SAX INSTITUTE

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Monthly e-newsletter. September 2016

Diverse research showcased at 45 and Up Study annual meeting

The Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study has proven to be a “truly valuable tool” to address health priorities in NSW and nationally, prompting cohort envy from other states, NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner told the Study's 13th annual meeting this month. The meeting showcased a diverse range of research using the Study ‒ from the cost benefit of preventing lifestyle-related chronic disease to pathways to lung cancer diagnoses.

news & opinion

What makes evidence useful?

Dr Diane Watson's recent attempt to locate one of her own articles on making evidence useful saw her hit a journal paywall and make a hasty retreat. In this opinion piece, published in today's Australian, the former National Health Performance Authority Chief Executive and now Sax Institute Senior Adviser, offers her insights into, and details experiences of, what makes evidence useful.

event wrap

HARC Forum explores the "immeasurable” value of psychosocial cancer care

The challenges of demonstrating the value of what is often seen as a “soft science” ‒ psychosocial care in oncology ‒ were explored at a HARC Forum this month. University of Queensland psychiatrist Professor Jane Turner said research demonstrating the benefits of such care did not translate easily into traditional metrics.

sax institute opportunities

Opportunities for researchers

We regularly seek expressions of interest from Australian researchers to conduct rapid evidence reviews. Submissions close tomorrow for two reviews on homelessness and models of care for young people with substance misuse. If you can't meet this week's deadline, sign up to our RADAR database to be notified in advance about upcoming reviews.

sax institute highlights

Sax research assessment tool finds an international audience

A tool developed at the Sax Institute to assess the use of research in policy making will be tested internationally as part of a new collaboration with US organisation AcademyHealth. Sax postdoctoral research fellow Dr Steve Makkar will apply the tool to US government policy agencies, after being appointed as a senior scholar in residence at AcademyHealth.

media coverage

Media highlights 45 and Up Study findings on "fat and fit" theory

45 and Up Study research showing that being active doesn't protect against developing type 2 diabetes if you are also overweight attracted widespread media coverage this month. News outlets including The Guardian, Huffington Post, SBS News and Nine News covered the findings, presented at the Study's annual meeting.

video

Canadian scholars share insights from Sax Institute visit

Two young scholars are embarking on their careers with international insights into knowledge exchange, after spending three months at the Sax Institute. Queen Elizabeth Scholarship winners Chris Galano and Alex Kilian discuss what they learned about a systems approach to preventive health and the value of partnership research in Indigenous health during their time with us.

research, reports & publications

Don't miss the new issue of Public Health Research & Practice - out this week

The latest issue of our open access, peer reviewed online-only journal Public Health Research & Practice will be published on Friday, 30 September and focuses on the pressing issue of ways to treat risky drinking and reduce alcohol-related harm.

Friday's issue includes new Australian research and perspectives on alcohol trading hours and violence, prescribing of medications to reduce alcohol dependence and the prevalence of drug and alcohol issues among patients presenting to hospital emergency departments.

Sign up today to receive quarterly email alerts for each issue.