Research at OPME
OPME aims to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence in healthcare education research by 2010. It will achieve these aims through externally funded research and development grants, peer-reviewed papers in high-quality journals, presentations at national and international healthcare education conferences and representation on state and national bodies relevant to healthcare education and research. OPME will nurture the research capabilities of students and staff within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney and will develop collaborative research partnerships with other undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational healthcare programs, both inside Australia and internationally. Our research effort will be focused on three complementary themes:
Patient Safety
Patient safety has been described as “freedom from accidental injury” or “the prevention of harm to patients”. Not only does this focus on establishing health care systems and processes which minimise errors and adverse events, but it also centres on the professionalism of individual practitioners.
Recent Funding
Walton M, Roberts C, Willcox S, Ho T, Schofield D, Cameron I NSW doctors workforce study ( 2007-08) NSW Department of Health.
Shaw TJ, Barnet S & Walton M (2006-2007). Applying the National Patient Safety Education Framework as a common training package across the health professions. The Australian Council for Safety and Quality in Health Care.
Walton M & Shaw TJ (2006-2008). Development of the National Patient Safety Education Project: In collaboration with Northwestern University, Chicago. USA grants.
Professionalism
Medical professionalism has been defined as effective communication, ethics and clinical competence, upon which other attributes like humanism are built. This broad theme includes research on student learning of patient safety and professionalism within formal (taught), informal (learnt), and hidden curricula, and includes the exploration of professional identity formation amongst healthcare students. In terms of assessment, our main focus is the observation of healthcare professionals’ behaviour in their practice workplace. Current research centres on the assessment of professionalism across the medical continuum, the assessment of clinical competence, and work-based assessment.
Recent Funding
Knight LV, Rees CE & Sweeney K (Sep 2007 - Aug 2009). Explanations of behaviour following professionalism dilemma situations: an international study. British Academy Larger Research Grant (£76041, approximately AUS$185,000).
Nash L, Tennant C, Walton M & Willcock S (2003-2007). The psychological impact of complaints and negligence suits on doctors. Avant Mutual Group Limited and Northern Sydney/Central Coast Area Health Service.
Thistlethwaite J, Shaw T, Kidd M & Leeder S (Nov 2006 - Nov 2007). Attracting health professionals into primary care: strategies for recruitment and retention. Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute (AUS$195,000).
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
This theme focuses on student learning and the application of innovative teaching methods across the continuum of health professional education, in academic and work-based settings. Key research includes students' collaborative learning with peers and health and social care service users, and e-learning. We also have a strong focus on the application of new blends of learning theory to curriculum design and delivery, the effectiveness of workplace learning methodologies, and the impact of innovative program design and delivery on the health sector learning environment. Emphasis is on exploring educational design and professional development processes that improve engagement with (and contributions from) other health sector stakeholders.
Recent Funding
Shaw TJ, Ross J & Barnet SB, in conjunction with the Cancer Council Australia, The National Breast Cancer Centre, the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia, and the Royal Australian College of General Practice (2006-2008) Strengthening Cancer Care Through Education Professional Development. Cancer Australia ($2.5 M).
Barnet SB & Shaw TJ (2006-2007) Developing a Training Program Model for Hospitalists. NSW Health.
Shaw TJ & Barnet SB (2007). Conducting a needs analysis for the Hospitalist position. NSW Health.
Shaw TJ & Barnet SB (2003-2007) Develop, Evaluate and Administer Medication Management Review Training. The Pharmacy Guild Australia.
Shaw TJ & Barnet SB (2000-2010) Develop, Evaluate and Administer Pharmacotherapy Training in NSW. NSW Health.
Barnet SB & Shaw TJ (2006-2007) Develop Learning Diaries for Pathology Trainees. Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia.
Pizzica J, Wozniak H & Mahony MJ (Feb 2007- Dec 2007). Enhancing postgraduate coursework: students’ orientation to study in flexible learning environments. University of Sydney, TIES: Teaching Improvement and Equipment Scheme Grant ($10,000)