Health Services Research - Wesley Research Institute
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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

We work with patients and their carers, health service leaders, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, personal carers, general practitioners, external stakeholders, and the broader community to design health services that best suit the needs of all stakeholders.

Evaluation

Supporting health services to improve healthcare delivery by understanding what works, what doesn’t work, and why. We use robust, evidence-based evaluation methods to identify clinical, implementation, cost, service, and patient outcomes.

Translating evidence into practice

We use implementation science theories, models, and frameworks to support health services to use research evidence in clinical practice and recommend strategies to address contextual barriers and enablers we identify.

Building research capacity

Wesley Research Institute provides expert support and guidance to UnitingCare Queensland to build the research knowledge and capacity of UnitingCare Queensland staff.

Virtual Hospital Research Program

Wesley Research Institute and UnitingCare Queensland have established a research program focused on the co-design, implementation, and evaluation of the new UnitingCare Queensland Virtual Hospital.

The Virtual Hospital Research Team, led by Dr Olivia Fisher, are informing the implementation and ongoing development of the hospital in real time by providing evidence-based recommendations tailored to the specific needs and context of UnitingCare Queensland, its staff, patients and their families and carers, and key stakeholders. As the Virtual Hospital becomes established, patient, health service and implementation outcomes will be evaluated.

This world-first applied health services research program is expected to be a long-term collaboration with UnitingCare Queensland.

Health Services Research Projects

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 Hunt Estate Trust.

Evaluation of the Isaac Navicare mental health care navigation service pilot

Funded by: Mitsubishi Development

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.
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