Health Innovations in 2018
Three teams have been awarded innovation grants through the Gallipoli
Medical Research Foundation to fund studies that improve clinical outcomes
at Greenslopes Private Hospital. These awards are possible through the
generosity of the GMRF’s donors including Thynne + Macartney Lawyers.
greenslopesprivate.com.au | 7
Moving on from Intensive Care
Staff will conduct a study among patients who transition
from the Intensive Care Unit to hospital wards, aiming
to decrease the number of people needing emergency
calls and re-admissions to ICU.
During the trial, patients will be reviewed daily by an
ICU nurse for 72 hours after they leave the intensive care
unit, in addition to being checked by nursing staff on
their new ward.
Liz Lane, Nurse Manager of the Intensive Care Unit,
said the extra measure aims to identify any issues that
might arise for a patient and assist staff in the wards with
any questions.
“The nature of Intensive Care means there is a higher
ratio of nurses to patients than other areas of the
hospital. We always strive to improve outcomes for
our patients, and we hope this additional review is
another way we can help people back on the road to
recovery faster.”
Patients will be seen within 24 hours after discharging
from ICU (excluding weekends) and an assessment form
will be completed for each person. Any concerns will be
communicated to the ward nurse or doctor,” said
Ms Lane.
“Our ultimate goal is to reduce the number of Medical
Team Emergencies called for patients who have
previously been in the ICU.”
Ms Lane will work with a project team consisting of
Jennifer May, Ashika Kapoor and Lucy Mwengi,
who all work in the Intensive Care Unit.
Researching the effects
of grief and loss
The Coordinating Chaplain at Greenslopes Private
Hospital will use a second grant to investigate the
presence of grief and loss experienced by amputee and
colorectal patients.
At the same time, the study will also focus on emotional,
social and relational impacts of surgery on their
overall wellbeing.
Petra Milaudi said she was inspired to take on the research
after supporting many patients and families who have
journeyed the path of amputation or colorectal surgery.
“They felt the need to speak to someone about what
they were feeling and experiencing regarding the sense
of deep loss and grief about their limb or body part being
removed, even though they understood the need for the
surgery,” said Ms Milaudi.
It is hoped the project will give people the opportunity
to share their experiences, feel more supported and
enhance patient outcomes in a more proactive rather
than reactive way.
Stress, tolerance & treatment
Psychologists at Greenslopes Private Hospital will
examine whether high levels of distress tolerance among
veterans are linked to better treatment outcomes in
programs offered to these patients.
“Recent studies suggest that limited ability to tolerate
distress may negatively impact treatment among military
populations with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),”
said Dr Karolina Alichniewicz.
“Given that rates of PTSD are increasing, it is critical to
gain a better understanding of factors associated with
treatment effectiveness.”
The project will study ex-service personnel who are
diagnosed with PTSD, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic
Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and/or Substance Use
Disorder and their ability to tolerate psychological distress.
“It is intended that this research will lead to new treatment
options for patients at the hospital’s Keith Payne Unit,”
said Dr Alichniewicz.
The outcomes of this research project are expected to
guide service delivery and develop more innovative
practice, focusing on emotional awareness and emotion
regulation in veterans.
We hope this
additional review
is another way we
can help people
back on the road
to recovery faster.
ICU team members Liz Lane,
Lucy Mwengi and Jennifer May
received one of three innovation grants.