DANIELLE ALLEN, WNSWLHD

An exploration of what enables New South Wales Health Emergency Department staff to treat and support domestic and family violence victims who have experienced non-fatal strangulation

Danielle is a Domestic and Family Violence Pathway Coordinator. As a 2020 RRCBP candidate she completed a qualitative study exploring what enables NSW Emergency department staff to support domestic violence victims who have experienced stranguatlion. She completed a Winston Churchill Fellowship in March 2022, learning from colleagues in the USA and Canada about collaborative responses to victims of non-fatal strangulation and traumatic brain injury.

One Page Summary | Full Report

CASSANDRA PORTER, NNSWLHD

Regional mental health services users understanding of the connection between physical health, mental health, and their wellbeing

Cas is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Mental Health at Tweed Hospital, Northern NSW Local Health District. As a 2020 RRCBP candidate she completed a descriptive qualitative study underpinned by empowerment theory. Cas hopes the findings of this study will contribute to improved holistic care with clinicians and patients working together to  co-design an inpatient health and wellbeing program.

One Page Summary | Full Report

ADELLE KENNEDY, MLHD

What are the barriers that influence the engagement of older, rural men in group physical activity programs that support healthy ageing?

One Page Summary | Full Report

SUSAN BLACKMORE, WNSWLHD

Understanding Resilience of Counsellors working publicly in Rural and Remote NSW

Susan is a Social Worker with over 20 years experience in Child Protection. Four years ago, she moved from statutory child protection to NSW Health when she took on the role of  Child Protection Counsellor in Bourke. This was her first experience working and living in a remote town.  Through this experience she became interested in looking at the resilience of workers in similar situations. As a 2019 RRCBP candidate she completed a qualitative study looking at resilience in sole practitioner counsellors working in rural and remote NSW towns.  Susan is now based at Orange Community Health.

One Page Summary Full Report

LYNETTE BULLEN, WNSWLHD

The factors that influence Drug and Alcohol Clinicians when referring Aboriginal clients to Involuntary Drug and Alcohol Treatment in NSW Health

Lynette is a Senior Drug and Alcohol Clinician, working in a statewide Involuntary Drug and Alcohol Treatment Unit, at Orange Health Service, Bloomfield campus. Lynette used a thematic inductive approach to examine factors that influence drug and alcohol clinicians when referring Aboriginal clients to involuntary drug and alcohol treatment in NSW Health.

One Page Summary Full Report

ALICIA BURGESS, ISLHD

Assessing cultural appropriateness of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Aboriginal people with diabetes

Alicia is a Podiatrist in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District High Risk Foot Service. As a 2019 RRCBP candidate she completed a community-led qualitative study to investigate the cultural appropriateness of a diabetes PROM set with the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Community. She endeavours to help develop a culturally appropriate tool with the community that is meaningful for their diabetes management.

One Page Summary Full Report

JACINTA FELSCH, NNSWLHD

Caring for pregnant women with diabetes who require corticosteroids in Northern NSW: Are we getting it right?

Jacinta is a Registered Nurse and Midwife that holds a position in Northern NSW LHD as a Clinical Midwifery Consultant.

Her passions include education and research to promote better outcomes for women and patients accessing health care services.

One Page Summary Full Report

ERIN FISHER, HNELHD

Investigating the Nutrition Dashboard’s ability to identify malnutrition in a large rural hospital

Erin is a dietitian at Armidale Rural Referral Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District. As a 2019 RRCBP candidate she completed a retrospective observational study to compare a novel technology approach with existing malnutrition screening methods. ­­ She hopes the promising findings will  progress malnutrition research across NSW Health facilities.

One Page Summary Full Report

SUZIE KUPER, NNSWLHD

Understanding Nurses and Midwives Experience of Practice Development Activity during Covid19: An appreciative inquiry

Suzie is a Practice Development Consultant for the Nursing and Midwifery Services of Northern NSW LHD. As a 2019 RRCBP candidate she led a mixed methods action research project using ‘Appreciative Inquiry ‘ as both the method and the intervention. Suzie hopes her findings will be used  to change the way people think about developing practice together.

One Page Summary Full Report

NATALIE SINCLAIR, HNELHD

The efficacy of Baclofen in the treatment of alcohol dependence in the Hastings/Macleay Drug and Alcohol Service: An Observational Cohort Study

Natalie is a clinical lead – Drug and Alcohol. She is dedicated to improving the lives of people with substance use disorders in rural areas. Natalie is hoping that one day a treatment will be found to reduce the burden of disease from substance use disorders for both the people with the disorders and the health system.

One Page Summary Full Report

ANDREW SKIMMINGS, WNSWLHD

3D Printing in Radiation Oncology

A comparison study on using a 3D printer to create radiation therapy bolus of the nose compared to traditional methods using wax and thermoplastic

Andrew has been working in radiotherapy for seven years and is highly interested in the technical aspects of the job. After taking an interest in 3D printing, that quickly became integrated with his role as a radiotherapist. Based in Orange, NSW, Andrew has a deep passion for rural/remote communities.

One page Summary Full Report

ELLEN MCMASTER, MLHD

In their shoes: What factors do restricted weight-bearing patients believe affect their recovery in their health journey in the rural setting?

Ellen is a rural generalist Physiotherapist who is passionate about equitable access to health services in rural communities. Ellen has worked in rural and remote locations for over 30 years in the public and private sectors, and now strategic planning and workforce development. Ellen recognises the value of rural health research and project evaluation to support positive change.

One Page Summary | Full Report

TRACY BOLTON, SNSWLHD

Exploring the experiences of workplace stress and support for non-clinical staff, in front line roles in a rural public health services

Tracy Bolton is an experienced social worker, working for the last 5 years in community and inpatient mental health settings in rural NSW. Tracy has a specific interest in support and or training options for all staff and visitors to NSW Health settings who may be impacted by adverse clinical or corporate incidents. With this focus, this project explored the experiences of non-clinical staffs working in front-line roles in a public health setting.

