Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
In Australia, 250,000 hospital admissions annually are due to medication-related problems (costing $1.4 billion/year). Approximately 70% of these are due to multiple-medication use, and half are preventable.
The safe and quality use of medicines is a new National Health Priority Area, with significant health consequences, particularly for older people. Reducing inappropriate medication use is a key challenge internationally. This project evaluates an international decision-support tool in the Australian hospital setting to screen older peoples' medication therapy to prevent hospitalisation and reduce the risk of adverse events. With the ageing of the Tasmanian population (nations' high) and increasing use of medicines, the incidence and impact of inappropriate medication use on health outcomes and associated costs will only rise, unless preventive strategies are developed and effectively implemented in practice.
Inappropriate medication use is an independent risk factor for hospitalisation and re-hospitalisation among older patients. Therefore, this project aims to implement and evaluate a clinical tool to improve medication use in Australian older people, while hospitalised. The specific objectives are to evaluate the extent of undertreatment, non-optimal therapy and over-treatment measured before and after implementing the intervention tool (primary outcome); test the clinical and economic impact with short and long-term clinical outcomes, such as re-hospitalisation, emergency department (ED) visits and mortality (secondary outcome); and will also undertake a qualitative study to understand the barriers and facilitators of implementing a screening tool in Australian clinical setting.
This study will take place at the Royal Hobart Hospital among individuals aged ≥65 years. This project will improve health and clinical services at the RHH and across Tasmania by promoting the translation of research evidence to improve the way healthcare is delivered.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr Mohammed SalahudeenFunding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
- The position will suit a variety of backgrounds (including nursing, medical, allied health, health policy, public health, pharmaceutical, and methodologists, etc.) and involve a fair bit of quantitative and qualitative work. An understanding of medications is required
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- A degree with a substantial research project (e.g. Research Masters' degree, Masters' degree with a thesis component, or Bachelor's degree with first-class Honours).
- Excellent analysis and writing skills, demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Demonstrate some understanding of statistical methods and proficiency with any data analysis software
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Exceptional interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work in teams
- Evidence of project management and organisation ability, including the ability to fulfil goals and deliver outcomes within a specified period
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Mohammed Salahudeen to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2024.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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