The ACT Critical Care Society is excited to announce the return of the Research Showcase, brought to you by generous sponsorship from David and Elizabeth Cusack and family.

At the Research Showcase you'll be able to learn about a range of excellent recent research and quality improvement projects.

ANU Medical School Research

The Cusack Family wished to support ANU Medical School research into the critical care of patients at the Canberra Hospital. The research is focused on providing better outcomes for patients in acute hospital settings. 

Many families describe an experience of confusion, exclusion and loss of control when they have a loved one in a critical care situation in hospital. ANU research aims to improve the experience of patients and their families in this setting, particularly those patients who are deteriorating. The aim of the research is to design a better process to improve end-of-life care that will act as a guide for clinicians, in order to ensure patients at the Canberra Hospital receive the care they deserve and the experience of family members is less traumatic.

The research is led by, and builds on the work of, Professor Imogen Mitchell, Dean of ANU Medical School & Senior Staff Specialist in Intensive Care at the Canberra Hospital. As the Senior Medical Advisor in End-of-Life Care at the Australian Commission of Quality & Safety in Health Care, Professor Mitchell is uniquely placed to translate research findings into meaningful bedside changes. Professor Mitchell’s research focuses on the experience of families in these situations to drive a new process and find better ways to manage interventions. It is hoped the new process will act as a template for carers and healthcare professionals in the ACT.