The diverse range of exciting research underway across the Northern Health Precinct was profiled during a recent showcase, highlighting the impact of research throughout NSLHD.

The event directed the spotlight to a range of disciplines driving research including nursing, midwifery, and pharmacy, as well as allied health and public health.

Precinct Academic Director Professor Robyn Gallagher co-ordinated the event, saying it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase a collection of emerging leaders and present details of their valuable projects.

“Our event provided an insight into the successful collaborative efforts involving the University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, and the tangible impact these projects are having on the delivery of care,” she said.

“There are so many dynamic projects underway from a mobile app to support pulmonary rehabilitation to the delivery of remote cardiac rehabilitation, and programs to improve cancer care.

“It was encouraging to hear our researchers are enhancing the delivery of care with nutrition services, speech pathology and sleep programs to name just a few.”

One clinician researcher to present at the event was Associate Professor Tom Buckley – a registered ICU nurse and Precinct Research Education Academic Director.

Tom shared details of his work investigating the physical and psychological impact of bereavement. He has particularly focused on the impact on heart health with research indicating there is an increased cardiovascular risk for both men and women in the weeks and months after they lose a loved one.

“We know that death from a cardiac related event is one of the highest causes of mortality during bereavement,” he said.

His research also assessed the benefits of Aspirin and the heart lowering drug Metoprolol and their ability to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in the weeks after the death of a loved one.

“Our research has shown the use of medication not only lowers the cardiovascular risk factors, but also reduces depression and anxiety symptoms in the early bereavement period,” he said.

“Interestingly, we found this trend continued even after people came off the medication, providing a longer-term benefit for this group.”

The showcase broadened awareness of the diversity of research across the Northern Health Precinct, and also encouraged further collaboration.