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Research
Vitamin D and SunlightIn a sunny country such as Australia, it’s important to identify how to achieve the right amount of sun exposure for good health. We need to be able to harness the benefits of vitamin D and sunlight while remaining protected from the proven dangers of too much UV radiation.
Research
Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile in children and adolescents in the community in CambodiaClostridioides (Clostridium) difficile transmission between community and healthcare settings has been increasingly reported. We aimed to identify the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of C. difficile colonising adolescents and non-hospitalised children in Cambodia.
Research
Palliative care for people with substance use disorders: a qualitative study of the experiences of rural primary care providersIn Australia, substance use disorders disproportionately affect people living in rural and remote areas. Patients with substance use disorders who receive palliative care have complex, often unmet, end-of-life needs. There is scarce evidence on the management of patients with substance use disorders in palliative care, and there is no consensus on the model of care to assist general practitioners manage their patients. This is particularly salient for general practitioners in rural areas, who provide most of the palliative care to their patients.
Research
Facilitators, barriers, and strategies for supporting shared decision-making with people with intellectual disability: A West Australian primary healthcare professional perspectiveShared decision-making between patients and primary healthcare professionals positively impacts health outcomes. However, people with intellectual disability face additional barriers and require supported shared decision-making (SSDM) to participate. Little is known about how healthcare professionals use SSDM with this population. This paper explores the facilitators and barriers experienced, and strategies/resources employed by healthcare professionals working with people with intellectual disability.
Research
COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake, Sources of Information and Side Effects Reported by Pregnant Women in Western Australia: Cross-Sectional Cohort SurveyPregnant women are a priority group for COVID-19 vaccination due to their vulnerability as a high-risk cohort. However, the currentCOVID-19 vaccine uptake rate for COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in Western Australia remains largely unknown.

In close partnership with Aboriginal Elders and community members in Western Australia's south-west, we created ‘Kaal Tackles Eczema’, a children’s book to help Aboriginal families manage eczema. Our research showed a high prevalence and need for culturally relevant resources. The book uses Noongar language and art to educate and reduce infections, and is available online and in schools.

An international clinical trial led by The Kids Research Institute Australia Cancer Centre is trialling a drug which could increase cure rates for aggressive forms of childhood brain cancer.

The ORIGINS Project, a collaboration between The Kids and Joondalup Health Campus, is collecting data and biological samples from 10,000 families over 10 years. Its work is also giving participating families a valuable heads up on health issues.

A program unfolding in four very diverse locations across Western Australia is working to give children aged 0–4 the best start in life.

Strong advocacy efforts have paid off with health and food safety ministers from around Australia and New Zealand finally approving the recommended version of a warning label designed to highlight the potential risks of alcohol during pregnancy.