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From our Director
Professor Jennifer Tieman
RePaDD Director
It is hard to believe that 2025 is nearly over. The year seems to have raced by at a frantic pace. I am delighted to share some of the recent achievements of RePaDD researchers who are making such a difference with their work.
Dr Raechel Damarell, Dr Seth Nicholls and Dr Caroline Phelan developed a flexible framework comprising 12 elements to support researchers in systematically identifying and locating grey literature relevant to palliative care across a broad range of sources. This practical and innovative work has been published in Palliative Medicine.
Dr Claudia Virdun received the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Research Impact and Engagement (Early Career Researcher) a few days ago. This award recognises individual Early Career Researchers whose research has shown considerable impact outside of the academic community. Congratulations Claudia!
Dr Sara Javanparast and Professor Jennifer Tieman had the opportunity to participate and present at a national policy forum hosted by Carers Australia looking at recognition of unpaid carers. Sara outlined research we have been doing that is relevant to defining best practice for exemplary carer support.
The report of the aged care roundtable held in this June this year and facilitated by Dr Priyanka Vandersman, Dr Raechel Damarell, Dr Olivia Farrer and Professor Jennfier Tieman has been published as a RePaDD white paper. It outlines key issues identified by sector leaders, including the impact of the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home Program, the need for clearer end-of-life pathways, stronger interfaces between health and aged care, and better support for the allied health workforce.
Associate Professor Jason Mills and Professor Jennifer Tieman had the privilege to be part of a Flinders team led by Professor Frances Lin as collaborators of the Chinese Capital Medical University School of Nursing, to share our expertise in nursing, ageing and palliative care research at the 23rd conference on International Exchange of Professionals Shanghai.
Dr Olivia Farrer has developed a practical resource for allied health professionals which shows them how they can make use of freely available resources in upskilling and advocating for the role and value allied health services can deliver in responding to Outcome 5.7
I am also sharing that we have been fortunate to secure an additional Professor role in Palliative and End of Life Care. As a member of the Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, the Professor will play a key leadership role through collaboration, capacity building and advancing cross-disciplinary research activity as well as strengthening and exploring new partnerships with relevant internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent will advance the College and RePaDD in its reputation as a Centre of excellence in palliative care, death and dying research, both nationally and internationally. Please share this vacancy through your networks so we can continue to grow Australia’s leadership in palliative care research.
Previewing 2026, we look forward to welcoming visitors to Adelaide for the Palliative Care Nurses Australia Conference. If you are visiting, we would love to connect at the Conference or please get in touch and organise a time to visit RePaDD.
In closing, I would like to thank all of our Centre researchers for their work and collaboration in 2025. I would also like to acknowledge the enormous amount of work put in by our Centre Manager, Jodie Thompson and our Marketing Officer, Diana Baric. Jodie has been a steadfast and strategic support for the Centre.
RePaDD updates
Seminar Recap: Creativity, Collaboration and Advocacy
RePaDD recently hosted three seminars exploring the diverse ways creativity, interdisciplinary practice, and advocacy are shaping palliative and end-of-life care.
We began with Dr Daniel Connell, who shared how art can foster connection, compassion, and emotional support for patients, families, and clinicians.
🎥 This seminar is now available to watch online.
Next, an interdisciplinary panel — A/Prof Andrew Makkink, Dr Madeleine Juhrmann, Shyla Mills, and Dr Caleb Gage — examined the essential but often unseen role paramedics play in end-of-life care, highlighting opportunities for stronger collaboration across professions.
🎥 The recording is now live on our website.
Our final seminar for 2025, led by Dr Olivia Farrer alongside leaders from five allied health peak bodies, explored how the strengthened Aged Care Standards can support advocacy for allied health in ageing and end-of-life care.
🎥 The recording will be available shortly.
Together, these sessions showcased the importance of innovation, teamwork, and evidence-informed practice in improving care at the end of life.
RePaDD at the 23rd Conference on International Exchange of Professionals, Shanghai
In October, RePaDD members joined Flinders University colleagues at the 23rd Conference on International Exchange of Professionals in Shanghai, a major global event bringing together leaders in health, ageing, and research.
Associate Professor Jason Mills presented on the role of digital health technologies in nursing, and Professor Jennifer Tieman delivered a keynote on palliative and end-of-life care across diverse settings.
The visit also strengthened collaboration with the Capital Medical University School of Nursing, reinforcing RePaDD’s commitment to international partnership and advancing high-quality palliative care worldwide.
New RePaDD Resources Available
RePaDD is pleased to share two new resources designed to support the sector as Australia navigates major aged care reforms.