One Page Summary Full Report

JENNIFER MANNELL, WNSWLHD

Factors that influence engagement with physical activity for people living with Parkinson's Disease in Western NSW - a qualitative descriptive study

Jennifer Mannell continues to pursue her Physiotherapy career in Bathurst. When she moved from the acute care setting to a community based position her passion for helping people living with Parkinson’s Disease grew. She feels strongly that best practice strategies for managing Parkinson’s Disease should be equally available to people in the public sector, and living in a rural setting versus private sector and in metropolitan.

One Page Summary Full Report

SHANNON MORRIS, NNSWLHD

'The meat in the sandwich'

Midwives experiences supporting Women's Safety and Autonomy

Shannon Morris is a Clinical Midwifery Consultant in Northern NSW. She has over 20 years of experience across the spectrum of midwifery care models. Shannon’s passion for woman centred care keeps her striving toward safe and effective maternity systems that are provided within a culture of openness and compassion.

One Page Summary Full Report

HELEN ORVAD, HNELHD

What is the nature of the disparity between the evidence-based practice and actual clinical practice for management of patients who present with suspected ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to smaller rural hospitals in the Northern Area of HNELHD?

What are the factors that are influencing clinical decision making by primary care providers in rural STEMI patients?

Helen Orvad is in her 34th year of nursing for Hunter New England Health. Her career has encompassed medical, Intensive Care, Coronary Care and Retrieval nursing, and Interventional cardiology clinical and management roles. Her district role as Clinical Nurse Consultant for Cardiology has identified several issues around management of rural cardiac patients. It is this work that the need for this project on the disparity of STEMI management developed.

One page Summary Full Report

JULIE QUADE, WNSWLHD

Determining the effect of dietetic intervention on fat free mass in chemotherapy patients at a rural chemotherapy day unit

Julie is a Senior Oncology and Palliative Care Dietitian, Daffodil Cottage Cancer Care Services, Bathurst Health Service

As a 2018 RRCBP cohort candidate she completed a quasi-experimental trial of regular protein intake by chemotherapy patients, aiming to maintain muscle mass through treatment and recovery. ­­

One Page Summary Full Report

CRAIG SUOSAARI, MNCLHD

The Dunghutti Muri Project: Optimising access to the Mid North Coast Brain Injury Service for local Aboriginal people

Craig has a diverse work history as a Clinician and Educator but never really thought research was a viable option until joining RRCBP. He currently divides his working week across multiple jobs including work as a Speech Pathologist and Case Manager with the Mid North Coast Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service.

One Page Summary Full Report

ANDREA THAWLEY, NNSWLHD

RAPIT Rapid Assessment Processes in Triage: A quantitative study

Andrea has a clinical background in both Intensive Care and Emergency Nursing. She is currently employed for Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) as a Clinical Nurse Consultant (Emergency) providing clinical leadership and consultancy services for The Tweed, Byron Central and Murwillumbah Hospitals.

One Page Summary Full Report Publication

CHRISTOPHER WILSON, MLHD

Resilience in rural general practitioners: Practising mindfulness, self-care and other stress management techniques

Dr Christopher Wilson (GP registrar) is passionate about wellbeing. For more than 10 years Chris has presented on wellness, mindfulness, yoga and resilience for government, corporates, hospitals, retreats, and youth leadership programs. Among his many interests Chris is a keen researcher in the topics of resilience, mindfulness and rural health.

One Page Summary Full Report Abstract

EMILY FARQUHAR, MLHD

Investigating a Public-Private partnership model of Physiotherapy service delivery in a rural setting

Emily Farquhar is the Physiotherapist in Charge at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.  She is passionate about improving health outcomes in rural Australia and thoroughly enjoyed participating in HETI's Rural Research Capacity Building Program.  Away from work Emily enjoys time with family, exploring the outdoors, yoga and singing in her local women's barbershop group.

One Page Summary Full Report

DILHAN FERNANDO, WNSWLHD

Monitoring the formal implementation of a cognitive assessment protocol, and analysis of cognitive outcomes of Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) in a regional psychiatric hospital setting

Dilhan Fernando is a Career Medical Officer based at Bloomfield Hospital in Orange, NSW. Dilhan has explored best practice care for people with mental illness both in Australia and Sri Lanka. His passion for best practice has driven change at Bloomfield Hospital.

One Page Summary Full Report

PAULINE SMITH, MNCLHD

Partnering to Provide Palliative Care: The lived experience of carers accessing after-hours palliative care support provided by a non-government organisation in partnership with a regional local health district

Pauline Smith is a community based Clinical Nurse Consultant in Palliative Care in the Hastings Macleay Clinical Network of the MNCLHD. Her role involves service development and provision of clinical leadership. She has a Masters in Palliative Care (Flinders University) and her primary focus is development of sustainable models of care that ensures patients and carers receive equitable access to quality, evidenced based palliative care in the place of their choice.

One Page Summary Full Report

ALEXANDRA WADE, MNCLHD

SCRIPT HCC - rates and patterns of screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients in the Hastings Macleay region

Alex is the CNC Hepatology at the Hastings Macleay Liver Clinic She is dedicated to embedding collaborative recall systems at a regional level, and national or state registries for people living with cirrhosis as a foundation for improving care for this vulnerable population. A follow-up study investigating barriers to screening in a rural and regional context is on Alex’s wish list because even small increases in early detection of HCC have been shown to reduce mortality.

One Page Summary Full Report

NATALIE EDMISTON, NNSWLHD

Cohort study of predictors of unplanned hospital admissions among Regional People with HIV in NSW from 2012-2016; the impact of multimorbidity

Natalie Edmiston is a staff specialist in sexual health medicine with North Coast Public Health. As a 2015 RRCBP cohort candidate she was able to complete a prospective cohort study of multimorbidity outcomes among People with HIV attending a regional sexual health service and continues to conduct research in this field.

