Health Services and Patient Safety

Research Strengths

Research Projects

Clinical Pharmacy and drug development
This clinical pharmacology research project is investigating the contribution of ethnic differences to inter-individual variation in drug response. Determinants of ethnic differences in drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, such as pharmacogenetic variation, will be investigated. In particular, this study is looking at the role and possible interactions with drug transporters involved in drug disposition and action.

A Drug Burden Index: Improving prescribing and function in older people
This project tests the DBI as a tool to improve the quality use of medicines in older Australians. The study will improve the evidence base for the association between overall medication exposure and function in older people. The HMR model is a sustainable government funded service that can be used to bring this research finding into practice if it is found to benefit older Australians.

We hypothesise that the DBI represents a clinically useful tool to guide prescribing for older adults. Use of DBI as a risk assessment measure may help prescribers optimise physical and mental function, independence and quality of life in their older patients. This Application will test the DBI as part of pharmacist-led HMR to systematically guide prescribing in older people.