RECARD: REducing hospital re-admission for high-risk CARDiology patients

The program focuses on improving Transitions of care (ToC) for high-risk cardiology patients. ToC is a high-risk point in a patient’s journey through the healthcare system, in particular regarding medications.

Discharge from hospital to the home has been identified as the point where the majority of medication-related harms occur, which can lead to rehospitalisation. Post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients are especially vulnerable to medication harm due to the commencement of multiple new medications, amongst other challenges.

This study will design and implement a high-risk cardiovascular (CV) ToC service, with a focus on patients post-AMI and cardiothoracic surgery (CTS), across three tertiary Queensland hospitals.

The PhD research will work with the research and supervisory team to develop and validate a  risk prediction tool for 30-day medication-related hospital readmissions, to help clinicians identify high-risk patients. The study will use digital integrated medical records (ieMR) data at tertiary Queensland hospitals to develop the tool.

You'll be mentored and supervised by an expert team from the School of Pharmacy and the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

This is an Earmarked scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $35,000 per annum tax free (2024 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Earmarked scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis taking into account your:

• academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

Working knowledge of health service research, qualitative and quantitative skills would be beneficial. 

You'll demonstrate academic achievement in health services research with a strong background in statistics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of biostatistics and excellent written skills is highly desirable.

To ensure timely progress of the study, you must have a working knowledge of data handling and management, as well as basic statistical techniques.

Previous experience using statistical software and conducting more complex analyses e.g. regression analysis, will be highly regarded.

Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) are a must.