UQ Centre for Clinical Research Winter Research projects
UQCCR#1: Synthesising recommendations for diagnosis and evaluation of Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of reviews
Project title: UQCCR#1 | Synthesising recommendations for diagnosis and evaluation of Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of reviews |
Project duration, hours of engagement | 4 weeks from 24th June to 19th July 2024 Hours expected per week: 25 hours |
Location: | Herston: UQCCR Building |
Description: | This project aims to summarise recommendations made for the diagnosis and evaluation of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease from systematic reviews. Literature searches and screening have been completed. The student will assist with data extraction, quality assessment, and manuscript preparation. Through this project, students will get the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the development of clinical practice guidelines. Ultimately, this research aims to improve the diagnosis and evaluation of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Students can expect to be involved in the systematic review process, manuscript preparation, and contribution to a publication. |
Suitable for: | Suitable for those interested in neurodegenerative disease and clinical research, and particularly the development of guidelines and recommendations. Those with interest or knowledge in systematic reviews are encouraged to apply. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Dana Pourzinal |
Contact info: | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
UQCCR#2: Delirium
Project title: UQCCR#2 | Delirium |
Project duration, hours of engagement | 4 weeks from 24th June to 19th July 2024 Hours expected per week: 20 hours |
Location: | Herston: Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Dementia and Neuro Mental Health |
Description: | Background The Aetiology in Delirium - Diagnostic Support Tool (AiD-DST) is an electronic aid to help identify the multifactorial causes of delirium. AiD-DST has been validated in the clinical setting and found to be user friendly. AiD-DST was implemented into the medical unit of a metropolitan hospital. Methods A real-world implementation study to describe AiD-DST use, engagement and retention over a 3-month period using a RE-AIM Framework. The next step is to evaluate and compare processes of care between the intervention and historical control. A retrospective chart review of cases of delirium both before and after then intervention is anticipated. Management effectiveness to be determined as the accuracy of initial diagnosis (lack of change between admission and discharge diagnosis) and number of treatments started within 24 hours of admission. The study will help evaluate the utility of a real-world implementation study on the use of a world first diagnostic support tool, the AiD-DST, in the diagnosis of causes of delirium. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Publication with the remainder of the implementation work with co-authorship. |
Additional requirements: | This project might require evidence of vaccination or non-susceptibility for vaccine preventable diseases. Student will be provided with details to obtain evidence before commencing (if relevant, information will be provided with an offer of placement). |
Suitable for: | Students with an interest in clinical research. Project is suitable for pre-med or other faculty of medicine undergraduate students. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Eamonn Eeles |
Contact info: | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
UQCCR#3: Post-Validation Surveillance of Lymphatic Filariasis in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories C
Project title: UQCCR#3 | Post-Validation Surveillance of Lymphatic Filariasis in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories C |
Project duration, hours of engagement | 4 weeks from 24th June to 19th July 2024 Hours expected per week: 30 hours |
Location: | Herston: UQCCR Building |
Description: | Eight Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) have achieved validation of elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem. The World Health Organization: Neglected Tropical Diseases Roadmap 2030 suggests implementing post-validation surveillance (PVS) of LF by 2030; however, there is limited evidence to inform how this is best done. It has become evident that some countries are conducting PVS in varied and ad hoc ways, in the absence of formal mandates or guidelines. This qualitative research will involve conducting interviews with health representatives from the eight PICTs that have successfully eliminated LF. The study’s aims are to develop an understanding of how PICTs are conducting PVS and what contextual, operational and logistical factors influence their approaches and strategies. Further, it seeks to generate contextual and operationally policy- and program-relevant advice that will guide national LF PVS activities and related WHO guidelines. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Successful applicants will assist the research team to design and implement study activities. Specifically, the successful candidate will be involved in the review and extraction of data from interview transcripts, contribute to data analysis. |
Suitable for: | This project is suitable for students with an interest in the epidemiology of infectious diseases. The project would suit someone keen to learn about and conduct qualitative research. This will involve developing skills in the use of qualitative research software, such as NVivo, and applying inductive and deductive analytical methods. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Harriet Lawford |
Contact info: | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |