Clinician Researcher Training (CRT) Program

Status: Open

Applications open: 10/03/2023
Applications close: 31/03/2023

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

Project Title: Barriers and facilitators to health equity in rural WA

Clinical Profession: Medical

Aim: 
This project aims to carry out exploratory research to examine health services utilisation and identify the barriers and incentives to health equity in rural and remote WA. 
Mixed research methods (qualitative and quantitative) will be used to inform data collection. The research will involve a retrospective analysis of hospital records to examine the uptake of health services. In addition, we will carry out participatory research to identify the needs and priorities of the local communities and identify the barriers to health equity from consumers’ and health providers’ perspectives.

Objectives:

Identify the needs and priorities of consumers and local communities.

Explore the obstacles and barriers contributing to health inequity from the perspectives of health providers and consumers.

Identify incentives and develop enabling strategies to improve healthcare delivery and access from the perspectives of health providers and consumers.

Examine the pattern of tertiary healthcare utilisation before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Significance:

Those living in regional WA experience higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to their metropolitan counterparts. This is associated with substantial costs due to high disease burdens and patient transfers. Engaging the community and consumers in research is fundamental for a better understanding of local communities’ priorities and needs. 

The research will help to inform future strategic planning and investment and guide the distribution of resources to the areas of greatest need. This will help to develop strategies to improve healthcare access which would directly have an impact on health of rural and remote people..

Expected outcomes: 

• Advance our understanding of the barriers and incentives rural health equity.
• Empower consumers through increased knowledge and confidence in the health system.
• Improve the quality health services which ultimately contribute to improving health outcomes for rural and remote people.
• Enhance patients' and health providers' relationships and communications.
• Improve the satisfaction of health staff and reduce work-related stress and burn out as a result of inefficient health services.
• Effective allocation of scarce resources.

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Health Sciences

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

This scholarship provides a living stipend of up to $250,000 over 2 to 4 years (Masters) or $375,000 over 3 to 6 years PhD

 

Full time scholarships will be paid the total stipend over a maximum period of 2 years (if Masters) or 3 years (if PhD); and part-time scholarships will be the total stipend over a maximum period of 4 years (if Masters) or 6 years (if PhD).

 

For detailed information, applicants are encouraged to refer to page 6 of the CRT guidelines and conditions 

Scholarship Details
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligible courses

PhD applicants seeking to carry out research in the field of rural health

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:
be employed at the HSP/PPPP at time of application in a clinical discipline eg pre-consultant (medical), allied health or nursing and midwifery), and once enrolled in the program be maintained in HSP/PPPP# employment at a maximum of 0.5FTE (part time) or 0.2FTE (full time study) in a position undertaking clinical duties* Adjustments to these requirements are possible for applicants with caring responsibilities.

• meet the host university’s admission requirements for the PhD, including prior research experience

• be able to commence the scholarship within one year of execution of the funding agreement.

The following high-level selection principles are applicable to all applicants:

• Appropriate educational/research/career background within the field of the HDR project including technical skills and research-related knowledge.

• Demonstrated commitment and expertise for a clinical career.

• Demonstrated commitment, expertise and motivation for a clinical research career.

• Demonstrated commitment to and suitability for the HDR Project.

• Appropriate organisational skills and personal attributes.

• After assessment of merit, consideration of capacity to contribute diversity to the clinical research environment.

International candidates are eligible to apply but should contact the potential host university and HSP/PPPP to determine if their application can be supported within relevant university international scholarship caps and eligibility and visa limitations.

* Clinical duties are activities directly related to individual patient care, as distinguished from administrative, research or academic activities.

# HSPs include Child and Adolescent Health Service, East Metropolitan Health Service, North Metropolitan Health Service, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, South Metropolitan Health Service & WA Country Health Service. PPPPs include Ramsay Health Care (covering Joondalup Health Campus & Peel Health Campus) & St John of God (Midland Public Hospital).

Application process

Process and timeline:

Submit the completed CRT candidate application form no later than 31 March to GRS via HDRSCH-applications@curtin.edu.au

The GRS team will email the applicant the how to apply for Curtin HDR admission details.

Enrolment Requirements

Recipients will be required to meet established university milestones in line with university policy and procedures. An annual progress report confirming that the student is making satisfactory progress against milestones must be provided to the Office of Medical Research and Innovation (OMRI) with any relevant reports or publications attached.

For detailed information, applicants are encouraged to refer to the CRT guidelines and conditions 

Enquiries

For further information about this opportunity, please contact:

Professor Tim Carey, Chair, Country Health Research & Innovation, Faculty of Health Sciences Tim.Carey@curtin.edu.au or

Melissa Vernon, Executive Director, Strategy, Service Development and Innovation Melissa.Vernon@health.wa.gov.au

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