March 31, 2016

New research to inform older Australian’s health decisions

New study focuses on  how health care professionals can optimise the involvement of older Australians in decisions about their care. 

UOW has received $80,000 in funding for a new study examining how health care professionals can optimise the involvement of older Australians in decisions about their care. 

The funding from the IRT Foundation was announced today (31 March) at a special event in Wollongong. 

Professor Andrew Bonney, from UOW’s School of Medicine, said he was thrilled to receive the funding and looked forward to engaging with patients and their health care providers to gain new insights into how complex care decisions are made. 

"We know that older people with complex health care needs may sometimes feel confused about the care they are receiving and be unsure how to have their say," Professor Bonney said. 

"Our research hopes to change that by recommending practical ways to better involve older patients in decisions about their care," he said. 

IRT Group Chief Executive Nieves Murray said IRT was proud to support research by Australian universities that helps older people to age positively, either through more informed self-care or driving advocacy on critical issues. 

"Since 2009 we have committed $1.9 million to a range of research projects covering areas from clinical care to social studies and technology. 

"Our 2016 Research Grants program is focused squarely on older Australians themselves, encouraging them to be more involved in their health care and helping them make better use of off-the-shelf complementary medicines," she said. 

The study will take between 12 and 18 months to complete and the findings will be made publicly available.