health sciences honours projects
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Undertake Honours in Health Sciences
College of Nursing& Health Sciences
FAST FACTSBachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) available as single year study load or part time equivalent. Your path towards a higher degree by research.
CLASSWORLD
*90% of our research rated world-standard or above (Flinders rating 89.7%, rounded up to 90%. Excellence in Research for Australia, 2018).
World-class research*
Contact usOur friendly staff are available to answer your questions:Ivanka Prichard Honours Program CoordinatorCollege of Nursing & Health SciencesP: +61 8 8201 3713 | E: [email protected]
TAKE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND OPEN UP NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH A BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCES (HONOURS).
Work on research that will make a difference in the world.Develop new skills and knowledge as you work with experts contributing to research that matters. Research in the health discipline of your choice including nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, optometry, nutrition and exercise science.You’ll have access to the latest thinking, study in a stimulating and supportive environment and graduate career-ready with the skills and knowledge to facilitate change and influence health care practice leading to better health systems, better care, and better lives.
flinders.edu.au/study/apply/honours
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Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours Supervisors & Potential Projects*
Caring Futures Institute ................................................................................................................ 2 Better Care .................................................................................................................................. 2 Better Communities ..................................................................................................................... 2 Better Lives .................................................................................................................................. 2 Better Systems & Health & Social Care Economics ..................................................................... 2 Technology .................................................................................................................................. 2 Methodological Innovations .......................................................................................................... 2 Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death & Dying .................................................................... 3 SHAPE - Sport, Health, Activity, Performance and Exercise Research Centre............................. 3 Flinders Digital Health Research Centre ...................................................................................... 3 Attrill, Stacie ................................................................................................................................. 4 Baldwin, Claire ............................................................................................................................. 4 Barbour, Jayne............................................................................................................................. 5 Bazargan, Maryam ....................................................................................................................... 5 Chakraborty, Ranjay .................................................................................................................... 6 Conroy, Tiffany............................................................................................................................. 6 Coveney, John ............................................................................................................................. 7 De Bellis, Anita............................................................................................................................. 8 Feo, Rebecca .............................................................................................................................. 8 George, Stacey .......................................................................................................................... 10 Gordon, Sue .............................................................................................................................. 12 Hendriks, Jeroen ........................................................................................................................ 12 Hutchinson, Claire ...................................................................................................................... 13 Hunter, Sarah ............................................................................................................................ 13 Jackson, Kathryn ....................................................................................................................... 14 Johnson, Brittany ....................................................................................................................... 15 Khadka, Jyoti ............................................................................................................................. 15 Lange, Belinda ........................................................................................................................... 17 Lewis, Lucy ................................................................................................................................ 19 Milte, Rachel .............................................................................................................................. 20 Prichard, Ivanka ......................................................................................................................... 21 Ramos, Joyce ............................................................................................................................ 22 Xiao, Lily .................................................................................................................................... 23 * Please note: this booklet contains example projects within the College of Nursing & Health Sciences for the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) program. Also see https://www.flinders.edu.au/caring-futures-institute/researcher-profiles for overall research areas. Please contact the Honours coordinator ([email protected]) if you have an area of research interest that is not listed. * Students should contact potential supervisors to discuss Honours projects with them in more detail before submitting an Honours application.
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Areas of Focus Caring Futures Institute
https://www.flinders.edu.au/caring-futures-institute
We are health care professionals, nurses and clinicians and we are researchers dedicated to different areas of expertise. We have experience from around the globe and strong partnerships with industry care providers and government services. We care about working together to build better lives, better communities, better care and better systems.
See: https://www.flinders.edu.au/caring-futures-institute/researcher-profiles
Better Care Contact: Professor Robyn Clark https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/robyn.clark Better Communities Contact: Professor Sally Robinson https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/sally.robinson Better Lives Self-care, Health & Wellbeing Contact: Professor Rebecca Golley https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/rebecca.golley Better Systems & Health & Social Care Economics Health, Ageing and Social Care Systems & Services Contact: Professor Julie Ratcliffe https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/julie.ratcliffe Technology Developing and implementing technology that helps improve people's lives. Contact: Associate Professor Belinda Lange https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/belinda.lange Methodological Innovations Innovating in research to improve care. Contact: Professor Joanne Arciuli https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/joanne.arciuli
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Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death & Dying
https://www.flinders.edu.au/research-centre-palliative-care-death-dying Core areas:
• Palliative care across the health system • Death & dying across the community • Online evidence & practice translation
Contact: Professor Jennifer Tieman, [email protected]
SHAPE - Sport, Health, Activity, Performance and Exercise Research Centre
https://www.flinders.edu.au/shape SHAPE is a multidisciplinary research centre focused on movement behaviours. We are committed to high quality translational research that will enhance knowledge and understanding around sport and physical activity. Core areas:
• Physical activity & movement behaviour • Sport, society & culture • Exercise science
Contact: Dr Ivanka Prichard, [email protected] Flinders Digital Health Research Centre
https://www.flinders.edu.au/flinders-digital-health-research-centre.html We concentrate on projects developing and deploying computational solutions which provide benefits to the management of health in numerous social and clinical settings, including home and workplace. Contact: Professor Anthony Maeder, [email protected]
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Possible Honours Thesis Project Areas 2021 Attrill, Stacie
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Associate Professor Stacie Attrill Main area of research focus: Health workforce development for diverse communities; Culturally and linguistically diverse health students and practitioners. Web: www.flinders.edu.au/people/stacie.attrill Contact: [email protected] Secondary supervisor: Fathimath Shifaza Proposed Honours Project Title: Participation and experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse health practitioners working in majority culture contexts. In Western countries, health practitioners that include those from allied health, nursing and medicine are prominently from white, Anglo backgrounds, and do not reflect the culturally and linguistically diverse communities that they serve. Whilst health professions have made attempts to increase diversity amongst practitioners, there remain social and structural barriers that impede people from CALD backgrounds from entering and experiencing success in health professional communities. There has been limited exploration of the experiences of CALD health practitioners who practice in majority cultural contexts, nor factors that foster or impede their success. Informed by the theory of Legitimate Peripheral Participation (Lave & Wenger, 1991), this project will complete a scoping review to explore factors that influence the participation and experiences of CALD health practitioners. Relevant reference: Betancourt, J.R., 2003. Defining Cultural Competence: A Practical Framework for Addressing Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Health and Health Care. Public Health Reports. doi:10.1093/phr/118.4.293 This project is part of a program of research under the Caring Futures Institute theme: Better Systems, that aims to develop and foster a health professional workforce that meets the needs of Australia’s diverse and growing communities.
