Curtin health research to transform care for vulnerable communities

Two Curtin University research projects have been awarded almost $2.8 million in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grants to enhance healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations.

Led by Professor Deborah Hersh from the Curtin School of Allied Health, the first project aims to transform how healthcare professionals communicate test results and give feedback to patients with acquired brain injuries (ABI).

By integrating adult education principles into rehabilitation contexts, this approach addresses a critical gap in care, where traditional assessment methods often leave people feeling confused and disconnected from their own recovery process.

The second initiative, led by Dean of Indigenous Engagement in the Faculty of Business and Law, Associate Professor Tuguy Esgin, focuses on developing radar-based technology for non-invasive cardiovascular monitoring in Indigenous communities.

The research has the potential to transform how Indigenous communities perceive and experience healthcare.

Curtin Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Melinda Fitzgerald congratulated Professor Hersh and Associate Professor Esgin on their grant success.

“These Curtin research projects supported by NHMRC funding, reflect our commitment to inclusive healthcare solutions that merge technological advancement with personalised care,” Professor Fitzgerald said.

“Both Professor Hersh and Associate Professor Esgin have placed patients and the patient experience at the heart of their research, co-designing with communities to ensure their work is culturally appropriate, user-friendly and impactful.”

For more information about the NHMRC grants visit here.