A research project focussing on reducing caesarean births and improving health outcomes for mothers and babies – the "COSMOS trial" - won an award at La Trobe's inaugural health awards last night (20 March).
The Excellence in Health Research & Translation Awards is a new initiative by La Trobe's College of Science, Health and Engineering to celebrate and recognise the world-class work of its researchers.
The work of six nominated researchers from the College was presented during the ceremony, showcasing the real-world impact of the research in clinical and community-based healthcare in the past decade.
The COSMOS trial was a collaborative project with the Royal Women's Hospital and La Trobe University. It showed that 'caseload' midwifery, where expectant mothers have a relationship from pregnancy through to birth, reduced caesarean rate by 22 per cent. The trial results now underpin government policies and guidelines.
Representing the team, Professor Helen McLachlan received the award on behalf of the researchers and was given a trophy and a $5000 cash prize to spend on future research projects.
