There is increasing recognition that data and research can guide best practices in aged care, ensuring that older Australians receive effective and appropriate care tailored to their needs.
Government reports and datasets
The Australian Government has developed a suite of datasets and reports to monitor and improve sector performance. Each year, reports on the operation of the Aged Care Act 1997 are presented to Parliament, alongside specific research investigating how the aged care system functions. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) also manages the GEN Aged Care Data website, which provides detailed information on aged care services in Australia.
Undertaking research
Research on ageing and aged care provision is essential, and various funding agencies support this effort. The Australian Research Council (ARC) funds high-quality fundamental and applied research across all disciplines, while the National Health and Medical Research Council primarily supports clinical and medical research. The ARC also facilitates partnerships between researchers and industries, government, and community organisations. The Medical Research Future Fund aims to transform health and medical research through strategic programs and initiatives.
In addition, aged care providers often conduct or commission research to address key service and practice issues. Numerous centres and institutes across Australia focus on ageing research, which can take place in various settings where older people live. Research designs include clinical trials, dementia care interventions, operational studies, family partnerships, care models, and participatory action research.
Using research evidence
Producing research alone does not guarantee improved care. Effective dissemination strategies are required to ensure older people benefit from research findings. Translation of research into everyday practice is complex and is itself a field of research often referred to as ‘knowledge translation’. The final evaluation report from the Encouraging Better Practice in Aged Care program highlighted the importance of evidence-based practice and the importance of creating a receptive context for change. The ARIIA Project has also identified key factors influencing the implementation of innovation in aged care. Despite ongoing research and significant investment, improvements in health and social care often lag behind due to a gap between research knowledge and real-world practice. This lag can affect the very quality of our care.
Becoming an aged care researcher
Many residential aged care facilities (RACFs) are now involved in research, either as settings for studies, data collection sites, or through their own grant-funded projects. Some providers, recognising how critical research is to core services and care provision, have embedded research teams into their organisations. Others have made collaborative funding arrangements with universities to create aged care-based academic positions.
For those new to research, the Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death, and Dying (RePADD) offers a resource called Getting Started in Research, which provides an overview of the processes and skills involved in conducting research.
Page updated 29 October 2024