Health Services Research
Health Services Research is a new and fast-growing area of research for Wesley Research Institute. We aim to improve outcomes for patients by using research to guide the design, implementation and evaluation of new health services.
We are a multi-disciplinary research team incorporating different types of research methods such as implementation science, health economics, statistics, and consumer-led research.
We collaborate with UnitingCare Queensland, universities, other health services, not-for-profit organisations and other stakeholders to deliver better quality public and private health services.
Health Services Research Objectives
Designing healthcare solutions
Evaluation
Translating evidence into practice
Virtual Healthcare Research Program
Wesley Research Institute has commenced a program of virtual healthcare research in collaboration with UnitingCare Queensland and other partners.
The program, led by Dr Olivia Fisher, will include research on telehealth, virtual hospitals, and other areas of digital health. The initial studies have focused on improving telehealth acceptability and understanding considerations for establishing a virtual hospital in the private hospital sector.
Considerations for design and implementation of a Virtual Hospital
This study aimed to inform UnitingCare Queensland about considerations, barriers and enablers to establishing an Australian private virtual hospital
Co-Design of shared principles for a private Virtual Hospital
This study aimed to collaboratively co-design a long-term vision and set of shared principles for a private virtual hospital along with patients, carers, clinicians, and key stakeholders.
Chronic Wounds Research Program
Almost half a million Australians live with chronic wounds that are slow to heal. These include leg and foot ulcers, skin tears, and pressure sores. UnitingCare Queensland has identified prevention, management and treatment of chronic wounds as a priority research area.
A team led by Associate Professor Elizabeth Martin at Wesley Research Institute is investigating ways to innovate health service delivery, which will improve the lives of those with chronic wounds and bring the benefits of chronic wound science to patients.
UnitingCare engaged Wesley Research Institute to conduct this program of research in partnership with UnitingCare community, residential and hospital services.
We are working with consumers, carers, nurses and other healthcare practitioners to design practical systems to deliver chronic wound care to those who need it.
Understanding chronic wound care systems
In this study, we aim to map current systems and practices, and investigate barriers and enablers for prevention, identification, recording, and treatment of chronic wounds across UnitingCare Queensland businesses.
Older people, Aged Care and Dementia Research Program
In this program, we aim to improve the quality of life, and mental and physical health of older people by focusing on key issues such as healthcare, community care, aged care services, respite care, retirement living and residential care. Led by Dr Caroline Grogan, we conduct inclusive research, especially with consumers themselves, across social and economic demographics and cultural backgrounds. The team uses a mix of qualitative (e.g. interviews, focus groups) and quantitative (e.g. surveys) research methods. We use research to understand current practices, evaluate services, and we translate research into recommendations for evidence based practices. We use research findings to influence and lead changes in current practice and policy. Our key partner within Uniting Care Queensland is BlueCare and we are generously funded by the Irene Patricia Hunt Memorial Trust.
Informing design of the BlueCare Dementia In-Home Respite Program
This study aimed to understand the experiences and perspectives of people living with dementia and family carers to inform BlueCare’s Dementia In-Home Respite Service. We also aimed to understand the barriers and enablers to implementing the service across various locations.
Evaluation of the Isaac Navicare mental health care navigation service pilot
Collaborators: UnitingCare Family and Disability Services Study
Aim: Evaluation of the reach, effectiveness, adoption and implementation of the Isaac Navicare service during the first 12-months. The study involves a survey and interviews with service users, and database review.
