Develop & Test
Our research seeks to develop and test new knowledge or solutions to address the diverse needs of the community.
A decision aid to support informed choices about bowel cancer screening among adults with low education: randomised controlled trial – Sian Smith et al
To determine whether a decision aid designed for adults with low education and literacy can support informed choice and involvement in decisions about screening for bowel cancer.
Reducing inappropriate polypharmacy: the process of deprescribing – Ian Scott et al
Inappropriate polypharmacy, especially in older people, imposes a substantial burden of adverse drug events, ill health, disability, hospitalization, and even death. The single most important predictor of inappropriate prescribing and risk of adverse drug events in older patients is the number of prescribed drugs. Deprescribing is the [...]
Is the “Heart Age” Concept Helpful or Harmful Compared to Absolute Cardiovascular Disease Risk? An Experimental Study – Carissa Bonner et al
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines are generally based on the absolute risk of a CVD event, but there is increasing interest in using 'heart age' to motivate lifestyle change when absolute risk is low. Previous studies have not compared heart age to 5-year absolute risk, [...]
Incorporating health literacy in education for socially disadvantaged adults: an Australian feasibility study – Danielle Muscat et al
Adult education institutions have been identified as potential settings to improve health literacy and address the health inequalities that stem from limited health literacy. However, few health literacy interventions have been tested in this setting.
Heuristics and biases in cardiovascular disease prevention: How can we improve communication about risk, benefits and harms? – Carissa Bonner et al
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines recommend medication based on the probability of a heart attack/stroke in the next 5-10 years. However, heuristics and biases make risk communication challenging for doctors. This study explored how patientsinterpret personalised CVD risk results presented in varying formats and timeframes.
Should heart age calculators be used alongside absolute cardiovascular disease risk assessment? – Carissa Bonner et al
National estimates of 'heart age' by government health organisations in the US, UK and China show most people have an older heart age than current age. While most heart age calculators are promoted as a communication tool for lifestyle change, they may also be used [...]
Development and pilot testing of a Decision Aid (DA) for women with early-stage breast cancer considering contralateral prophylactic mastectomy – Brittany Ager et al
Describe the development, acceptability and feasibility of a Decision Aid (DA) for women with early-stage breast cancer (BC) at average contralateral breast cancer (CBC) risk considering contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM).
Pharmacists and patients sharing decisions about medicines: Development and feasibility of a conversation guide – Kristie Weir et al
In Australia, the Home Medicines Review (HMR) is a nationally-funded program, led by pharmacists to optimize medication use for older people. A Medicines Conversation Guidewas developed for pharmacists to use in the context of a HMR. The Guide aims to increase patient involvement and support discussions about: general [...]