Baldwin, Claire
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Claire Baldwin Research focus: physical activity, sedentary behaviour, older adults, hospitalisation, outcome measures, physical function, physical therapy, https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/claire.baldwin Secondary supervisor: A/Prof Lucy Lewis Research focus: physical activity and sedentary behaviour across the lifespan, objective measurement of activity, https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/lucy.lewis Proposed Honours Project How to measure important outcomes in research studies of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults’ who are hospitalised with an acute medical illness. Inactivity is prevalent in the acute hospital setting. As research on interventions to address immobility in hospitalised older adults moves forward, guidance on what are the important outcomes to measure and how to measure them is required.
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The supervisory team have recently consulted experts and stakeholders to determine the most important types of outcomes to measures in studies of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in hospitalised older adults. Physical functioning, social functioning, emotional functioning and hospital outcomes were most important to our sample of patients and health professionals. The next step is to determine how to measure important outcomes. This honours program is proposed to include a systematic review of meausrement instruments and surveys of stakeholders to gain consensus on how important outcomes should be measured in research studies. Reference: Baldwin CE, Phillips AC, Edney SM, Lewis LK. Recommendations for older adults’ physical activity and sedentary behaviour during hospitalisation for an acute medical illness: an international Delphi study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2020;17:69. doi.org/10.1186/s12966-020-00970-3 Additional information The project is suited to someone with an interest in conducting systematic review and Delphi/survey-based research. The project may be completed by any student with a health professional background, but may be of particular interest to physiotherapists, occupational therapists or exercise physiologists. The supervisory team will encourage the Honours candidate to publish their work in a peer-reviewed journal and possibly present this work at a suitable conference.
Barbour, Jayne
https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/jayne.barbour
Proposed Honours Project Nutrition Promotion for Student Health and Wellbeing Project The survey includes validated tools for measuring 1) Food literacy, 2) Food security 3) Food knowledge and 4) Food intake. We have pre-existing data on over 500 Flinders Uni students. We are planning to repeat this survey to reflect differences during Covid restrictions.
Bazargan, Maryam
http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/maryam.bazargan
Proposed Honours Project Medicalised birth models for healthy pregnant women have become the dominant care model in Iran, with the second highest rate of Caesarean Section (CS) in the world. The average rate of CS is 62.0% and 92% in public and private hospitals, respectively. Policies that have been adopted in Iran’s maternity system in the last few decades such as marginalising midwives’ roles in normal child-birth have changed the birth culture dramatically. Iranian woman has a fear of normal child-birth and believes that CS is safer than normal birth, and so prefers to give birth by CS. In recent years many women in childbearing ages have migrated to Australia and the number of Iranian women giving birth in South Australia has increase from 55 birth in 2011 (0.3%) to 126 birth in 2014 (0.6%). It is important to understand if this relocation would alter women’s perception towards normal birth. This study will use a mixed model approach. This study aims to explore the demographic childbirth data for Iranian women migrated to Australia
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in comparison with Australian born woman and to discover their approach/perception towards natural birth through midwifery led care.
• Latifnejad Roudsari RL, Zakerihamidi M & Merghati Khoei E, Kazemnejad A (2014) Cultural perceptions and preferences of Iranian women regarding caesarean delivery. Iranian Journal of Nursing & Midwifery Research 19:S28-36
• Omani-Samani, R., Mohammadi, M., Almasi-Hashiani, A., & Maroufizadeh, S. (2017). Cesarean section and socioeconomic status in Tehran, Iran. Journal of research in health sciences, 17(4).
Chakraborty, Ranjay
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr. Ranjay Chakraborty Main area of research focus: Myopia (or short-sightedness) and eye growth in humans Flinders website: https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/ranjay.chakraborty Secondary supervisor: Dr. Alex Jaworski Proposed Honours Project Effect of spectral composition of light on myopia in young adults Outline: Myopia, short-sightedness, is the most common vision disorder among children and young adults. It currently affects around one third of the Australian population. Myopia, especially in severe cases, may cause irreversible vision loss due to associated eye complications. Using a light emitting device, this study aims to examine the effects of short-term exposure to red, green and blue ambient lighting on eye structures that are involved in the regulation of eye growth and myopia development. Project fits well within the “Better Communities” theme of the CFI. Examining the link between spectral lighting and myopia will open a novel and exciting avenue for future research. Reference:
• Chakraborty et al. Circadian rhythms, refractive development and myopia. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2018; 38: 217-45.
Additional information Specific background and skills: Background in Optometry and/or Vision Science preferred. Note: The project requires simple and basic knowledge of the eye. Adequate training will be provided to students without any knowledge/background of Vision Science.