The flagship report, Understanding What Is Driving Change in Aged Care to Support Palliative Care Needs, brings together national insights from a recent roundtable of policy, clinical, and industry leaders. It outlines how upcoming reforms — including the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home Program — are likely to influence palliative and end-of-life care for older people.
Key themes include the need for clearer pathways at end of life, better coordination across health and aged care, and stronger support for the allied health workforce.
A 2-page summary resource is also available, distilling the main priorities for organisations working to enhance capability, support ageing in place, and improve transitions across care settings.
These resources offer timely guidance for anyone involved in planning, delivering, or shaping aged care and palliative care during this period of significant change.
RePaDD Members Present at NALHN Nursing Grand Rounds
RePaDD researchers Dr Claudia Virdun and Dr Caroline Phelan (Co-Lead, End-of-Life Essentials) recently presented at the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) Nursing Grand Rounds on: “Enabling improvements in hospital palliative care.”
Their presentation explored how hospital teams can be supported with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to provide high-quality, compassionate palliative care. The Grand Rounds series offers an important platform for nurses to share expertise and strengthen practices that improve care for patients and families.
Supporting and Recognising Unpaid Carers
RePaDD’s Professor Jennifer Tieman and Dr Sara Javanparast recently contributed to a national discussion focused on strengthening the recognition of unpaid carers within Australia’s health systems.
Drawing on insights from the RePaDD Unpaid Carers Forum earlier this year, Jen and Sara presented 'Defining Best Practice: What Exemplary Carer Support Looks Like,' emphasising the need for system-wide approaches that identify, include, and empower carers throughout the care journey.
Ongoing work is now underway to understand barriers to timely recognition and improve pathways to support, including workforce education, better referral systems, and stronger partnerships across health and community organisations.
RePaDD is proud to contribute research and leadership to improving outcomes for unpaid carers across Australia.
Member's Updates
Dr Claudia Virdun was recently a panellist for the national virtual workshop Embedding the National Palliative Care Standards and PaCSA into Practice, where she shared practical strategies for strengthening quality palliative care in everyday settings. She also represented RePaDD at the 23rd Annual CPCRE Research Conference, presenting her work on how patient experiences can drive meaningful change in clinical practice and participating in a panel on research translation. Most recently, Claudia was awarded the 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Impact & Engagement (Early Career Researcher), recognising the growing influence of her work to enhance palliative and end-of-life care in hospitals.
Glenn Fawcett, RePaDD student member, recently presented his doctoral work at the Flinders University CNHS HDR Milestones Conference, showcasing emerging research from across the College. Glenn’s PhD focuses on enabling safe, high-quality residential aged care by examining governance factors that support alignment with Australia’s aged care regulations and standards. His presentation highlighted how strong organisational governance can enhance outcomes for older people and strengthen sector-wide quality and safety. Congratulations to Glenn on this significant milestone and his growing contribution to aged care research.
RePaDD congratulates Oluwatomilayo Omoya, who was recently recognised as a Finalist in the Healthcare Impact Award category at the Women of Colour in STEM Awards 2025. Oluwatomilayo’s work reflects a deep commitment to improving healthcare through research, innovation, and community impact. Her achievements also highlight an inspiring personal journey—from Nigeria to Flinders University—marked by determination, resilience, and a dedication to creating meaningful change. RePaDD is proud to celebrate her recognition and her growing contribution to the future of healthcare.
Associate Professor Deidre Morgan completed a six-month sabbatical earlier in the year that took her across Europe, focusing on advancing palliative rehabilitation. During this time, she collaborated with the Cicely Saunders Institute, contributed to the EU-funded INSPIRE trial, and supported work on a WHO briefing on assistive technology in palliative care. Deidre also played a key role in the EAPC Taskforce developing the first international consensus definition of palliative rehabilitation. Her sabbatical has strengthened global partnerships and positioned RePaDD at the forefront of this emerging field.
Project updates
CareSearch
Children’s books that help kids understand death and grief
CareSearch’s Dying2Learn project has released updated children’s booklists:
These stories gently help children understand and talk about life, death, grief, and loss — supporting meaningful conversations for families, educators, and carers.
End-Of-Life Essentials
Time: The Resource That Connects Patients and Staff - by Professor Brian Dolan, OBE
In health care, conversations about finance, workforce, and facilities often dominate the agenda. Yet, the most valuable and universal currency within our health systems is something less tangible but far more immediate: time.
As Professor Dolan reflects, when time is given with intention, it becomes a profound act of care that supports patients, families, and clinicians alike.
