About Clinical Research Rehabilitation and Translation

We focus on clinical research, rehabilitation and translation. As a multidisciplinary group, we aim to improve clinical care and health outcomes, working with clinical partners to identify pressing issues and with community members to set priorities using consumer co-design. We walk with First Nations people to design and deliver research in their priority areas. We conduct research that is academic, clinician or community-initiated where it investigates improving health and quality of life outcomes, health services or translation of evidence into practice. 

Our first theme is Clinical research, and settings for the research may be acute care, rehabilitation or primary care. Our second theme is Rehabilitation from illness and injury and improving quality of life for people who live with chronic illness. Rehabilitation is defined as “a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment” (WHO).  

We are focused on optimising evidence-based practice, by using effective translation frameworks. We are addressing the gap between research and practice and looking for ways to make research accessible to clinicians and facilitate practice uptake.

Innovations in practice and translation: Research and rehabilitation technologies, such as rehabilitation robotics will be included under our banner. A suite of robotics equipment was installed at UC Hospital in December 2023. Research using this technology will include patient outcomes, translation, training and student education research initially. Professor Bissett collaborates with experts at UC's Research Institute for Sport and Exercise to bring cutting-edge technology into clinical spaces, e.g. introducing balance assessment in the long COVID clinic, planned from 2024 onwards.