Conroy, Tiffany
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Tiffany Conroy Main area of research focus: Nursing, Fundamentals of Care, Knowledge Translation Link to profile: https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/tiffany.conroy Secondary supervisor: Dr Rebecca Feo Main area of research focus: Fundamental care Link to profile: https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/rebecca.feo Proposed Honours Project
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Celebrating clinical care It is important to celebrate the ‘good news’ stories in healthcare. Learning from what has worked well can inform future practice improvement projects. The Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) are planning a series of ‘Caring Conversations’ where nurses and midwives will share their caring success stories. These conversations will also be a forum for staff to nominate and prioritise the areas of care requiring improvement. Ethical approval will have been sought and data collection will be in progress, thus providing an immediate opportunity to commence data analysis. This project offers a unique opportunity to explore successful knowledge translation strategies and to develop a suite of evidence-based, translation ready, practice improvement projects generated, prioritised and implemented by SALHN nurses and midwives. This project fits within the Better Care and Better Systems research themes of the Caring Futures Institute. Suggested reading: SALHN Strategic Direction Map 2019-2024 access via https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/about+us/our+local+health+networks/southern+adelaide+local+health+network/about+us/salhn+strategic+direction+map+2019+to+2024 Additional information Mentoring in qualitative data analysis and report writing will be provided.
Coveney, John
Supervision team Primary supervisor: John Coveney, PhD https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/john.coveney Secondary supervisor: Karen Patterson, PhD Proposed Honours Projects Hard of hearing and social eating Current evidence demonstrates a relationship between increasing difficulties with hearing and withdrawal from social eating events. Individuals who are having increasing problems with hearing are more likely to remove themselves from shared eating events due to difficulties with conversation and easy social interaction. Research in this area will examine the nature of the relationship between hearing competence and social eating, especially to explore way in which homes, cafes and restaurants may be more accommodating of hard of hearing people. This research fits with the Better Care theme of the Flinders Caring Futures Institute. Reference:
• https://www.hearinglink.org/living/lipreading-communicating/hearing-loss-eating-out/ Eating alone together For older people, eating alone has consistently been found to be associated with increased nutritional risk and social isolation. This research will examine the health and social benefits of sharing mealtimes using ‘virtual’ communities. Specifically, the project will use standard iPad technology to join together people who would normally be eating in isolation with others who may also be isolated or may be sharing an eating event ‘at the table’. The results will be of great benefit to organisations that have to cater to individuals who are not able to be present at mealtimes and would benefit from company through sharing ‘virtually’. The research fits with the Better Care theme of the Flinders Caring Futures Institute. References:
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• Breen, F., Coveney, J., & Pflaum, C. A. H. (2018). A literature scoping review of eating practices and food environments in 1 and 2-person households in the UK, Australia and USA. Appetite, 126, 43-53. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2018.03.005
• Crotty, M., Killington, M., van den Berg, M., Morris, C., Taylor, A., & Carati, C. (2014). Telerehabilitation for older people using off-the-shelf applications: acceptability and feasibility. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 20(7), 370-376.
Food responsibilities of the ‘sandwich generation’ The so-called ‘sandwich generation’ comprises those people who are primary carers for their children and for their parents and sometimes grandparents. The term ‘sandwich’ here is used to signify the position of those carers who are ‘sandwiched’ and carry a double burden of responsibility including juggling time and resources to support the needs of the cared for groups. Much of the sandwich generation responsibilities concern food provisioning and associated responsibilities. This research will further define the experiences of people in the sandwich generation in relation to food provisioning, and consider ways to support carers. The research fits with the Better Lives theme of the Flinders Caring Futures Institute. Reference:
• Glynn, K., Maclean, H., Forte, T. and Cohen, M. (2009) The association between role overload and women’s mental health. Journal of Womens Health, 18, 217–223.
Additional information No specific background, knowledge or skills are required to undertake this project
De Bellis, Anita
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Anita De Bellis Aged Care, Dementia Care, End of Life Care https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/anita.debellis Proposed Honours Project Any aspect of dementia care. Interactions between careworkers and person with dementia. The use of chemical restraint on persons with dementia in residential aged care. End of life care for persons with dementia. Any aspect of aged care. Intergenerational programs in residential aged care. Grey Nomads health on the road. Qualitative research in the health field.
Feo, Rebecca
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Rebecca Feo Main areas of research focus: Fundamentals of Care and Men’s help-seeking Profile: https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/rebecca.feo Secondary supervisor: Dr Tiffany Conroy Main areas of research focus: Nursing, Fundamentals of Care, Knowledge Translation Profile: https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/tiffany.conroy
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Proposed Honours Project Nursing leadership for fundamental care Modern healthcare environments are complex, and as such, delivering high-quality fundamental care is challenging for nurses. Fundamental care refers to the care required by everyone, regardless of clinical condition, and which is crucial for health, wellbeing, and survival. Recent academic and public scrutiny has uncovered powerful evidence demonstrating that fundamental care is being neglected or delivered inadequately in healthcare settings in Australia and globally. Clinical nurse leaders – those responsible for the outcomes of care in their area of responsibility – are in a prime position to ensure fundamental care is delivered to a consistently high standard. This study will involve interviews with clinical nurse leaders (nurse unit managers, clinical nurse directors, nurse practitioners etc.) working across a variety of healthcare settings. The aim is to explore the strategies nurse leaders use to ensure high-quality fundamental care. The results will be collated into a list of strategies and disseminated to clinical leaders in South Australia and nationally. This project fits within the Better Care and Better Systems research themes of the Caring Futures Institute. Suggested reading:
• Feo, R., & Kitson, A. (2016). Promoting patient-centred fundamental care in acute healthcare systems: A discussion paper. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 51, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2016.01.006
Additional information Mentoring in qualitative data analysis and report writing will be provided.