One page summary Full report

SHIBU JOHN, MNCLHD

Decision Making Capacity Assessment for Confused Patients in a Regional Hospital

Shibu John is a social worker with over 15 years of experience, who has been working at Coffs Harbour Health Campus for the last seven years. The idea for this research project came from an interest to protect the autonomy and safety of vulnerable confused hospitalised older patients; and to promote patient focused care in rural and regional health.

One page summary Full report

MELANIE MALPASS, HNELHD

Advance Care Planning after Stroke: An interventional pilot study exploring the delivery of advanced care planning to stroke survivors

Melanie Malpass is a Speech Pathologist working for Hunter New England Health with the Aged Care and Rehabilitation Service in Taree. For the past 7 years she has provided speech pathology service to adults in sub-acute and community settings. Melanie completed a Master of Health Science (Stroke Specialisation) in 2013 and has strong interest in improving the provision of effective, client centred healthcare for patients with stroke.

One page summary Full report

NICOLE RASCHKE, MNCLHD

The Perceived Research Capacity and Culture within Non-Metropolitan Local Health Districts in NSW

Nicole Raschke is the Research Operations Manager for the Mid North Coast Local Health District where she supports and facilitates staff to develop and conduct locally relevant research. Nicole has worked across a wide range of health fields and professions in Australia and overseas from laboratory science, IT, oncology and finally research operations. Her passion for knowledge has seen her complete a Bachelor of Applied Science, Graduate Certificate Health Management, Graduate Diploma Computing, Masters Clinical Trials Practice and is currently a PhD candidate extending her HETI RRCBP project further exploring The Enablers of Research in NSW LHDs.

One page summary Full report

THEA RITCHIE, FWLHD

How the experiences of the Broken Hill Midwifery Group Practice Midwives can inform remote midwife-led models of care: An Appreciative Inquiry study

Thea is a Registered Midwife with a Master’s degree in Midwifery, who filled the Project Officer role to establish a Midwifery Group Practice at Broken Hill which commenced in 2015. Thea has been responsible for evaluating the MGP model of care and sharing the outcomes with other rural health services. Thea hopes to use her research skills to continue improving rural maternity services, something she feel absolutely passionate about.

One page summary Full report 

CAROLINE SHORT, HNELHD

Experiences of informal caregivers in managing the care and the death in the rural palliative care home setting

Caroline Short is a Clinical Nurse Consultant who has worked in specialist palliative care for 23 years, leading and developing the service. While completing a Master’s Degree in Public Health Caroline developed a deep interest in Health Promoting Palliative Care and Compassionate Communities philosophies. Belief in these philosophies as essential frameworks for practice has led to their application to everyday practice. Essentially this approach involves a team partnership with the community in thinking creatively to apply these philosophies, which lead to formalised research to investigate the lived experience of caregivers in the palliative care home setting in rural New South Wales.

One page summary Full report 

PETER SIRR, MLHD

Factors Associated with Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Regional NSW

Peter is a Titled Gerontological Physiotherapist. He has worked clinically in hospital, community and residential care settings over the last 10 years in both public and private settings. Peter has a passion for working with older people, striving to improve the life of older Australian’s through a proactive evidence-based approach to physiotherapy service. Peter combines his clinical role at Mercy Health, with employment at Charles Sturt University, assisting in programs that develop gerontology knowledge and skills for health professionals.

One page summary Full report

NICOLE WESTON, WNSWLHD

Achieving an empty rectum for prostate radiotherapy. A randomised controlled trial comparing two laxation regimens for patients receiving radiotherapy to the prostate in rural Australia.

Niki Weston is an Accredited Practising Dietitian currently working at the Central West Cancer Care Centre in Orange NSW. She has been working in the area of oncology and palliative care for the last 12 years and has an interest in research and student education.

One page summary Full report

RICHARD WILLIAMS, WNSWLHD

Pain Management in Patient Transport

Rich graduated in the late eighties from the old apprentice training system at Lithgow hospital. He has been nursing for thirty years now and was the first CNS for the Acute Pain Service at Gosford Hospital. Over the past 17 years Rich has been enjoying the one on one patient contact and travelling around each day in his role with patient transport. In his spare time, he likes helping people find their unclaimed money.

One page summary Full report

ANDREW WONG, MNCLHD

Does pre-operative Oxford Knee Score (OKS) predict patient reported success six months after total knee arthroplasty?

Andrew Wong is a physiotherapist working at Coffs Harbour Health Campus in the Mid North Coast Local Health District. He is employed as the Orthopaedic Care Coordinator to facilitate patients on the waiting list for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Surgery. He is passionate about improving patient outcomes following total hip and knee replacement surgeries.

One page summary Full report

MICHELLE BAIRD, WNSWLHD

Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease self-management - "The rural perspective: an untold dialogue."

Michelle is a Chronic and Complex Care Nurse Practitioner in Western NSW Local Health District, based in Dubbo and provides outreach to north-western sector. Michelle is a strong advocate for rural health. She has a keen interest in chronic disease particularly COPD and Heart Failure. Having worked in the Chronic and Complex Care space for over 20 years she is committed to providing quality evidence based healthcare and continue to undertake research.

One page summary Full report

RICHARD BALL, MNCLHD

Food For Kids Mid North Coast

Parents of babies and young children sharing nutrition and child feeding information: A peer educator model

Richard Ball is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian who has been working for The Mid North Coast Local Health District as a Health Promotion Officer since 2012. He is currently working on the Healthy Children Initiative program and has a keen interest in the extension of this program into the community.

One page summary Full report

CATHERINE BRABROOK, HNELHD

How do individuals living with a spinal cord injury in a rural area prevent pressure injuries? The lived experience of intact skin

Catherine Brabrook is an occupational therapist and currently works as a Rural Spinal Cord Injury Coordinator with Hunter New England Health Local Health District covering the northern clusters of this district. The idea for the research project came from an interest in how much clinicians can learn from individuals who have successfully managed their spinal cord injury for the long term.

One page summary Full report

CATHERINE BOURKE, WNSWLHD - BEST REPORT AWARD WINNER FOR 2013 CANDIDATES

Autism Diagnosis in a Rural Community: Are There Opportunities for Improvement?

