Medical School Summer Research projects - Faculty of Medicine - University of Queensland

A systematic review of co-design methods, frameworks and tools

Project duration, hours of engagement	6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 35
Location:	Toowoomba: Regional Clinical Unit, Boyce Gardens
Description:	In recent times, there has been an increase in co-design methods, frameworks, and tools to benefit end-users in health, yet there is no standardised approach. Collating methodologies using different frameworks and processes is important to understand to identify what works best and how or why it works. This systematic review will aim to identify co-design methods, frameworks, and tools that can improve health care service delivery. The review will aim to describe and evaluate the current emperical evidence of codesign methodologies and frameworks implemented by the health workforce that instigated effective codesign engagement to deliver effective health services provision.
Expected outcomes and deliverables:	The student will gain skills in conducting a systematic review, manuscript writing and publication skills.
Suitable for:	The project is suitable for someone with prior systematic review and research skills.
Primary Supervisor:	Dr Bushra Nasir, b.nasir@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application.

A systematic review of patterns of care for comorbid chronic disease patients with depression

Project duration, hours of engagement	6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 36
Location:	Toowoomba: Regional Clinical Unit, Boyce Gardens
Description:	Depression, affecting 10.1% of the population, and chronic diseases, accounting for 89% of deaths pose a significant health concern in Australia.Chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, are 1.3, 1.9 and 1.3 times more prevalent, respectively, in the rural and remote regions compared to their metropolitan counterparts. Additionally, hospitalizations for respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, are considerably higher in rural areas, presenting 1.6-1.7 and 1.3 times the burden respectively. There is a critical knowledge gap about coexisting chronic physical health diseases in people with depression, especially for those living in rural areas. Due to the continuing increase in rural health disparities, there is a pressing need to understand these co-existing conditions to provide better management and treatment options for rural Australians experiencing depression. We will conduct a systematic review exploring patterns of care for comorbid chronic disease patients with depression, and investigate urban/rural differences.
Expected outcomes and deliverables:	The student will gain skills in conducting a systematic review, manuscript writing and publication skills.
Suitable for:	A student with prior systematic review skills and research experience.
Primary Supervisor:	Dr Bushra Nasir, b.nasir@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application.

Comparative law analysis of tobacco and non-smoked nicotine products, alcohol or cannabis supply frameworks

Project duration, hours of engagement	6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 30-36
Location:	Herston: Edith Cavell Building
Description:	Tobacco and other nicotine-containing products such as vaping products, alcohol and cannabis, represent the most widely used substances for non-therapeutic purposes. This analysis will compare the key similarities and differences in how tobacco is regulated compared to one or more of these other substances in Australia and internationally. The purpose is to identify a range of options for reforming the regulation of tobacco products in Australia by considering a range of previously implemented regulatory options.
Expected outcomes and deliverables:	Scholars will gain experience in applied comparative legal analysis. The outcome is intended to lead to a journal article and inform further policy analyses.
Suitable for:	Students with a background in law or justice studies.
Primary Supervisor:	Associate Professor Bernadette Richards, bernadette.richards@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application.