MRFF supports UQ researchers to address healthcare inequalities

Researchers from The University of Queensland have secured more than $1.9 million from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to develop patient-centred models of care to improve health services for LGBTQIA+ people.

Professor James Ward from the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Dr Megan Ross from the RECOVER Injury Research Centre will lead separate research projects enabled through the MRFF’s 2023 Models of Care for Sexuality and Gender Diverse People and People with Innate Variations of Sex Characteristics scheme.

Professor Ward will co-design three Indigenous-led studies, including an Australian-first accreditation program to improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous LGBTQIA+ peoples living in South East Queensland.

The project will document the health care aspirations and needs of Indigenous LGBTQIA+ peoples and map current clinical care pathways to inform a non-discriminatory, gender neutral and stigma-free model of care to be implemented within the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health.

The research will help inform the BLAK Rainbow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service accreditation program to improve health service delivery.

Dr Ross will collaborate with LGBTQIA+ individuals, healthcare experts and primary care institutions to strengthen understanding of key barriers in healthcare services and establish an interconnected network of inclusive primary care providers.

The project will examine healthcare and workforce settings, and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ communities to improve access to inclusive primary healthcare, and support the capacity of healthcare teams to deliver safe and affirming services. 

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