Participants needed for research
Persons aged over 65 years are invited to participate in a survey exploring the exploitation of older adults. Researchers aim to investigate strategies to prevent the exploitation of seniors’ money, property and other assests by family members.
All information provided will be kept confidential.
The project is funded by the Australian Research Council and to be undertaken by the University of South Australia.
Visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RW7LK93 to complete the survey by 30 September 2010.
In another styudy, researchers at Flinders University are seeking volunteers to participate in a study on the impact of background noise on speech perception, based on a new test of speech perception in noise.
If you are aged between 50 and 75 and you experience difficulty in hearing speech in noise then you can help if you live in the Adelaide region.
The study is based on a new test of speech perception in noise. The use of this test may help audiologists better understand and manage the difficulties that people face in hearing speech in background noise.
The university is also conducting standard hearing assessments and would be willing to provide participants with a copy of their results and answer any questions about their hearing. If you are interested email Sarah Walker walk0246@flinders.edu.au or phone (08) 8204 5942.
For another study, respiratory disease patients are wanted for clinical trials.
GPs are being asked to help identify Australians living with asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), sometimes known as emphysema or smokers cough, to take part in three major new international research studies investigating a new once daily medication for these serious and potentially life-threatening respiratory diseases.
Research centres around Australia are currently recruiting patients aged 12 years and over with asthma, and aged 40 years and over with COPD, for studies that are running at various sites in all states, excluding the Northern Territory.
Eligible patients will have had an exacerbation of their asthma or COPD in the last 12 months, as measured by needing to use oral steroids, visiting the hospital or being admitted to hospital.
Participation will involve no out of pocket expenses. All enquiries will be treated in confidence. The studies have been approved by an Ethics Committee.
To find out more, patients should call toll-free on 1800 800 285.
Golden staph trial volunteers sought from over 65s
The Centre for Clinical Studies is seeking healthy volunteers to take part in a clinical trial for an investigational vaccine against ‘Golden Staph’ (Staphylococcus aureus) which is responsible for potentially serious infections in hospitals.
Persons aged between 65 and 85 who participate in the clinical trials will be compensated for their time involved. The contact number is 1800 243 733 or email contactus@centreforclinicalstudies.com.
Focus groups on enduring documents in Brisbane
The University of Queensland is continuing to look into the issues associated with Queensland’s Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) and Advance Health Directive (AHD) documents.
They are planning focus groups in the Brisbane region.
This project provides a unique opportunity for Queensland’s senior community to comment on and contribute to the design of these legal documents that are important instruments for organising financial, personal and health affairs in advance.
It is important that these forms remain accessible, user-friendly and as effective as possible for those who use them.
If you have been involved in the completion or use of a Queensland EPA or AHD in the past two years and are interested in participating in a focus group, contact Carlie on (07) 3346 7314 or c.rocco@uq.edu.au.
