Vocational and Community Rehabilitation Programme
This programme of research focuses on ways of increasing resources and the capacity to effectively manage the consequences of disability. The areas of research included are self management and personal agency, participation and community engagement, healthy workplaces and workforce capacity, effective and efficient systems and providers.
Purpose of research
- Improve the capacity of individuals with disabilities to negotiate their community and work environments effectively
- Encourage the development of responsive human service systems, communities and workplaces that can accommodate and support people with disabilities
- Develop and evaluate innovative human service models and rehabilitation interventions
- Expand the evidence-base regarding human service needs and issues that are not adequately addressed in the literature at present
Current Areas of Research
Project 1 - Evaluation of the ABIOS STEPS intervention: A statewide intervention
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a two year statewide prospective intervention trial that aims to increase an individuals’ capacity to co-manage their brain injury and enhance their psychosocial support networks. Findings from this research will contribute to improvements in the community rehabilitation service for people with brain injury and inform leader trainer courses attached to these services.
Status: Continuing
Funding: Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Service, Queensland & Griffith University
Project 2 – Living History: Recording stories of individuals after Traumatic Brain Injury
The purpose of this project was to investigate the participation and adjustment of individuals with ‘old’ TBI, through understanding personal histories, and phases of coping. Findings from this research will inform therapeutic interventions for people with TBI to assist with coping and adjustment.
Status: Project Complete. Publication submitted.
Contact: Dr Heidi Muenchberger
Funding: MAIC & Griffith University
Project 3 - Traumatic Injury: Management of Recovery and the prediction of well-being
The purpose of this study is to measure demographics, injury and treatment data, general health, self efficacy, illness perceptions, autonomy, self advocacy, knowledge and support, decision making styles and continuity of care in a cohort of traumatically injured individuals. Findings from this research will provide an evidence-based understanding of patient experiences and outcomes of TI and provide directions for improvements in health service delivery and indicators of effectiveness.
Status: Continuing
Contact: A/Prof. Elizabeth Kendall
Funding: CONROD
Project 4 - The Riding High Program: Beating the Blues through therapeutic horse-riding for people with disabilities
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of therapeutic horse riding on the psychological well-being of adults and children with disabilities (inclusive of severe acquired injury to congenital developmental disabilities). Findings from this research will provide base line data to measure the psychological well-being of program participants and provide indicators of program effectiveness for the use of alternative therapies, such as therapeutic horse riding as part of rehabilitation therapies for people with disabilities.
Status: Complete. Publication is prepared.
Contact: A/Prof. Elizabeth Kendall
Funding: Riding for the Disabled QLD, Arthritis Queensland & Griffith University
Project 5 - An Exploratory Pilot Study to Understand the Support Needs of Volunteer Leaders of the Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSM) Program
The purpose of the study is to better understand the experiences and support needs of leaders of the CDSM program. Findings from this study will provide recommendations for improving the support and training offered to volunteer leaders in order to target and strengthen these areas.
Status: Final report is being completed. Publication prepared.
Contact: Ms Tara Catalano, A/Prof. Elizabeth Kendall
Funding: Arthritis Queensland & Griffith University
Project 6 - Self-Management for Indigenous people with chronic conditions: Developing culturally-appropriate content and method of delivery
The purpose of this study is to develop a culturally-appropriate Self-management course for Indigenous people with chronic conditions. Findings from this study will assist in the development of a culturally-appropriate self-management course for Indigenous people with chronic conditions.
Status: Continuing. Final report completed. Publication prepared.
Contact: Ms Leda Barnett, A/Prof. Elizabeth Kendall
Funding: Arthritis Queensland
Project 7: Services Utilisation within the Logan Indigenous Community
The purpose of the current study is to build on our previous research to develop an understanding of the issues, experiences and cultural interpretations of disability, chronic conditions and services in an urban Aboriginal community, with a view to planning an appropriate system delivery model tailored to the local area. Findings from this research will provide knowledge of service utilisation within the Logan Indigenous community.
Status: Continuing.
Contact: Ms Leda Barnett, A/Prof. Elizabeth Kendall
Funding: Griffith University
Project 8: Evaluation of Youngcare: A new accommodation option for young people with continual care needs.
The purpose of this study is to longitudinally evaluate an independent accommodation option for younger people with continual care needs. Findings from this research will provide evidence of the sustainability of such a facility.
Status: Ongoing
Contact: Dr Heidi Muenchberger
Funding: Wesley Mission Brisbane, Youngcare and Griffith University
Project 9: Creating a Health Coalition: The Logan-Beaudesert PBI
The purpose of this project is to determine the effectiveness of intensive place-based services in the Logan-Beaudesert district. Findings from this research will provide a sustainable local service delivery model to improve the prevention and management of chronic disease.
Status: Ongoing.
Funding: Queensland Health & Griffith University
Project 10: Partnerships for Community Wellbeing
The purpose of this project is to determine the effects of the Partnership Initiative in the Logan-Beaudesert PBI. The aim of the Coalition is to enable the establishment of a proactive partnership that will maximise services and develop ways of delivering good practice. Findings from this research will inform similar National initiatives that are aimed at increasing locally-based service capacity in the management of chronic disease.
Status: Ongoing.
Funding: Queensland Health, Griffith University and CONROD
Project 11: Review of the Spinal Cord Injuries Response
The purpose of this study is to review and evaluate the appropriateness, impact, effectiveness and efficiency of the Spinal Cord Injuries Response. Additionally, the findings may contribute to the development of initiatives to support other groups of people being discharged from hospital.
Status: Ongoing.
Funding: Disability Services Queensland
Project 12: Self Related Health, Physical Activity, and Injury in Senior High School Students in Queensland
The purpose of this study was to investigate self-related health, physical activity and level of exertion as well as injury in senior high school students in Australia. Findings from this research will be used in a comparative study to a similar data set that has been developed in Sweden.
Status: Complete. Final Report and publication underway.
Contact: Ms Debra Domalewski
Funding: Griffith University & Swedish Government
Project 13: BRAKE (Behaviour Risk Attitude Knowledge Education): Engaging Youth in Safe Driving
The purpose of this study is to evaluate BRAKE (Behaviour, Risk, Attitude and Knowledge Education) which is a multi-faceted community- driven education program that aims to reduce the involvement of newly-licensed drivers in road accidents.
Status: Ongoing.
Contact: A/Prof. Elizabeth Kendall
Funding: Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance and Beaudesert Shire Council
Project 14: Community Rehabilitation Training Project
The purpose of this training program is to develop community engagement skills and knowledge within community rehabilitation personnel. Findings from this research will be used in the development of a training manual, a series of workshops and a peer-review publication.
Status: Ongoing
Contact: Dr Heidi Muenchberger, Dr Pat Dorsett
Funding: Queensland Health
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