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Rebecca Feo Main area of research focus: fundamental care and men’s health Profile: https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/rebecca.feo Secondary supervisor: Dr Sarah Hunter Main area of research focus: Fathering and Masculinities Profile: https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/sarah.hunter Proposed Honours Project Title: Support Needs of Fathers The past few decades have seen significant changes in family life. Contemporary Western societies are seeing an ever-increasing involvement of fathers in all facets of caregiving and homelife. As such, we have seen a proliferation of support services for fathers, enabling them to share, learn, support and be supported. Despite these changes, there remains a scarcity of research focusing on fathers’ support needs. This project will survey fathers from various backgrounds to examine what their support needs are and how they seek information and support in relation to parenting. This project aligns with the Caring Futures Institutes aim to examine contemporary notions of care and self-care. This project also fits within a current program of research within the CFI and College examining fathers and family life. Suggested Reading: Shorey, S., Dennis, C. L., Bridge, S., Chong, Y. S., Holroyd, E., & He, H. G. (2017). First‐time fathers’ postnatal experiences and support needs: A descriptive qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 73(12), 2987-2996.
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George, Stacey
Supervision team Primary supervisor: A/Prof Stacey George https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/stacey.george Research interests include translation of research into practice, and allied health research. Secondary supervisor: Jo Nolan Senior Physiotherapist, Research and Service Improvement, FMC Senior Program Manager (Research Lead), Allied and Scientific Health Office, SA Health Clinical Collaborative Research interests include prevention of functional decline, translation of evidence into practice, building research capacity to improve clinical outcomes and systems of care provision. Proposed Honours Project Understanding Allied Health Professionals Research Capacity and Culture To improve translation of research into clinical practice, an understanding of allied health research capacity and culture in Southern Adelaide Local Health Network using a valid outcome measure, the RCCT, is important. This would enable targeted development of research and knowledge translation capacity building initiatives, to improve systems and practices of care and to improve both individual and community health care outcomes. This is most strongly aligned with Better Systems but also consistent with the Caring Futures Institute themes of Better Lives, Better Care and Better Communities.
• Assessment of Health Research Capacity in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD): A Study on Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals
• Lee, et al (2020) J Multidiscip Healthc. 2020; 13: 153–163. Additional information This project is suitable for students with any health science background. An understanding of electronic survey methods and interest in analysis of data would be beneficial.
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Stacey George https://researchnow.flinders.edu.au/en/persons/stacey-george-2 Secondary supervisor: Chris Barr https://researchnow.flinders.edu.au/en/persons/chris-barr-2 Proposed Honours Project The development and assessment of virtual models of the home for occupational therapy led equipment prescription. This project aims to create a solution to time and resource intense OT home visits by developing and testing a prescription protocol based on a 360o video recorded in the participants home. This method will create 360o video tours and subsequently 3D scale models of the home for placement of virtual equipment. It is hypothesised that this method of virtual
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home visits results in equivalent equipment prescriptions to home visits, but is more cost effective for the health service and acceptable to the clients. The research will involve a feasibility study of comparison of the level of agreement of equipment prescription performed via usual practice, that is an occupational therapist home visiting, and using a virtual model. A qualitative component of assessing client perceptions will also occur. Suggested reading
• Ninnis, K., Van Den Berg, M., Lannin, N. A., George, S., & Laver, K. (2019). Information and communication technology use within occupational therapy home assessments: A scoping review. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 82(3), 141-152.
Alignment with Research Themes within the Caring Futures Institute The project aligns with the theme of Better Care, by exploring options to provide services to promote safety and independence in the home environment, particularly when access to services are reduced, such as in rural and remote areas and with Covid-19 for vulnerable groups, utilising the building block of technology. Additional information Occupational Therapy, interest in technological applications to practice
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Stacey George https://researchnow.flinders.edu.au/en/persons/stacey-george-2 Secondary supervisor: Claire Hutchinson https://researchnow.flinders.edu.au/en/persons/claire-hutchinson-2 Proposed Honours Project Return to work after stroke – education and information needs to inform best practice: perspectives of stroke survivors, service providers and employers This project aims to gain the perspectives of people with stroke, healthcare professionals, disability planners, and vocational providers regarding their education/information needs related to Return to work for stroke survivors. These perspectives will enable the co-design of interventions to address the education and information needs of stakeholders to maximise the capability for stroke survivors to return to work. Suggested reading
• Edwards, J.D., Kapoor, A., Linkewich, E. and Swartz, R.H., 2018. Return to work after young stroke: A systematic review. International Journal of Stroke, 13(3), 243-256. Alignment with Research Themes within the Caring Futures Institute The project aligns with the theme of Better Lives and Better Systems, by gaining information to improve return to work outcomes for stroke survivors and enhance the systems that supports this. Additional information Any specific degree background, knowledge or skills a student would need to undertake this project Qualitative research skills
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Gordon, Sue
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Professor Sue Gordon https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/sue.gordon Secondary supervisor: Dr Sarah Peters https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/sarah.peters Proposed Honours Project Title: ‘Using theatre to understand the lived experience of transitioning to aged care’ This project will research the experiences of people tranisitioning into aged care. Participants will complete an interview with a playwright to share their lived experience, and these stories will inform the writing of a play. The honours project will research the experience of the individuals as they participate in the development of the play. At the outset it will include gathering information via survey about what they want to achieve by their participation, exploring the transcription of the interview to expand on meaning and context and lastly what the outcomes of participation were for them. Theme: Better Lives Additional information Specific degree background, knowledge or skills a student would need to undertake this project Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills Interest in learning about questionnaire development and administration, and conduct of focus groups
Hendriks, Jeroen
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Professor Jeroen Hendriks https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/jeroen.hendriks Proposed Honours Project Integrated Care in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation – The iCARE-AF Study. This is a large multi-centre, multi-state RCT recruiting patients with Atrial Fibrillation and comparing the effectiveness in delivery an integrated care approach (i.e. patient centred, multidisciplinary team and using smart technology for patients and health care team) versus usual care by a cardiologist. Multiple areas for research (including clinical, process as well as patient reported outcomes) will be available through this trial and any prospective students should contact Dr Hendriks in the first instance. TeleHealth in Atrial Fibrillation I will soon start the implementation of an mHealth intervention through teleconsultation in patients with AF. In this approach patients will remotely measure their heart rate and rhythm by using an mHealth application and treatment/follow-up will be provided through teleconsultation (in combination with face to face visits). A clinical trial will be conducted as well. These would align the CFI themes: Better Care, Better Lives
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Hutchinson, Claire
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Claire Hutchinson Research focus: Ageing, disability and health https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/claire.hutchinson Secondary supervisor: Dr June Alexander Research focus: Disability employment https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/june.alexander Proposed Honours Project People with intellectual disability have difficulty finding and maintaining employment. Transition from school to work is now funded under the NDIS and there are many disability agencies offering a variety of transition services. However, the Australian research is limited. This project would examine one disability transition service. The exact research topic would need to be negotiated with the service involved. Reference:
• Bouck, E.C. and Park, J. (2019), "Special Education Transition Services for Students with Intellectual Disabilities", Special Education Transition Services for Students with Disabilities (Advances in Special Education, Vol. 35), Emerald Publishing Limited, pp. 53-67
Alignment with Caring futures research theme: Better Communities – generating social inclusion Additional information Interest in disability. Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research.
Hunter, Sarah
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Rebecca Feo Main area of research focus: fundamental care and men’s health Profile: https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/rebecca.feo Secondary supervisor: Dr Sarah Hunter Main area of research focus: Fathering and Masculinities Profile: https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/sarah.hunter Proposed Honours Project Title: Fathers in Family Life The past few decades have seen significant changes in family life. Contemporary Western societies are seeing an ever-increasing involvement of fathers in all facets of caregiving and homelife. Research has begun to examine the various ways in which fathers are becoming more involved in their children’s lives and the impacts this is having on fathers’ health and wellbeing, as well as that of their family.
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This project will review the literature to examine how father involvement positively impacts fathers’ health and wellbeing (i.e. physical health, mental health or other area of your interest). This project aligns with the Caring Futures Institute’s aim to examine contemporary notions of care and self-care. This project also fits within a current program of research within the CFI and College examining fathers and family life. Suggested Reading:
• Blackshear, T. B. (2019). Fathers–an untapped resource for increasing physical activity among African American girls. Montenegrin Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 8(1), 23-28.
Jackson, Kathryn
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Kathryn Jackson Secondary supervisor: Dr Joyce Ramos Proposed Honours Project Hydration status with high sodium sports drink use in non-endurance exercise. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of three different hydration beverages (low sodium beverage (eg. plain tap water); regular sodium sports beverage (e.g. Gatorade Perform); & high sodium sports beverage (Hydralyte Sports) on hydration status of male and female A-Grade cyclists in laboratory-regulated conditions. Background: Sodium ingestion during exercise has several roles in the prevention of hypohydration. Sodium ingestion is an effective means to maintain the thirst sensation, which assists in voluntary consumption of fluids while exercising). Sodium ingestion assists in promoting both whole body and compartmental fluid retention, while the uptake of glucose and sodium in the small intestine via the Na+/glucose co-transporter (SGLT1) promotes more rapid absorption of water, via active transport, compared to water alone. Historically, the efficacy of high sodium sports beverages has been shown in endurance cyclists, but efficacy in short-term competitions such as Criterium races (~1hour) is unknown. This study will test the hydration efficacy of 3 beverages of varying sodium concentrations during a simulated Criterium race in controlled heat & humidity conditions in an exercise-physiology laboratory. Key References:
• Earhart, E.L., Weiss, E.P., Rahman, R., & Kelly, P.V. (2015). Effects of Oral Sodium Supplementation on Indices of Thermoregulation in Trained, Endurance Athletes. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 14, 172-178.
• Stachenfeld, N.S. (2014). Sodium ingestion, thirst and drinking during endurance exercise. GSSI Sports Science Exchange, 27(122), 1-5.
This project best-fit is in the Better Lives theme of the Caring Futures Institute. It also fits in the SHAPE Research Centre sports nutrition research space. Specific background, knowledge or skills a student would need to undertake this project Knowledge of the use of FoodWorks dietary analysis software. Basic understanding of statistical analyses using SPSS software.
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Johnson, Brittany
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Brittany Johnson Behaviour change, Nutrition, Childhood obesity prevention https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/brittany.johnson Secondary supervisor: Lene Seidler (Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney) https://ctc.usyd.edu.au/about-us/our-people/academics-research-fellows/anna-lene-seidler/ Project advisors include Paul Chadwick (Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London) Proposed Honours Project Characterising behavioural very early obesity prevention interventions Although early childhood obesity prevention is receiving more attention, little is known about how very early (commencing antenatally or ≤12 months) obesity prevention interventions seek to change behaviour and which components do and do not work. This study aims to characterise very early obesity prevention interventions in terms of target behaviours, delivery features, and behaviour change techniques used. Standardised ontologies will be used to code intervention components of trials from around the world in the TOPCHILD Collaboration. Suggested reading: Seidler AL, Hunter KE, Johnson BJ, et al. Understanding, comparing and learning from the four EPOCH early childhood obesity prevention interventions: A multi-methods study. Pediatr Obes 2020:e12679. doi: 10.1111/ijpo.12679 This project aligns with the Caring Futures Institute Better Lives theme and the building block of methodological innovations. Additional information This project would suit a student with a background in psychology or students with an interest in early childhood activity, nutrition, or sleep.