Catherine is a social worker with over 20 years experience in both the government and non-government sectors. She currently works as a social worker at Mudgee Community Health Centre where she provides individual counselling and group work to children and families, including those with an autism spectrum disorder. Catherine is passionate about innovative models of care that allow better access to services for those in rural communities.

One page summary Full report

LISA DELANEY, NNSWLHD

Complementary and Alternative Therapy Use in a rural Radiation Oncology Department: Increasing staff knowledge, confidence, discussion and documentation.

Lisa Delaney is a Radiation Therapist at North Coast Cancer Institute, Lismore having previously worked in a number of Australian and international rural and metropolitan centres over the past 10 years. She identified an opportunity to improve practice for an increasing cohort of patients using complementary therapies while receiving radiation therapy and is passionate about integrative health.

One page summary Full report

FRANCESCA LEATON, NNSWLHD

Improving the use of Flexible Diuretic Regimens: An integrated model of care in regional NSW

Francesca is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the area of heart failure. Currently Francesca works as the Heart Failure Liaison Nurse at The Tweed Hospital, working in both the inpatient and outpatient sectors. Her role involves working collaboratively with patients, GPs, Doctors, Specialists and Nurses in the Tweed district to develop a contemporary model of patient centred care aimed at delivering improved quality outcomes for heart failure patients.

One page summary Full report

SALLY JOSH, SNSWLHD

Documenting In the Medical Record: Experiences of Engagement (DIMREE)"

Sally Josh works in Southern NSW LHD Clinical Governance as the Research Support Officer. She has a keen interest in improving patient quality and safety, and in listening to and acting on the patient experience. She maintains a very broad interest in health care and research across disciplines and sectors.

One page summary Full report

KATHERINE MOHR, MLHD

Has implementing a NSW Early Access to Stroke Thrombolysis program increased the rate of thrombolysis in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD)?

Katherine Mohr is a Registered Nurse and is working as the Stroke Care Coordinator in the Acute Stroke Unit at the Wagga Wagga Health Service. She has a strong interest in improving stroke care for patients in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. Katherine is excited about the implementation of a model of care that decreases the time of stroke symptom onset to arrival at an acute stroke unit. This will provide patients in spoke sites to access acute stroke unit care earlier, thereby improving outcomes for stroke patients.

One page summary Full report

BRENDAN PEARSON, MLHD

What drive us to drive, walk or cycle to work in Albury?

What reasons, attitudes and issues contribute to Albury residents' choice of transport to work and what strategies are likely to encourage more people to walk or cycle to work?

Brendan Pearson is working in Health Promotion in Murrumbidgee Local Health District in the areas of healthy weight programs and healthy built environments. He has strong interests in non-communicable disease prevention and believes built and natural environmental factors are major determinants of health as we are products of our environment.

One page summary Full report

NICOLE RAPPELL, NNSWLHD

Paper to Practice.

A mixed-methods study of rolling-groups as a delivery model for the Lidcombe Program treatment for early stuttering within regional communities

Nicole Rappell is a Generalist Speech Pathologist working a Byron Bay Community Health. Originally trained in London and specializing in the field of Alternative and Augmentative Communication, she sought the warmer climate of Australia and upon returning developed a passion for working with children who stutter and their families.

One page summary Full report

NICOLE SMITH, MLHD

Is Anyone Listening?

Factors affecting time to resolution of healthcare complaints received in a diverse NSW rural public healthcare service.

Nicole Smith has worked in NSW health for 18 years and is currently the Quality Systems & Complaints Manager for the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. Nicole’s role sits within the Clinical Governance Unit and primarily covers the oversight of consumer complaint management and administration of the Incident Information Management System in the district, also providing training and support for LHD staff in incident and complaint management. Nicole has previously worked in consumer relations, public affairs and clinical operations and has a strong interest in strengthening the relationship between health services and the people they service.

One page summary Full report

GIRISH SWAMINATHAN, SNSWLHD - REPORT HIGH COMMENDATION WINNER FOR 2013 CANDIDATES

The factors influencing antibiotic prescribing in a rural hospital emergency department with no on-site infectious diseases support

Girish works as a Chief pharmacist with the Bega Valley Health Service. Girish has an interest in patient safety and quality and is passionate in improving healthcare standards in regional and rural areas. Girish has a postgraduate diploma in clinical pharmacy, a diploma in management and currently undertaking his masters in health services management.

One pare summary Full report unavailable

SUZANNE WRIGHT, HNELHD

Hip Dysplasia Screening in a Rural Health District:

An analysis of practice with respect to hip dysplasia screening in the Hunter New England Local Health District

Suzanne Wright is the Paediatric Physiotherapist at the Armidale and New England Hospital and provides services for children and their families throughout the Hunter New England Local Health Division (Northern sector). Suzanne worked as a Human Movements Educator prior to being a Generalist Physiotherapist in the private and public sectors. For the last 17 years Suzanne has specialised in Paediatric Physiotherapy. Suzanne has a Masters of Physiotherapy(Paediatrics), Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Education(Hons Class 1).

One page summary Full report

ATOSHA CLANCY, NNSWLHD

Keeping Things Flowing: Findings from participatory action research investigating the practice model for a rural dementia outreach service

Atosha Clancy is a social worker and team leader of the Dementia Outreach Service. She is an experienced clinician, providing individual and group services to people living with dementia and their families. Atosha chairs the far north coast Dementia Pathways Forum and works with the community services to build a cohesive sector response for people living with dementia.

One page summary Full report Publication

RAE CONWAY, NNSWLHD - BEST REPORT AWARD WINNER FOR 2011 CANDIDATES

Give me something I can use: An exploration of how senior nurses and midwives, in a Regional setting, acquire and integrate coaching skills into routine practice: a grounded theory study

Rae has 30 years experience in health including clinical, educational, managerial and executive roles both in the public and private sectors. She has a Degree in Health Science (BHSc) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in Workforce Development. She has a strong commitment to the provision of quality care through improving the leadership capacity of nurses and midwives as evidenced by this study.

