We are seeking an economics graduate wishing to study for a Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy degree at Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University.

The student will be part of The Communicate Study, led by Professor Anna Ralph, which aims to improve Aboriginal patients’ experience and outcomes of healthcare by ensuring that they receive culturally safe healthcare in their own language. The study implements and evaluates creative ways to embed culturally safe practice including Aboriginal interpreters and health practitioners in healthcare delivery. The study is being conducted in partnership between the key stakeholders: Northern Territory Government (Top End) health services, the NT Aboriginal Interpreter Service, the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters and Menzies School of Health Research.

The range of research activities the student could undertake includes:

• Determine costs and cost effectiveness of study activities and recommendations to improve demand, supply and efficiency of Aboriginal interpreter usage.
  • establish a linked dataset of hospital Admitted Patient Care outcomes (self-discharge, length of stay, readmission) with language documentation and Aboriginal interpreter use
  • explore relationships between interpreter access and outcomes
  • apply interrupted time series analysis to determine longitudinal changes
• Implement initiatives to help achieve KPI targets including technological improvements - such as iPad-based interpreter access via video link and development of resources for common medical conditions in Aboriginal languages.
• Feed data back in a continuous quality improvement process to key health system stakeholders and front-line healthcare providers to build momentum in health system improvements to achieve better outcomes

Eligibility: The successful applicant will need to meet the eligibility criteria for admission to a Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy degree at Charles Darwin University.

Scholarship Provisions: Candidates will be encouraged to seek Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship funding from 2023 through Charles Darwin University. A successful candidate who is a recipient of a primary scholarship such as RTP will be eligible to apply for a Menzies top-up scholarship to the value of $10,000 per annum for up to 3.5 years. Successful candidates will receive $3,500 per annum for up to 3.5 years to cover direct costs of the research. A student who wishes to commence before 2023 may be provided with limited project-funded support for 2022. Please note in your application if you require this funding.

All enquiries should be submitted to Prof Anna Ralph [email protected], using the subject line: Research Scholar - Masters or PhD (Quantitative) enquiry via EthicalJobs.