Khadka, Jyoti
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Jyoti Khadka Research Fellow with expertise in healthy ageing, patient-reported outcomes, and the application of psychometric methods to develop quality of life assessment instruments. (https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/jyoti.khadka, https://portal.sahmriresearch.org/en/persons/jyoti-khadka-2) Secondary supervisors: Prof Julie Ratcliffe, Matthew Flinders Fellow and Professor of Health Economics, with research interests in health and quality of life outcomes, and the economic evaluation of interventions. (https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/julie.ratcliffe) A/Prof Maria Inacio, Epidemiologist with a focus on population health surveillance systems (i.e. registries) (https://portal.sahmriresearch.org/en/persons/maria-inacio) Proposed Honours Project The effect of frailty on the utilisation of aged care services- a population-based evaluation
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Frailty is estimated to be prevalent in 18-49% of older Australians, and this project will evaluate the effect of frailty on the utilisation of aged care services on the ROSA cohort from 2003-2014. It will describe how frailty levels have changed over the study period and how this affects utilisation of aged care services. Frailty will be measured using the ROSA Frailty Index, and aged care service utilisation by type of services received. Understanding the epidemiology of aged care services in frail people will inform the preparation of the aged care system regarding resource allocation, workforce preparation, and policy development. Caring Futures research themes: Better systems, better care Suggested reference:
• Clegg A, Young J, Iliffe S, Rikkert MO, Rockwood K. Frailty in elderly people. Lancet. 2013;381(9868):752-62.
Trends in eye disorders, eye health care utilisation and ophthalmic medication use among people accessing Australian aged care services. Age-related eye disorders are leading causes of visual impairment and blindness in older Australians, and ~70% of eye disorders (e.g. cataract, refractive error) in this age group are treatable or correctable. Visual impairment is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes such as falls, fractures, poor quality of life, and early institutionalisation. Using a population-based cohort captured by the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), we aim to explore the burden of eye disorders and eye health service utilisation in the Australian aged care population, informing a future study to address unmet eye care needs among older Australians. Caring Futures research themes: Better systems, better care Suggested reference:
• Owsley C, McGwin G, Jr., Scilley K, et al. Effect of refractive error correction on health-related quality of life and depression in older nursing home residents. Arch Ophthalmol. 2007;125(11):1471-7.
Factors associated with transition of care from home to residential aged care services in Australia Many older Australians rely on support provided through home care packages to live at home for longer. For some, transition from home to residential care is an inevitable consequence of their deteriorating condition—this is often associated with emotional impact, cost to individuals/families, and significant public expenditure. Using the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) historical cohort, this project will explore factors that lead to transitions into residential aged care. It aims to identify interventions that might help older Australians stay at home and avoid/delay transition to residential aged care, and use economic modellings to quantify costs associated with care transitions. Caring Futures research themes: Better systems, better care Suggested reference:
• Khadka J, Lang C, Ratcliffe J, Corlis M, Wesselingh S, Whitehead C, Inacio M. Trends in the utilisation of aged care services in Australia, 2008-2016. BMC Geriatr. 2019;19(1):213
Specific background, knowledge or skills a student would need to undertake this project Background: Health or Medical Sciences Knowledge: Basic knowledge of mixed methods and/or population health research
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Skills: Ability to develop and express research questions, research hypotheses, aims appropriate research methods and some experience using statistical software (SPSS/ STATA/SAS/R)
Lange, Belinda
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Associate Professor Belinda Lange Research Area: Digital Technologies for Health and Well-being [email protected] https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/belinda.lange Secondary supervisor: Dr. Sebastian Koenig Research Area: Design and development of functional training and assessment tools in virtual reality https://www.katanasim.com/ Proposed Honours Project Does practice in virtual reality lead to improved performance in real world activities? Virtual reality involves viewing a virtual environment through a head mounted display and allows the user to interact with objects in a similar way to what they would in the real world. Virtual reality applications have been used to support exercise and rehabilitation in a range of settings. We have developed a range of functional tasks that combine functional, cognitive and physical elements to create a realistic representation of the challenges that individuals with brain injury are faced with in their daily lives; e.g. preparing a meal while being distracted through various sources. This study aims to compare the virtual tasks with similar tasks performed within the real world to evaluate the validity and feasibility of using virtual reality scenarios in the clinical setting. This type of validation study is an important, and often overlooked, component of the evaluation of immersive virtual environments in clinical practice. Suggested reading related to this topic:
• Results from an earlier version of the system: Wall, K., Cumming, T., Koenig, S., & Copland, D. (2018). Using a non-immersive virtual reality approach to assess cognition in post-stroke aphasia: validating the Cognitive Assessment for Aphasia App (C3A). Aphasiology, 32. https://doi.org/10.1080/02687038.2018.1485853
This project aligns with the Caring Futures Research Them: Better Lives and Better Care Additional information There are no specific skills required to undertake this project. Training and support will be provided.
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Associate Professor Belinda Lange Research Area: Digital Technologies for Health and Well-being [email protected] https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/belinda.lange Secondary supervisor: TBD Proposed Honours Project
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Barriers and facilitators to improving activity levels in the inpatient setting Rehabilitation should be structured to provide as much scheduled therapy as possible. Based on current evidence, a minimum of three hours of scheduled therapy per day with at least two hours of active task practice is recommended. A recent scoping review found limited activity levels patients of in inpatient rehabilitation during therapy and non-therapy time. Therapy duration ranged from 31 to 64 minutes and participants engaged in moderate-high therapeutic activity for only 22-66% of the time during therapy sessions. No time was spent in moderate-high therapeutic activity during non-therapy time. This study aims to use mixed methods to monitor activity levels of people receiving care in the inpatient setting and explore the barriers and facilitators to increasing activity levels through interviews with health professionals and patients. Suggested reading related to this topic: Natalie A. Fini, Anne E. Holland, Jenny Keating, Jacinta Simek, Julie Bernhardt, How Physically Active Are People Following Stroke? Systematic Review and Quantitative Synthesis, Physical Therapy, Volume 97, Issue 7, July 2017, Pages 707–717, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzx038 This project aligns with the Caring Futures Research Them: Better Lives Additional information There are no specific skills required to undertake this project. Training and support will be provided.