One page summary Full report Publication

TRACEY DRABSCH, WNSWLHD - REPORT HIGH COMMENDATION WINNER FOR 2011 CANDIDATES

Rural Collaborative Guideline Implementation: Evaluation of a hub and spoke multidisciplinary team model of care for orthogeriatric inpatients: a before and after study of adherence to clinical practice guidelines

Tracey Drabsch is a senior physiotherapist in sub-acute care for the Western New South Wales Local Health District. She has extensive experience in rehabilitation and an interest in the provision of evidence based care for people in rural communities. Tracey is also an Adjunct Associate Lecturer at Charles Sturt University.

One page summary Full report Publication

KIM EDWARDS, FORMERLY SNSWLHD

An exploration of patient experiences accessing an Emergency Department for a mental health crisis. An untold story.

Kim is a Clinical Nurse Consultant working in mental health services and currently based at the Mid North Coast LHD at Coffs Harbour. At the time of the project, Kim had a long career in mental health with Southern NSW LHD. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science (Nursing) and Master of Nursing (Mental Health – Nurse Practitioner) award. Kim is passionate about engaging supporting general hospital staff in learning and developing skills to assist people who may be experiencing mental health problems, and this project provided the opportunity to convey to others what its really like to come to an ED in crisis.

One page summary Full report

JULIE HILDITCH, ISLHD

Medication discrepancies after discharge from a rural district hospital: What medications are our patients taking at home?

Julie is a pharmacist with over 30 years experience in the NSW public hospital system. At present she is Director of Pharmacy at Shoalhaven Hospital, Nowra. She has a long standing interest in medication management and patient education and particularly in the continuity of care from hospital to the home.

One page summary Full report

ANNE HILLS, HNELHD

Are the chips really down? A repeat cross sectional study on the impact of the NSW Healthy Schools Canteen Strategy and its influence on school food service

Anne Hills is a Community Nutritionist working on the Lower Mid North Coast of HNE Health. Anne has worked in both a clinical and community setting and has implemented a wide range of successful community nutrition programs around prevention of childhood obesity and improving health outcomes in disadvantaged sectors. She has a special interest in school aged nutrition and is a previous board member of the Healthy Kids Association.

Publication

DEBORAH HOBAN, WNSWLHD

Rural parents' experiences following their child's traumatic brain injury

Deborah Hoban is a Paediatric Rehabilitation Coordinator With the Mid Western Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program located within Western NSW Local Health District

One page summary Full report

KATHERINE MCQUILLAN, WNSWLHD

Understanding how the experience of living with Hepatitis C impacts on accessing hepatitis C treatment for people who are clients of a rural opiate treatment unit

Katherine is the Hepatitis C clinical nurse specialist for Bathurst in the Western NSW Local Health District. Her main role is to improve access to treatment for people living with Hepatitis C, knowing there are high rates of hepatitis c in the area including the OTU. This research has helped her become more aware of the burden that a Hepatitis C diagnosis carries with it and will definitely change some of her work practices for this complex group of clients.

One page summary Full Report

MONICA MURRAY, WNSWLHD

Parkes Healthy Kids Study: BMI at pre-school immunisation and Healthy Kids Check, nurse and parent perception and level of concern

Monica Murray is the Manager of Community & Allied Health Services in Parkes & Forbes, which is part of the Western NSW Local Health District.

One page summary Full report

KIM RILEY, HNELHD

Does online learning click with nurses? A qualitative study

Kim Riley is a Clinical Nurse Consultant with the Aged Care and Rehabilitation Services Clinical Network in Hunter New England Area Health Service. Kim has extensive experience in rural health and she has qualifications in general nursing, midwifery, child and family health (Karitane), Critical Care, Public Health, Health Service Management and Gerontology.

One page summary Full report Appendices  Publication

BELINDA ROBINSON, HNELHD

Is using telehealth to deliver a phase 2 Chronic Disease Rehabilitation program (education & exercise components) a feasible, appropriate and acceptable model of care?

Belinda Robinson is a Nurse Unit Manager at Inverell Community Health, Hunter New England Health District. She has 20 years’ experience working in Community Health and has a special interest in Chronic Disease Rehabilitation.

One page summary Full report

BRIDGET THOMPSON, SNSWLHD

Hand Grip Strength (HGS) as an indicator of nutritional status in patients in a rural hospital 

Bridget Thompson is a senior dietitian in the Bega Valley Health Service. For 30 years she has worked in Bega in rural NSW – a job that allows her to specialise as a generalist dietitian and also follow other areas of interest, including renal, oncology, and nutritional support. She enjoys working with students and in 2005 completed a graduate certificate in Clinical Education (CSU).

One page summary Full Report

BARBARA TURNER, FWLHD

Addressing the burden of disease: Is it possible to create and implement a structured Cardiac Rehabilitation program in a small rural village, which is effective and meets the expressed needs of clients.

Barbara has over 30 years’ experience in Health, and has recently been appointed as the Health Service Manager at Menindee Health Service in Far West LHD. Barbara has worked at Menindee for 11 years, and was previously the Nurse Practitioner for the service. Barbara trained as a Registered Nurse at the Broken Hill and District Hospital, is a Midwife, and has a Certificate in Child and Family Health Nursing, a Bachelor of Social Science (Welfare), a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Practice (Rural and Remote), a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Management and Education, and a Masters of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner). Barbara is passionate about remote health and increasing access to services for people in remote areas.

One page summary Full Report

SHELLEY BARLOW, NNSWLHD

"Physiotherapy outpatient's chronic pain management ...... realizing the potential"

Shelley is a physiotherapist currently working in physiotherapy outpatients and transition care at Ballina Community Health. Shelley has an interest in chronic pain management going back 15 years. Her research has enabled her to combine both chronic pain management and physiotherapy outpatients to see what is happening in rural and regional services.

One Page Summary Full Report Publications

MARY CAMPBELL, NNSWLHD

Are there barriers to rural families having discussions about their organ and tissue donation wishes?

