10 years of supporting health research in Australia
I’m pleased to share the Health Research at Medibank 2023 report, marking 10 years of Medibank supporting health research in Australia through the Medibank Better Health Foundation.
This year we invested $940,000 in health research to support 22 active projects in areas such as alternative models of care, out-of-pocket costs, improved transparency in healthcare, and loneliness. These are topics that are important to the community, and that support better outcomes, better affordability and better experiences for consumers and health workers.
Some highlights for me this year included our support for researchers developing a low-cost precision prognostic test for women with breast cancer, and a project seeking to understand young people’s attitudes and awareness of treatment options for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
The report also features interviews with the two recipients of a grant – funded by the Medibank Better Health Foundation and RACGP Foundation – to advance knowledge around digital health in primary care.
We spoke to Brisbane-based GP Dr Nancy Sturman, who is piloting an app for patients living with chronic pain that is integrated into their general practice care. We also talked to Professor Meredith Makeham, based at a GP clinic in Sydney, who is looking at how virtual care consultations could better support residents living in aged care homes.
The Medibank Better Health Foundation has funded more than $9 million of research projects since 2013, and we continue to evolve in our support.
I’m excited to share that the areas of focus over the next three years will expand to include keeping women active, and primary and preventative care. We will also continue to support research into alternative models of healthcare, improving transparency, affordability and sustainability in healthcare, as well as loneliness.
Our research partnerships remain an important part of Medibank’s 2030 Vision to create the best health and wellbeing for Australia. We look forward to continuing to work alongside leading and emerging researchers to support the valuable contribution they make to Australia’s health.
