The Department of Supportive and Palliative Medicine at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital is leading an evolving and dynamic research agenda that aims to inform best-practice service delivery and enhance patient outcomes at local, national, and international levels. Our expanding research portfolio is aligned with acute hospital service priorities in Palliative Care, while also embracing cutting-edge developments in symptom management, innovative therapies, and active participation in national and international research collaborations.

We are committed to fostering the next generation of clinical researchers, providing supervision and mentorship for advanced trainees undertaking Fellowship in Palliative Medicine (FRACP and FAChPM).

Our current research focuses include:

• Integrated Supportive Care Models: Development of tailored supportive care plans for patients with haematological malignancies, including those undergoing allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplant and CAR-T cell therapy, with a focus on prognostic awareness and unmet supportive care needs.
• Chronic Disease Care Innovation: Designing and evaluating models of care for patients with complex chronic conditions such as liver, renal, respiratory, and cardiac diseases.
• Psycho-Oncology and Wellbeing: Investigating the role of meditation and mindfulness in alleviating psychosocial distress.
• Symptom Management: Exploring novel therapeutic interventions, including treatments for uraemic pruritus and the use of medicinal cannabis for cancer-related anorexia.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Reviewing and refining standard clinical approaches, including management strategies for malignant small bowel obstruction.
• Cultural and Individualised Care: Enhancing understanding of patient and caregiver experiences, with a focus on oral care and culturally responsive care for the Chinese-Australian community.

Our department remains at the forefront of innovation in palliative and supportive care, continually shaping clinical practice through high-impact, multidisciplinary research.

Our Research Team

Our Publications

2024