Mary is a Clinical Nurse specialist for Organ and Tissue Donation for the NNSW LHD.  Raising awareness within the community and encouraging family discussions about organ donation is paramount to improving organ donation rates in Australia.  HETI has provided an opportunity to explore if barriers exist which prevent rural families from initiating this important conversation, thereby contributing to a body of evidence which did not previously exist.

One Page Summary Full Report

CATHIE CUMMINS, MLHD

Bariatric Patient Journey

Cathie Cummins is an Occupational Therapist working in Work Health and Safety and Manual Handling coordination at Wagga Wagga Health Service in MLHD. She has worked in a range of areas and enjoyed challenges across community developmental disability services, staff development, tertiary education, injury management, aged care and manual handling.

One Page Summary Full Report

LEANNE FITZGERALD, HNELHD & DALLAS WATERS, NNSWLHD

Evaluation of the Project:The Journey of Aboriginal Children and their Families throughout the Northern Child Health Network

Leanne Fitzgerald is a Child & Family Health Nurse at  Inverell Community Health in Hunter New England Local Health District.

Dallas Waters is an Aboriginal Health Worker at Maclean Community Health in Northern NSW Local Health District.

One page summary Full report

ROWENA HOCKINGS, ISLHD

Single leg squats predict independent stair negotiation ability in older patients referred for a physiotherapy mobility assessment at a rural hospital

Rowena currently works as a Rehabilitation Physiotherapist in the Shoalhaven area on the NSW South Coast. The opportunity provided by HETI - Rural to conduct her own research project has enabled Rowena to combine her passion for research to improve rural physiotherapy clinical practices. She has completed a graduate certificate in clinical rehabilitation and is currently completing postgraduate studies in biostatistics.

Best Report Award winner for 2010 Candidates

One Page Summary Full Report Publication

DOT HUGHES, SNSWLHD

Nurses Experience of activating a rapid response system in general rural hospital wards

Dot is a Registered Nurse with over thirty years intensive care nursing, the majority of her experience has been gained in rural healthcare facilities. During the implementation phase of the 'Between the Flags' program she recognised a deficit of research around the use of rapid response systems by rural nurses.

One Page Summary Full Report

KAY JOSEPH, MNCLHD

CLUBFOOT IN THE BUSH - The management and outcomes of infants who received their initial Ponseti casting for idiopathic congenital clubfoot in a regional centre compared to those treated exclusively at a tertiary Children's Hospital.

Kay is a specialist paediatric physiotherapist lucky enough to live and work in gorgeous Coffs Harbour. She is passionate that regional children with special needs should have equitable access to health services, achieving the same outcomes as children in metropolitan centres.

Report High Commendation for 2010 Candidates

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LOUISE LINKE, WNSWLHD

"We Do What We Can" - Health Workers' Management of Incontinent Clients in Rural NSW

For the past 8 years Louise has been the working in continence and stomal therapy for the Western NSW LHD, based in Bathurst. In 2011 she was endorsed as a Nurse Practitioner.  She has worked for over 18 years in various  community health settings in rural and remote NSW and is passionate about working with rural clients to help  improve their quality of life.

One Page Summary Full Report Appendices

CHALTA LORD, NNSWLHD

"To do or not to do? That is the question." An investigation into the enablers and barriers North Coast Area Health Service midwives encounter when integrating the skills and knowledge learnt in short courses and workshops into their clinical practice.

Chalta has been working as a Research & Evaluation Officer in the Northern NSW Health Promotion Unit for 7 years. This HETI scholarship has enabled Chalta to learn how to do qualitative research and she used this newfound knowledge to study knowledge transfer in midwives using Grounded Theory.

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ANNE O'NEILL, ISLHD

The role of practice nurses in their management of patients with Chronic Heart Failure in rural New South Wales and the potential for the expansion of this role

Anne has worked as Clinical Nurse Consultant for the Shoalhaven Heart Failure Service for the last 10 years. Her roles include coordinating a multidisciplinary group program and maintenance exercise program and liaisons with medical, nursing and allied health professionals across the continuum of care. Outcomes for those enrolled with the service include improved QOL and functionality with reduced presentations, admissions and length of stay to the acute sector.

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STEVEN PITMAN, MERCY HEALTH ALBURY

Evaluating the effectiveness of a self-directed learning package in increasing palliative care knowledge and confidence for health care workers in rural aged care facilities.

Steven Pitman is a Clinical Nurse Consultant with Mercy Health in Albury. Working with rural primary health care professionals, Steven has an interest in capacity building and education in regards to care of individuals at the end of life.

One Page Summary Full Report Publication

AMANDA TUTTY, NNSWLHD

"Back in the usual normal world" - Barriers and enablers to exercise and community participation after stroke: the role of community health and support services

Amanda is a physiotherapist currently working at Grafton Base Hospital. Amanda has a background and interest in rehabilitation and stroke recovery.

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KATE WILLOCK, NNSWLHD

Screening Drug and Alcohol participants for mild cognitive impairment: why, how and does it matter?

Kate has worked in the drug and alcohol field since 1998, with qualifications of Dip App Science (Nursing), Ba Soc Sc (Mediation and Counselling), and post grad studies in Addictions. Her working background in the drug and alcohol field has been as a Registered Nurse, Youth Drug and Alcohol Counsellor, Adult Drug and Alcohol Counsellor and Senior Case Manager (current). Since 2001 she has been with the Magistrates early Referral into Treatment program (MERIT), a Court diversion treatment program. Kate believes fundamentally in change and the capacity of an individual can determine their change process...she also believes in the power of the human story... everyone has one...

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ALISON DAWES, GWAHS

A qualitative investigation of effectiveness and limitations of a telephone bereavement support service in rural and remote NSW

Alison is a Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Consultant with the Greater Western Area Health Service based at Lourdes Hospital and Community Services, Dubbo.

