Striving to Improve Health Outcomes
Active Research & Development Projects
At Geriatric Care Australia (GCA) we recognise the transformative power of both data utilisation and research. By combining these two elements, GCA helps drives new models of care and aims to improve the overall wellbeing of older persons. GCA leverages data and actively engages in research to shape evidence-based practices and continually strive to provide a high standard of care. Please see some of our active projects are below:
Interdisciplinary Support for Aged Care Professionals
Working with the Department of Health and Aged Care, The Australian Association of Gerentology, UNSW, local Primary Health Networks, clinics and hospitals, GCA is addressing the lack of geriatric specialist services in regional areas by proving Interdisciplinary Clinical Training & Education to upskill the local healthcare workforce, and to improve outcomes for older people.
Clinical Trial: Dementia Pathways
A research trial with the University of South Australia and The Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia to develop clinical pathways for best practice in dementia care that supports health and social care staff in the identification, monitoring, and support of changed behaviour, based on current best practice guidelines.
Early Interventions: Healthy Ageing Education
Working across Australia alongside Primary Health Networks, local Retirement Village operators and community organisations, GCA facilitates proactive healthy ageing interventions. Targeted at health consumers, family members, and carers, education sessions can facilitate enhanced healthy ageing knowledge, which equip the community to identify, evaluate and act on age-related issues.
Digital Health & Analytics: Improving Clinical Insights
Working with data analytics experts Luma Analytics and Microsoft Health IT infrastructure technologies, GCA working with public organisations to better utilise digital health technologies and analytics in order to improve clinical insights to treat vulnerable older persons living at RACHs and at-home. Allowing for timely interventions and proactive management of chronic conditions.
Advancing Geriatric Research: Collaborative Projects
Geriatric Care Australia is collaborating with Western Sydney University by supervising medical students conducting innovative research projects. These include an analysis of pain patterns and analgesia use among patients served by geriatric community services in residential aged care facilities, as well as a scoping review to rethink and adapt the physical examination process for telehealth applications. These projects aim to enhance care delivery and adapt medical practices to evolving healthcare needs.
Transforming Aged Care: National Insights via GCA Clinical Data
Building on principles from the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health (BEACH) study, which analysed general practitioner clinical activity on a national scale, Geriatric Care Australia is leveraging its own clinical data to generate valuable insights into the aged care community. This initiative aims to inform and enhance care practices while contributing to a deeper understanding of the healthcare needs of older Australians.
Redefining Clinical Examinations: Pioneering Geriatric Telehealth Research
Geriatric Care Australia is supporting one of its geriatricians in completing a PhD focused on the role of the clinical examination in a telehealth setting. With no current standard for conducting such examinations, this research addresses a critical gap, particularly given the complexity of geriatric assessments and the rising demand for telehealth services. The findings are expected to provide invaluable insights and shape best practices in this evolving field.