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Associate Professor Belinda Lange Research Area: Digital Technologies for Health and Well-being [email protected] https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/belinda.lange Secondary supervisor: Dr. Sheryl Ashford CEO Blue Marble Health https://bluemarblehealthco.com/ Proposed Honours Project Health In Motion: Pilot trial of an online exercise program to improve activity and engagement in rehabilitation following knee replacement The use of an online individualised exercise program has potential to improve self-management and engagement in rehabilitation. Blue Marble Health has developed ‘Health in Motion’, an evidence-based Exercise program, which uses Internet-enabled tablets to instruct clients to undertake tailored strength and balance exercises and collect relevant outcomes. The aim of this study is to determine if the use of an online individualised exercise program can improve outcomes, activity levels and engagement in individuals following knee replacement. Suggested reading related to this topic: The system is currently being evaluated in the USA with older adults to improve balance: http://preventamillionfalls.com/ - this is a protocol for a different tablet based program but provides good background information supporting the relevance of this project: Hager AG, Mathieu N, Lenoble-Hoskovec C, Swanenburg J, de Bie R, Hilfiker R. Effects of three home-based exercise programmes regarding falls, quality of life and exercise-adherence in older adults at risk of falling: protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatricsvolume 19, Article number: 13 (2019)
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This project aligns with the Caring Futures Research Them: Better Lives Additional information There are no specific skills required to undertake this project. Training and support will be provided.
Lewis, Lucy
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Lucy Lewis https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/lucy.lewis (Physiotherapist, physical activity and sedentary behaviour researcher) Secondary supervisors: Dr Ivanka Prichard (https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/ivanka.prichard) and Dr Kate Ridley (EPSW, https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/kate.ridley) Proposed Honours Project Modified sports to increase physical activity in community-dwelling older adults – can walking football really increase physical activity? Physical inactivity is associated with risk of chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and is the 4th leading cause of mortality world-wide. Only one third of Australian adults currently meet the physical activity guidelines and physical activity decrease as we age. Australians are living longer than ever before, and it is important that we investigate interventions to facilitate healthy and active ageing. Physical activity in older adults is associated with increased physical and mental health, social connectedness and improved wellbeing. This project aims to investigate the use of modified sports such as walking football or soccer to increase physical activity in older adults (50+ years). Anecdotally, modified sports are reported to increase activity and participation in older populations, as well as provide opportunities for socialising and community participation. This project aligns with the Better Lives theme of the Caring Futures Institute in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Additional information This project would suit a student with good interpersonal communication, and with an interest in physical activity and health. This project provides a unique opportunity for the student to work with three Supervisors from diverse backgrounds (Physiotherapy, Psychology and Exercise Science) with a mutual interest in investigating ways to encourage people to move more and sit less. Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Lucy Lewis (Physiotherapist, physical activity and sedentary behaviour researcher) http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/lucy.lewis Secondary supervisor: Dr Ivanka Prichard http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/Ivanka.Prichard Proposed Honours Project
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Mums on the move: physical activity and sitting behaviours in mothers of primary school-aged children Not getting enough moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with detrimental health, including increased risk of chronic disease, poor mental health, and mortality. The time that we spend sitting has also been shown to be associated with chronic disease risk, and mortality. Australian guidelines recommend that adults accumulate 150 to 300 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity a week. Over half of all Australian adults are not meeting these recommendations. Mums of primary school-aged children are typically busy, with minimal discretional time in which to be physically active. Research has shown that health behaviours established in early and mid-adulthood carry through to later life, and can predict quality of life, the development of chronic conditions and longevity. Women in their late 30s and 40s are also typically entering perimenopause, which is associated with weight gain, fatigue, anxiety and difficulties with sleep. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood, sleep and help regulate weight gain. Therefore, it is important for Mums of young children to be physically active. This study aims to use activity monitors to objectively-measure activity levels in a cohort of women with children in primary school, as well as assess knowledge and attitudes toward physical activity. The findings will have important implications for the development of an intervention to increase physical activity in this group. Additional information None
Milte, Rachel
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Rachel Milte, Health Economics, https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/rachel.milte Secondary supervisor: Professor Julie Ratcliffe Proposed Honours Project Hearing the voices of people with dementia when measuring quality of care: This project aims to provide vital evidence to inform the implementation of meaningful assessment of quality of aged care from the perspective of the consumer and improve quality of care for Australians. The project will involve researching innovative ways of communicating quality of care concepts with people with dementia receiving aged care, and applying these methods to create an easy-ready questionnaire for this group. The project will be nested within research projects undertaken by the team of researchers within the Health and Social Care Economics group investigating quality of care and life of people receiving aged care services. Suggested reading: Milte R, Ratcliffe J, Bradley C, Shulver W, & Crotty M. 2019, ‘Evaluating the quality of care received in long-term care facilities from a consumer perspective: development and construct validity of the Consumer Choice Index – 6 Dimension instrument’, Ageing and Society, 39(1):138-160. DOI: 10.1017/S0144686X17000861. This project aligns with the Better Systems theme of the Caring Futures Institute, as well as contributing to the Health Economics building block which cuts across the four themes. Additional information Willingness to work with older people with cognitive impairment essential.