One Page Summary Short Report

JENNI DEVINE, GSAHS

User satisfaction and experience with a telemedicine service for diabetic foot disease in an Australian rural community

A tree change five years ago took Jenni to the Bega Valley. A podiatrist with 18 years experience, Jenni now works at the Bega, Pambula and Eden Community Health Centres. She has a special interest in the management of the High Risk Foot. In her spare time she enjoys cooking with organic ingredients, playing with her daughter and living the 'good life' in the country.

Jenni was the winner of the Best Poster Presentation award at the 2010 National Primary Health Care Research Conference.

Award Winning Poster One page Summary Full Report

THERESE DUNN, NORTH COAST PUBLIC HEALTH UNIT

Hospital Admissions for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions - North Coast area health service 2001 to 2006

Therese is the Health Information Manager with the North Coast Public Health Unit (covering both Northern NSW and Mid North Coast Local Health Districts) in Lismore. She has worked in the Public Health Unit in Lismore for more than 25 years.  Therese initially worked in general administration for the Public Health Unit before obtaining her degree in Information Technology and then moving into data management and analysis.  Her work focuses on turning data into health information to guide Public Health policy and planning.

One Page Summary Short Report Full Report

BARBARA FETHERSTON, GSAHS

Infant feeding practices of mothers attending a rural community health immunisation clinic with infants aged between six and eight months

Barbara is a Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2 in Women's Health and Child and Family Health for the Eurobodalla Community Health Service and is based at Batemans Bay Community Health Centre on the NSW South Coast.

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ANNE FIELD, WNSWLHD

Evaluation of the NSW IRCST 2007 Funding Program for Research, Service Development and Evaluation Projects

Anne has worked in rural health for more than 20 years, with positions including Accountant and Business Manager at Dubbo Base Hospital; Health Improvement Manager and Health Service Development Manager for the former Macquarie Area Health Service. Anne worked with NSW IRCST for four years and has recently commenced work with Western Local Health District.

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STUART GARLAND, NCAHS

Experiences of clients and carers who have accessed the Extended Aged Care in the Home packages in rural NSW

Stuart Garland is a Clinical Nurse Specialist based at Grafton where he has enjoyed his role as a community nurse for the past 25 years. Stuart's other passions are fishing, cooking, theatre and tinkering in his shed.

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LYNN HOPKINSON, NCAHS

Integrated acute and community services increases capacity in a rural base hospital

Lynn Hopkinson is a Nurse Manager at Ballina Hospital.Her previous role was Area Manager, Clinical Services Redesign Program (CSRP) for North Coast AHS. Participation in the RRCBP funded by IRCST has provided Lynn the opportunity to evaluate one of the services commenced as part of CSRP.

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MICHELLE MURRAY

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy & Gastrostomy Tube Complications at a Rural Referral Hospital: Aetiology & Outcomes

Michelle is a Clinical Dietitian working at Manning Rural Referral Hospital at Taree. She has worked in a number of clinical areas and has an interest in enteral/parenteral feeding, and quality improvement.

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RACHEL O'LOUGHLIN, GSAHS

Creative movement classes to music in a residential aged care facility

Rachel is a physiotherapist with over twenty years of clinical experience in a wide range of settings. Her interest in dance has always been present and she completed a BA in Dance in 1998. She enjoys exploring the region of overlap between the two disciplines. She currently works as a physiotherapist at Eurobodalla Community Health and dances when she can.

One Page Summary Short Report Full Report

JUDY REINHARDT, NCAHS

Reducing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus risk in women post Gestational Diabetes Mellitus through telephone motivational interviewing

Judy is the Area-based Diabetes Clinical Nurse Consultant at NCAHS; working in the field of diabetes education and management since 1986. Health promotion and disease prevention are key areas of interest for Judy. This project provided the opportunity to develop and implement a rural health promotion strategy suitable for women post gestational diabetes at risk of developing diabetes mellitus.

One Page Summary Full Report Publication

SHAUN SELDON, HNEAHS

Adding Malnutrition Screening Tool scores to ward lists increases identification and treatment of older patients at risk of malnutrition

Shaun Seldon is a Dietitian in the Upper Hunter region of NSW where he supports the facilities of Muswellbrook, Scone, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Denman, Quirindi and Werris Creek. Shaun is the winner of the Best Report Award for 2007 candidates.

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CAROLYN SLATTERY, HNEAHS

Effectiveness of a health system wide dissemination strategy in increasing clinician provision of NRT to smokers in a rural hospital

Carolyn Slattery is based at Narrabri and is a Program Manager with Population Health. Carolyn majored in Psychology, and has spent most of her 13 years in health working in Health Promotion.

One Page Summary Full Report Publication

PAMELA STANFORD, GWAHS

The effect of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy on patients with Borderline Personality Disorder in a rural setting of NSW

Pam is a Mental Health Nurse and has worked in many different roles in the Greater West Mental Health Service. Currently, Pam is a Clinical Nurse Specialist with the community team. She has worked on two research projects and enjoys spending time with her family, bushwalking, reading, and good food and wine.

One Page Summary Short Summary Full Report

BRENDA SVENSSON, CATHOLIC HEALTH CARE

Outback Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema Interventions: do we get the same lymphoedema outcomes?

Brenda Svensson is an occupational therapist working at Lourdes Hospital and Community Health Service in Dubbo. She has worked in lymphoedema since 1991 and has an interest in early identification and intervention for breast cancer related lymphoedema, health education and lymphoedema service provision in rural and remote health settings.

One Page Summary Full Report Publication

KARLA CALLEJA, SOUTHERN NSW LHD

Feeding the Family: "You gotta do what you're gotta do" - A pilot research study into the strategies used by low income mothers to feed themselves and their families

Karla has worked in the health arena for almost a decade in various roles including population health, health promotion and health service planning. She has a Master of Public Health and a keen interest in health inequities, in particular, food insecurity. Karla currently works for a regional district health service.

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MELISSA CUMMING, FAR WEST LHD

Do Rural Primary Health care nurses feel equipped for palliative care? The professional and personal impact on rural and remote primary health care nurses who are required to provide palliative care as part of their generalist role.