ELDAC
Providing Grief and Bereavement Support in Aged Care Webinar: 4 December 2025
This expert-led session will explore practical approaches to supporting older people experiencing grief, in line with the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. Presenters will discuss recognising cues, responding to the needs of families and carers, and supporting people living with dementia through bereavement. A valuable learning opportunity for anyone working in aged care.
CarerHelp
New Blog: How Paramedics Can Support Palliative Care at Home
Ever wondered how paramedics fit into palliative care? CarerHelp's latest blog by Madeleine Juhrmann, 'Paramedics and palliative care: What families need to know', explores the vital role they play in supporting people with advanced illness at home — and offers simple tips to help make an ambulance visit a little easier.
palliAGED
Five steps to prepare for Outcome 5.7
Complementing our first Service Solution Being prepared for 1 November, the 'Five steps to prepare for Outcome 5.7' guide is designed to support palliative care service providers in meeting the new Clinical Standard 5 responsibilities for palliative and end-of-life care. This practical resource outlines clear steps, checklists, and tools to strengthen workforce readiness, align systems, and demonstrate compliance.
Christmas Closure
The RePaDD team will be out of the office from Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24th December at 1pm, until Monday 5th January 2026. The RePaDD inbox (repadd@flinders.edu.au) will be unmonitored during this period, but we will respond to any queries as soon as we are back on deck.
Published research
Toward a comprehensive research agenda: exploring the health economics of palliative care in Australia.
Schilling C, Bailey C, Merollini K, Giles A, Platts C, Currow DC, Button E, Runacres F, Crawford GB, Merlo G, Yoong J, Philip J, Tieman J, Agar MR, Yates P, Hudson P, Sundararajan V, Carter H, McCaffrey N.
The paper outlines a national research agenda to strengthen the economic evidence base for palliative care. It highlights key gaps in understanding value, cost, funding, and outcomes, aiming to guide future policy and investment decisions. Read more
Beyond black and white: A framework for identifying grey
literature in palliative care research.
Damarell R, Nicholls S, Tyndall J, Phelan C.
Offering a structured framework for finding and using grey literature, the authors show how non-traditional evidence sources can broaden perspectives, reduce bias, and enrich palliative care research.
Read more
Strengthening care for adults with palliative care needs in high-income rural communities: a global policy environmental scan.
Marshall C, Virdun C, Phillips JL.
The study maps rural palliative care policies across high-income countries, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to improve access and quality for rural communities. Read more
Constructing a theory of Cook Islands Māori palliative care in New Zealand.
Henry AE, Jones V, Surgenor L, Sopoaga F.
Drawing on grounded theory and the Tivaevae model, this research develops the first model of Cook Islands Māori palliative care. It highlights the central role of spirituality and family (kopu tangata) and offers culturally informed guidance for clinicians. Read more
Supporting the Well-Being of
People Living With Dementia and Their Family Carers Through Concurrent Arts and Well-Being Community Programs: Qualitative Perspectives of Participants and Facilitators.
Murray CM, de la Perrelle L, Mart K, Baranoff J, Richards G, Rosa Hernandez G, Berndt A.
Through co-design and qualitative evaluation, the study explores how paired art and well-being programs can reduce isolation, foster relaxation, build skills, and strengthen social connections for people with dementia and their carers. Read more
Improving patient reported experience in inpatients with
palliative care needs: a pre-post quality improvement study.
Virdun C, Jones L, Singh GK, Yates P, Phillips JL, Mudge A.
Using PREMs data within the i-PARIHS framework, this project examines how real-time patient experience feedback can support and empower ward teams to implement meaningful improvements in hospital-based palliative care. Read more
Corticosteroid use in pediatric neuro-oncology symptom management: a rapid
review.
Manoharan N, Armitage N, Virdun C.
This rapid review synthesises global evidence on corticosteroid use in children with CNS tumours, outlining what is known about dosing, benefits, side effects, and impacts on quality of life—and highlighting areas where evidence remains limited. Read more
Extending the reach of palliative care-a double-edged sword: a qualitative study of clinicians' experiences of delivering telehealth in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Collier A, Appachoo S, Frey R, Jones V, Birtwistle J, Allsop M, Bloomfield K.
A qualitative study exploring clinicians’ experiences of delivering palliative care via telehealth across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The research includes insights from clinicians point to the need for carefully designed telehealth models that enhance access without compromising quality, connection, or cultural sensitivity. Read more
You can catch up on all of the publications by our members at the RePaDD website.
Want to contribute to RePaDD Updates?
Please submit your story or feedback to repadd@flinders.edu.au
