD (MDT-PuRe-Primary Care)
Organisation: University of Sydney
Chief Investigator: Professor Sarah Dennis
Summary: The MDT-PuRe-Primary Care study seeks to improve the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care through team- based care arrangements.
SAGE: Scalable Allied health and General practitioner responses to Long-COVID in primary care
Organisation: University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Chief Investigator: Dr Carolina Sandler
Summary: The SAGE study aims to provide education and training to general practitioners, practice nurses, allied health professionals, and people with Long COVID on the diagnosis and management of the condition. The study also seeks to evaluate if a multidisciplinary model of care is effective at managing symptoms and increasing function, compared to self-directed education and management.
Know Me, Support Me: AI reasoning tool for identifying and managing health issues for people with intellectual disabilities
Organisation: University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Chief Investigator: A/Prof Margo Barr
Summary: This research study aims to improve the health and quality of life of people with intellectual disability by developing a generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) reasoning tool that helps supporters detect subtle changes in physical and mental health and makes recommendations on any actions that need to be taken.
BREATHE SMART- Breathlessness Rapid Evaluation And Therapy-
Screening, Management And Integrated Technology
Organisation: University of Notre Dame
Chief Investigator: Professor Charlotte Hespe
Summary: The BREATHE SMART study focuses on improving self-screening mechanisms that will allow for a more systematic approach for general practitioners to implement the Guidelines for Preventive Activities in General practice, particularly for common conditions that currently sit outside of systematised screening programs.
National implementation of an online intervention to improve quality of life and delay cognitive decline with ageing
Organisation: The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Chief Investigator: Professor Henry Brodaty
Summary: A large study, ‘Maintain Your Brain’ (MYB1), found that personalised online interventions to reduce risk of cognitive decline with ageing, in areas like physical activity, nutrition, brain training, and mental health, can improve cognitive function. Building on these findings, a new program (MYB2) aims to expand this intervention to more diverse and underserved populations across Australia, to help delay cognitive decline and reduce the prevalence of dementia.
While We Wait – Finding Hope and Support for Adolescents Waiting for Mental Health Treatment
Organisation: Flinders University
Summary: The While We Wait (WWW) Research Study is an initiative designed for young people aged 14 to 17 who are waiting to access mental health treatment. WWW delivers brief, evidence‑informed Digital Single Session Interventions (D‑SSIs) that help build coping skills, support emotional wellbeing, and provide timely, accessible care while young people remain on waitlists. Co‑designed with clinicians, researchers, and young people, the program aims to strengthen engagement between adolescents and healthcare providers, improve the quality of interim support, and better prepare participants for ongoing treatment.
Eating Disorders – Providing evidence-based screening, assessment, treatment, and management to people with eating disorders through general practice – GP Hub Toolkit – Quality Improvement Project Opportunity
Organisation: InsideOut Institute (IOI) for eating disorders (SLHD & Sydney University)
Summary: CESPHN has partnered with the InsideOut Institute (IOI) to provide a custom designed, templated and supported quality improvement project for GP practices in the CESPHN region, as part of our involvement in a broader research project piloting the use of the digital GP Hub and took kit at the point of care. The IOI GP HUB & Tools provide a one stop digital platform where information, screening tools, diagnostic support, treatment guidelines and software templates are available at point of care. This is an invaluable resource for GPs as there is no extra time required to upskill in this area, but rather the suite of tools and supports are provided for access at any time and in any point of the treatment pathway.
Herpes zoster vaccination and new diagnosis of dementia: A quasi-randomized study in the Lumos healthcare database
Organisation: University of Notre Dame Australia
Chief Investigator: Dr Charlotte Hespe
Summary: This study will help establish the herpes zoster vaccination as a straightforward approach to reducing the burden of dementia in Australia, with early results from the researchers work showing a 20 per cent relative reduction in the probability of a new dementia diagnosis.