Melissa Cumming is a Clinical Nurse Consultant Grade 3 in Cancer and Palliative Care based in Broken Hill for the Far West LHD and has a Masters Degree in Palliative Care. Melissa began her specialist nursing career in Palliative Care in Sydney in 1987 and moved to Broken Hill in 1989 where she started the local Palliative Care Service. In her nearly 24 years in Broken Hill, Melissa has provided direct and consultative Palliative Care Services and education to many rural and remote communities in the former GWAHS. She has been a passionate advocate for rural and remote palliative care, and her research project topic reflects her interest in rural and remote service provision.

One Page Summary Full Report Publication

MARGARET DALMAU, GSAHS

Experiences of an Unsuccessful Ethical Application Process Involving Research on a Sensitive Topic Suicide in Older People in Rural Areas

Short Report Full Report

MICHELLE DALY, NCAHS

To investigate a competency-based training program to manage alcohol withdrawal at selected hospitals in the NCAHS

Michelle is a Clinical Nurse Consultant based at Lismore. Her area of specialty is Drug and Alcohol. Michelle has published a paper on this topic with coauthors Dr. Stephen Kermode and David Reilly.

One Page Summary Full Report Publication

LYNN DAVIES, NCAHS

Seclusion Patterns within a NSW (Australia) Rural Area Health Service

Lynn is a Nurse Educator in the Coffs/Clarence Network. Both a clinical psychologist and a nurse, Lynn has had a long standing interest in research. Since completing her research as part of the Rural Research Capacity Building Program, Lynn has gone on to enrol in a PhD on this topic. Lynn also has a peer review article published.

One page summary Full Report Appendices

ROHENA DUNCOMBE, NCAHS

Rural Community Health Intake Study: Client Intake for Adult Counselling in Rural Community Health

Rohena is a Social Worker based at Byron Bay Community Health Centre. In addition to her role at NCAHS, Rohena also works part time with Charles Sturt University teaching in the Social Work and Human Services program.

One page summary Full Report  Publication

ROSA FLAHERTY, NCAHS

Trialling of a 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Program in a Rural Australian Child Protection Setting

Rosa is a PANOC Psychologist based at Grafton Community Health Centre and is currently Acting Area Coordinator of the PANOC services for the NCAHS.

One Page Summary Full Report

ANNIE FLINT, GSAHS

Hearty Health for Rural Women

Annie Flint is the GSAHS Women's Health Coordinator and is based in Bateman's Bay on the NSW south coast. Annie is currently acting in the role of Early Intervention Coordinator.

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CLAUDIA GIUGNI, GWAHS

A comparative study looking at the effectiveness of two different teaching methods used to improve the integration of the palliative approach into rural residential aged care facilities

During her time in the program Claudia worked as a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Palliative Care with the Greater Western Area Health Service.

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MARGARET HEWETSON, NCAHS

Professional and personal support needs and future careers of NSW Hospital Pharmacy Graduates

Margaret Hewetson was previously Director of Pharmacy at Lismore Base Hospital. Her interests are HR oriented and particularly in identifying the important recruitment and retention factors for pharmacists in rural areas in order to build the department. Previously she worked in UK as Director of Medicines Information for London and South East England. In that position she worked with NHS Direct the 24 hour nurse-led health helpline and led the development of the NHS National electronic Library for Medicines www.nelm.nhs.uk

One Page Summary Full Report Survey

JANELLE LYMBERY, HNEAHS

The experiences of rural osteoarthritic patients

Janelle is a Physiotherapist working at a rural hospital in the Hunter Valley of NSW. Her interests include optimizing the management of chronic musculoskeletal conditions through services that are responsive to patients needs. Janelle believes that chronic conditions must be better managed in the future in order to cope with the needs of an ageing population.

One Page Summary Full Report

ALISON MAC TAGGART, GSAHS

Partnerships for Healthier Communities: A study looking at the nature and extent of partnerships between a rural area health service and the local councils in the region

Alison Mac Taggart is currently Manager of Partnerships and Research with the Greater Southern Area Health Service. Fostering effective partnerships to build capacity to address social determinant and health equity issues is a key focus of her work.

One Page Summary Short Report Full Report Appendices

KAREN SAUNDERS, NCAHS

Does the use of the 'Pressure Sore Prediction Score' prompt nurses to initiate preventative strategies?

Karen is a Clinical Nurse Specialist based at Coffs Harbour Health Campus. Karen has recently been involved in a project aimed at reducing hospital admissions for residents of aged care facilities.

One Page Summary Full Report

DEBBIE SCHWEBEL, NCAHS

Nurse Executives: Internal and External Influences in the Management of small rural hospitals

Debbie is the Area Nurse Manager of policy and evidence based practice and is based at Port Macquarie. Debbie has experience and qualifications in both nursing and management and has worked in rural NSW for nine years.

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CHRISTINE STANFORD, NCAHS

The needs of rural Lung Cancer patients: Research study into the needs (met and unmet) of patients diagnosed with a primary lung cancer who reside within the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen or Nambucca Regions of the North Coast Area Health Service

Christine Stanford is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Oncology/Haematology at the North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour Health Campus.

One Page Summary Full Report

LEANNE WRIGHT, NCAHS

They just don't like to wait: a comparative study of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people who do not wait for treatment or discharge themselves against medical advice from rural emergency departments

Leanne is a Nurse Practitioner who works in the Emergency Department and has worked in Kempsey, Wauchope and Port Macquarie during the period of this study.

One Page Summary Full Report Publication 1 Publication 2

RHONDA WILSON, HNEAHS

Barriers to the early identification & intervention of early psychosis among young rural males

Rhonda's interest in researching was sparked during her previous role as Clinical Nurse Specialist in Hunter New England Health where she was the Early Psychosis Project Officer for the Northern region of HNEH. The research project commenced as part of the RRCBP and has led to Rhonda's recent award of a Masters of Nursing (Hons) at the University of New England. Rhonda is now a Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at UNE, and continues research and practice development collaborations with her colleagues in HNEH. She is involved in a number of other research projects. She is currently embarking on a PhD.

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