A five-year project led by Associate Professor Robyn Clay-Williams at the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, pictured above,  has received $2.8 million from the federal government’s Medical Research Future Fund.

The study aims to improve emergency department care and outcomes for patients with complex health needs.

In NSW emergency departments, consumers who are older, have a disability, present with a mental health condition, are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, or come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, will be involved in research to improve the safety and quality of care they receive.

Patients from these groups often spend longer than average in ED and have worse outcomes than the general population, including greater likelihood of multiple return visits.

The research will include input from clinicians and be conducted in Westmead and Blacktown Mount Druitt hospitals in Western Sydney, with successful improvements to be rolled out to other hospitals across the state.

“This is a clear example of how research led by Macquarie University is meeting the healthcare needs of the people who need it most in our community,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Sakkie Pretorius.

The grant is part of $24m in funding provided to projects that will explore better ways to reduce wait times for people presenting to emergency departments projects around the country through the MRFF’s Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research Initiative.

Find out more on the Australian Institute of Health Innovation website.