Posted: 26 September
The Partnership Projects Scheme provided $14 million from NHMRC and attracted more than $25 million in additional funding from more than 60 partners, with a total of $39 million invested in collaboration between researchers, policy makers and health service providers.
The elimination of hepatitis C in Australia is closer following a $1.4 million boost to research through the scheme.
Hepatitis C is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. It can be eliminated by sustaining high rates of treatment, but Australia’s rates have stalled over recent years.
Research led by Professor Mark Stoové, head of public health at the Burnet Institute, will identify how to best follow up notifications to improve hepatitis C treatment rates.
Other partners involved in this collaboration are Hepatitis Australia, the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine and the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
Other projects announced today include:
- More than $1.2 million for researchers at Macquarie University to improve patient access to health care by addressing significant evidence gaps in the integration of virtual care into Australian healthcare facilities
- More than $1.3 million for researchers at the University of Melbourne to integrate an evidence-based digital platform, specifically designed to address limitations of current youth mental health services, in a large network of mental health services
- More than $650,000 to support researchers at the University of Queensland to decrease unnecessary and potentially harmful long-term prescribing of antidepressants in general practice by developing an antidepressant discontinuation model and proven implementation strategies for urban and rural general practice
- More than $800,000 for researchers at the University of Melbourne to trial the effects of personalised road safety feedback and incentives through a smartphone application using GPS, which could provide population-scale improvements in the skills of new drivers and a reduction in motor vehicle accidents.
Other projects funded under the scheme will help pregnant women to quit smoking improve effective treatment of children with cerebral palsy and help women experiencing debilitating menopause symptoms ultimately improving outcomes for patients and their families.
The Partnership Project scheme provides funding for researchers and partner organisations to work together to define research questions, undertake the research, and interpret and translate the findings into health policy and practice.
