Higher Degree Research
Approximately 115 students have graduated from the Faculty since 2001 with a higher degree in research. One of the key strengths of the Faculty is the cross disciplinary nature of the research teams, giving research students valuable opportunities to learn from and contribute to a broader view of research throughout their time here.
To find out more about research opportunities, you can browse through current projects using the University's online Research Supervisor Connect tool which matches your research interests to available research opportunities and supervisors.
A number of students were recently nominated for runner up prizes for their contributions at the APSA Annual Conference held in Brisbane from the 6-9 December 2010.
Contributed oral paper: Clinical Sciences
Vidya Perera - PhD in Clinical Pharmacy
CYP1A2 Activity in South Asians and Europeans
Vidya Perera (1,2), Annette S Gross (1,3), Andrew J McLahlan (1,2)
(1) The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, (2) Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW, (3) GlaxoSmithKline, Sydney, NSW.
Objective: To investigate CYP1A2 activity in individuals of South Asian (SA) and European (EU) ancestry and explore the factors responsible for variation in CYP1A2 activity.
Methods: This is a prospective observational study recruiting males and females of SA (Indian and Sri Lankan) and EU ancestry. CYP1A2 enzyme activity was determined using the validated 4-h saliva paraxanthine/caffeine concentration ratio following a 100 mg oral dose of caffeine. Samples were analysed using HPLC. Information regarding diet and lifestyle was obtained using questionnaires.
[b||Results:]] To date 114 participants (42 SA and 72 EU) have completed the study. South Asians tended to have a lower CYP1A2 activity (mean, 95%CI; 0.54, 0.46-0.62) than Europeans (0.63, 0.55-0.70) (P =0.12). Smokers had a significantly increased CYP1A2 activity (P<0.01) while women taking oral contraceptives (OC) had significantly reduced CYP1A2 activity (P<0.01). Consumption of 5 or more cruciferous vegetables a week, char-grilled meats and more than 2 cups of coffee a day were associated with increased CYP1A2 activity (P<0.05).
Discussion: Preliminary results suggest lower CYP1A2 activity in South Asians than Europeans. The induction of CYP1A2 by smoking and inhibiton by OCs have been confirmed.
Contributed oral paper: Pharmacy Practice
Elin Lehnbom - PhD in Pharmacy Practice
In Their Own Words: Healthcare Providers’ and Consumers’ Views on Personally-Controlled Electronic Health Records
Elin Lehnbom(1,2), Andrew McLachlan(1,3), Jo-anne Brien(1,2,4)
(1) The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, (2) St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, (3) Concord RG Hospital, Sydney, NSW, (4) The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW.
Objective:To explore the knowledge, understanding and views of healthcare providers (HCP) and consumers on personally-controlled electronic health records (PCEHRs).
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with HCP and consumers. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed for emerging themes.
Results: A total of 22 HCP and 26 consumers were interviewed. Few consumers, but most HCP, said they had heard about PCEHRs. However, HCPs understanding about PCEHRs was limited to previous experience with non-shared electronic health records. Perceived benefits of PCEHRs included instant access to health records, accurate information, and a holistic approach to patient care. Participants were concerned about privacy and information security. Although all respondents thought Australia is heading towards introducing PCEHRs, they were apprehensive of how this would work. Some respondents said it would only work if it was made mandatory for all Australians to have a PCEHR whereas others strongly argued it could only be on a voluntary opt-in basis.
Discussion: Even though most respondents were positive towards the implementation of PCEHRs, there appears to be a mismatch between how consumers say they will use PCEHRs and how HCP would like to see PCEHRs used. This needs to be addressed before PCEHRs are implemented to ensure optimal uptake and utilisation.