
My research uses population-level data and advanced analytics to measure quality, use and outcomes of care across the Australian health system.
I am a Senior Research Fellow and Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellow in the Medicines Intelligence Research Program at the School of Population Health, UNSW. I am also Deputy Director of Research, School of Population Health. I lead research on NHMRC and Heart Foundation funded grants, using population-level linked hospital, pharmaceutical, Medicare and mortality data. My work has shaped national reporting of leading health performance indicators, informed new national models of primary care, and supported development of enduring national linked data assets that bridge hospital and community care.
I partner with academics, clinicians and policymakers to identify evidence-practice gaps across the continuum of hospital and community care. I have high-level technical expertise in ‘big data’ analytics, (pharmaco-)epidemiology and biostatistics, I have specialised capabilities in translating complex real-world evidence to policy and practice. My aim is to improve access to quality care for all Australians.
Examples of my research interests include:
I have a body of research exploring variation in quality care across the health system, particularly using linked administrative health data. Current programs of research include: variation in best-practice cardiovascular medicine (e.g. between patients, sectors of the health system); disparities in hospital care between public and privately funded hospital inpatients (e.g. receipt of innovative procedures, length of stay and low value care); and long-term patient outcomes following a variety of surgical procedures.
I have a track record of research which engages with health policy. My prior research in the National Data Linkage Demonstration Project was the first research in Australia to use whole-of-population linked hospital, pharmaceutical dispensing and Medicare claims data - finding significant evidence-practice gaps in the use of critical cardiovascular medicines following hospital admission for a myocardial infarction. My PhD research exploring sources of variation in 'potentially preventable hospitalisations' reshaped the way we conceptualise this national health performance indicator. I have drafted interpretive guidelines for it's national reporting, and have been on multiple advisory groups and Committees including the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare ("Australia's Health 2020), the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care ("Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation") and the National Health Performance Authority.
My Research Supervision
I currently supervise:
I have previously supervised to completion:
My Teaching
I currently teach in the following subjects:
I have previously taught in the following subjects, short courses and workshops: