The Australian Government is investing in research that will help older Australians with back pain to leave hospital sooner.
The 'Back@Home' project, led by Associate Professor Gustavo Machado from the University of Sydney, is one of a number of projects that has been funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) Partnership Project scheme.
The aim of the project is to support early discharge for older adults who have been admitted to hospital with back pain, allowing them to recover at home while freeing up hospital beds.
Many older Australians need the right support and guidance when recovering from back pain. Being able to receive that support at home could be a better option than staying in hospital for longer than necessary.
Back@Home will test a hybrid virtual and in-person care model for adults 65 years and older who have been admitted to hospital with back pain.
Patients will receive virtual consults and home visits to support early mobilisation and safe discharge. The new model could reduce complications, shorten hospital stays and be scaled nationally.
This project is one of 16 research projects the Albanese Government is funding through the Partnership Project Program. The projects will receive a total Government investment of $17.3 million, with an additional $27.7 million committed by funding partners.
The Partnership Project scheme provides funding and support to create new opportunities for researchers and policy makers to work together.
For the Back@Home project, the health service partner is Sydney Local Health District, and the Partner Investigator is Dr Owen Hutchings, Clinical Director of Australia's first 24-hour virtual hospital.
Full details of the researchers and projects funded are available to download on NHMRC's outcomes of funding rounds page.
Quotes attributable to Minister Rae:
"This project will help older Australians recover from back pain at home sooner, reducing unnecessary time in hospital while freeing up beds for patients who need them most.
"By investing in collaboration across the health system, our Government is delivering evidence-based research that address real-world challenges and deliver meaningful benefits for patients and communities."
Quotes attributable to NHMRC Acting CEO Prue Torrance
"At the heart of NHMRC's Partnership Projects scheme is a simple goal: better health outcomes for Australians.
"The funding awarded to recipients for this round of projects will improve the health of all Australians through research collaboration and translation."
Quotes attributable to Associate Professor Gustavo Machado:
"Hospitalisations for back pain have increased every year for the past 10 years and are now estimated to cost the healthcare system $2.2 billion each year. This is around two-thirds of all healthcare spending on back pain.
"Older Australians are disproportionately affected by back pain. People aged 65 years and over are 3 times more likely to be admitted to hospital for back pain than younger adults. They are also vulnerable to complications such as falls, infections and loss of physical function during their hospital stay."
