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Population Health

Population Health

60+ RESEARCH PROGRAM MEMBERS

The Population Health Research Program at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is dedicated to fostering healthy environments, communities, and individuals.

We strive to improve community health through targeted interventions that promote healthy behaviors and enable effective, integrated, and equitable healthcare for all.

Our researchers help protect and promote the health and wellbeing of people in the Hunter New England region, and translate our research and interventions into nationwide solutions.

Our research addresses a diverse range of health needs across all life stages. Our dedicated team collaborates across a wide range of health areas and topics including:

  • physical activity
  • nutrition and healthy eating
  • smoking and lung health
  • and mental health.

We use implementation science to support evidence translation to ensure patients have access to optimal care and can experience real health benefits.

Our Population Health researchers are helping to create and implement chronic disease prevention initiatives. 

population health

By operating in a range of environments and settings, our research meets the community at their level, helping them achieve better health.

The Hunter New England region is home to almost one million people, with diverse backgrounds and health needs.

By studying the health of communities and populations, we focus on the determinants, distribution, and management of health at the population level. Our research examines the complex interplay of social, environmental, and biological factors that affect community wellbeing.

 
We also collaborate with partners and organisations to help deliver real outcomes. We work with primary and secondary schools, sporting clubs, childcare centres, hospitals and outpatient clinics – all helping to transform health.

Through international collaboration and partnerships with government and non-government agencies in health, welfare, and education, we are committed to improving the lives of children and adolescents.

We aim to translate our findings into early intervention and treatment strategies tailored to our diverse populations, particularly those facing social disparities in our region.

Through population-based cohort studies and health services interventions, our research is helping prevent a range of health conditions. 

We’re translating our findings into early intervention and treatment strategies tailored to our diverse populations, particularly those facing social disparities in our region.

World-first stroke recovery program builds more than just skills​

For people living with stroke, the opportunity to exercise, socialise, dance and make art not only helps rebuild speech, motor skills and fitness — it’s also a fun way to boost connections and confidence in a supported setting. The ESTEEM program is doing just that.

70+​

STROKE SURVIVORS HAVE PARTICIPATED ​

calendar

10​

WEEK PROGRAM

location

2

LOCATIONS ACROSS REGIONAL NSW

Bringing the best diabetes care to people in the bush

The Diabetes Alliance Program Plus (DAP+) is a proven diabetes care model helping improve the prevention, detection, treatment, and self-management of diabetes in rural and regional communities.

4000+

PATIENTS HELPED

800+

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ARE ROLLING OUT DAP+

96

PATIENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IDENTIFY AS INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS

Empowering girls to be active and empowered

Daughters & Dads Active & Empowered is a world-first, evidence-based program that brings together fathers/father-figures & their primary school-aged daughters to promote physical activity, enhance sport skills, and boost wellbeing. 

3100+

PARTICIPATING DADS AND DAUGHTERS

380

EDUCATORS TRAINED

partnership

30

GOVERNMENT AND SPORTING PARTNERSHIPS

School exercise program boosts adolescent fitness and health 

Burn 2 Learn is a world first school-based physical activity HIIT program, improving fitness, wellbeing and enhancing academic achievement of high school students. 

18,000+

PARTICIPATING STUDENTS

325

TEACHERS TRAINED

location

218

SCHOOLS

Optimising post-surgery care to prevent clots

The IMPOSTERS trial is revolutionising post-surgery care and patient comfort. Additionally, the clinical trial is also identifing cost-savings opportunities that will improve environmental  sustainability by minimising single-use devices.

550+

patients participated in the trial

hospital

3

participating hospitals

$850K

awarded to support the research project

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Help us find solutions that prevent illness and allow people to have longer, healthier, happier lives.