Research

All the research programs conducted by the CCRE are intended to target important health outcomes: improved health status, reduced disease exacerbations, improved self-management capacity, reduced adverse effects of treatment, and improved cost-effectiveness.

The overall objective for the Centre was for its research to have a key impact on clinical practice. Projects undertaken addressed specific diseases and our CCRE achieved significant research results in a number of key areas:

Asthma

• Established clinical trial of the use of non-invasive markers in the management of asthma in older Australians
• Used results of above trial to modify asthma treatment guidelines

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

• Described existing models of pulmonary rehabilitation and barriers to access
• Established trials of alternative models and evaluated impact on accessibility
• Recommended models for pulmonary rehabilitation

Cystic Fibrosis and Bronchiectasis

• Established collection of outcome data
• Conducted cohort analysis of prognostic factors

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Established historical cohorts of risk groups in participating hospitals
• Undertook linkage with TB notification database
• Reported on relative and absolute risks of TB and proposed recommendations for prevention
• Developed protocols for TB control in health care workers
• Established training workshops on management and control of TB

Pulmonary Embolism

• Customised SPECT image analysis algorithms for use in routine clinical practice

Sleep

• Developed evidence-based obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnostic and management pathways involving primary care and contributed to practice guidelines in the area
• Determined utility of computer-based models for assessment of sleepiness and error risk in the Australian workplace

Translation and Training

• Developed and improved clinical practice guidelines
• Established multi-disciplinary assessment clinics
• Fostered training or clinical researchers
• Expanded and developed workshops, courses and training programs

Many of the research aims achieved by our CCRE will have an important impact on the health of Australians. Translation of our work has contributed to improved diagnostics, development of novel treatment strategies, a clearer understanding of disease pathways and advanced recommendations for ongoing management of disease. As a result of our research, CCRE investigators have participated and contributed to the development of health policy directives and consensus recommendations, and evidence-based guidelines for the treatment and management of respiratory and sleep diseases. Further, our commitment to the training and mentorship of clinical researchers has established a new generation of skilled respiratory and sleep researchers for the field.