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Prichard, Ivanka
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Ivanka Prichard www.flinders.edu.au/people/ivanka.prichard Proposed project My current research interests lie in the area of health psychology and body image, with a particular focus on physical activity, food consumption and body image. This year I am interested in supervising Honours projects that examine how messages communicated via social media influence body dissatisfaction and exercise behaviour or eating behaviour. Suggested readings:
• Mulgrew, K., McCulloch, K., Farren, E., Prichard, I., & Lim, M. S.C. (2018). This Girl Can #Jointhemovement: Effectiveness of Physical Functionality-Focused Campaigns For Women’s Body Satisfaction and Exercise Intent. Body Image, 24, 26-35, doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2017.11.007
• Prichard, I., Kavanagh, E., Mulgrew, K. E., Lim, M. S. C., & Tiggemann, M. (2020). The effect of Instagram #fitspiration images on young women’s mood, body image, and exercise behaviour. Body Image, 33, 1-6. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.02.002.
Specific background, knowledge or skills a student would need to undertake this project An interest in body image and social media research
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Ivanka Prichard www.flinders.edu.au/people/ivanka.prichard Secondary supervisor: A/Prof Zali Yager, Victoria University Proposed Honours Project Promoting healthy body image and health behaviours in mothers and non-mothers Pregnancy and the postpartum period are a time of significant life, identity, and body changes for women. As such, this life stage is one that warrants intervention to improve body image and wellbeing (Rallis, Skouteris, Wertheim, & Paxton, 2007). It is critical to understand the relationship between body image and health behaviours in both mothers and non-mothers to help guide interventions specific to mothers. This study will involve the completion of an anonymous online questionnaire that will provide background information on the relationship between body image and health behaviours in mothers and non-mothers. The questionnaire will consist of a range of pre-existing, standardised measures including measures of functionality appreciation and body appreciation, dietary restraint, reasons for exercise, social comparisons, self-compassion, and role modelling of positive body image. Reading:
• Damiano, S. R., Yager, Z., Prichard, I., & Hart, L. M. (2019). Leading by example: Development of a maternal modelling of positive body image scale and relationships to body image attitudes, Body Image, 29, 132-139. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.03.006
• Raspovic, A., Prichard, I., Yager, Z. & Hart, L., (2020). Mothers’ experiences of the relationship between body image and exercise, 0–5 years postpartum: A qualitative study. Body Image, 35, 41-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.08.003
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Specific background, knowledge or skills a student would need to undertake this project An interest in quantitative research and postnatal health/wellbeing.
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr. Ivanka Prichard (Health sciences) https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/ivanka.prichard Secondary supervisors: Mr. James Pearce (Paramedicine)- https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/james.pearce Dr. Timothy Rayner (Paramedicine) - https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/timothy.rayner Proposed Honours Project Title: Paramedic students on ambulance work integrated learning: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Outline: Paramedic students on ambulance work integrated learning (commonly called ‘clinical placement’) can experience excellent learning opportunities, however, there is the potential for issues such as incivility, bullying, and highly stressful clinical situations. Most of the research undertaken in the area is dated and from interstate. This honours project will; 1. ) Undertake a literature review on the subject, and; 2.) Undertake some focus groups with students to invesitgate the experiences while on placement with SA Ambulance Service. Suggested reading:
• Langford, L., Pearce, J. & Lenson, S. (2020) Student experiences of a paramedic clinical facilitator model during ambulance clinical placements: a qualitative study (Preprint). Available at https://edarxiv.org/nma5d/.
Additional information The student should have a keen interest in paramedicine and qualitative research methods.
Ramos, Joyce
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Dr Joyce Ramos Clinical Exercise Physiology (https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/joyce.ramos) Secondary supervisors: Prof Lance Dalleck (https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/lance.dalleck); A/Prof Claire Drummond (https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/claire.drummond); A/Prof Belinda Lange (https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/belinda.lange) Proposed Honours Project Interindividual central arterial stiffness response to acute and chronic reduced exertion high-intensity interval training versus traditional moderate-intensity continuous training in healthy physically inactive adults Central arterial stiffness elevates one’s risk of developing hypertension and subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as stroke. Strategies to prevent CVD and thus promotion of ‘healthy ageing’, should therefore consider therapies targeting the reduction of central arterial stiffness. High-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention has recently shown to better improve central arterial stiffness relative to the traditional moderate-intensity continuous
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training in physically inactive adults. However, time constraint is still the most often reported barrier to exercise adherence. There is also evidence to suggest that different exercise modalities have different effects on central arterial stiffness, limiting our understanding of the chronic effects of exercise. This project will therefore investigate the acute and chronic effect of a time-efficient reduced exertion high-intensity interval training (REHIT, 10min/day, 2 days/week) compared to the traditional moderate-intensity training (30min/day, 5 days/week) on central arterial stiffness over a 12-week program in healthy physically inactive adults. Reference
• Ramirez-Velez et al. (2019) Effectiveness of HIIT compared to moderate continuous training in improving vascular parameters in inactive adults
Additional information The successful candidate will be required to undertake onsite intensive training on vascular assessment via the SphygmoCor system.
Xiao, Lily
Supervision team Primary supervisor: Professor Lily Xiao Proposed Honours Project Experiences and expectations of caregivers of people living with dementia in web-based education programs: A systematic review and meta-synthesis Suggested reading: Xiao L, Mckechnie S, Jeffers L, De Bellis A, Beattie E, Low LF, Draper B, Messent P, Pot AM 2020, Stakeholders’ perspectives on adapting the World Health Organization iSupport for Dementia in Australia, Dementia: the international journal of social research and practice, in press. The manuscript is available via: https://researchnow.flinders.edu.au/en/publications/stakeholders-perspectives-on-adapting-the-world-health-organizati The project aligns with research theme ‘Better Systems’ at the Caring Futures Institute. Additional information Students are required to have a basic understanding of dementia care and qualitative studies.