Collaborative research for meaningful impact
Our research spans the full continuum of care, united by a focus on improving health outcomes, strengthening systems and advancing equitable, patient‑centred practice. Across acute, emergency, maternal, neonatal, paediatric, and end‑of‑life care, our teams work with clinicians, consumers and partners to generate evidence that enhances safety, effectiveness and experience. We also build capability within the health workforce and drive innovation in patient safety and care.
Acute and critical care
Improving outcomes when it matters most
Our acute and critical care research focuses on improving care for people experiencing acute or critical illness and rapidly deteriorating health conditions. Through our research we generate evidence that strengthens clinical decision-making, enhances patient care and improves responses in high acuity settings such as intensive care units and acute care wards. A core priority is understanding how clinical interventions, systems and processes improve health outcomes.
Researchers in this area investigate interventions and models of care that support optimise health outcomes and minimise preventable harm. This work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration with consumers, clinicians, health services and policy partners to ensure that research aligns with contemporary challenges in acute and critical care environments.
Through a combination of clinical research, implementation studies and systems level analysis, our research community aims to contribute to safer, more effective care across the acute and critical care continuum. Findings inform practice guidelines, contribute to workforce capability development and support ongoing improvements in care quality.
Emergency care and disaster health
Building resilience through collaboration
Our emergency care research involves a strong collaboration between clinicians and academics to solve real world problems resulting in enhancing patient and/or health system outcomes. A core part of our program is the capacity building and supporting of emergency nursing clinicians to independently undertake emergency care related research.
Our disaster health research focuses on strengthening health systems for disruptive events, such as perennial disasters, mass gatherings / major events impacts, public health emergencies, extreme weather, deliberate acts of harm, and complex humanitarian situations. Our research has real world impact. This impact is evident in guidelines and resources at an international, state, and local level. This evidence informed guidelines and resources improve operational readiness and enhance health system resilience.
Health workforce and education
Growing capability through collaboration
Our health workforce and education research focuses on the development, sustainability and capability of the nursing and midwifery workforce from undergraduate student through to experienced clinicians and into discipline leadership. Research examines factors influencing workforce performance, including education models, supervision practices, professional development pathways and leadership frameworks. The goal is to support a well-prepared, adaptive and future ready health workforce.
Research projects in this area explore innovative teaching design and methods, and researchers also investigate how mentoring, workplace culture and organisational structures contribute to workforce retention, professional growth and job satisfaction. These insights are relevant to both academic and clinical settings.
By informing policy, curriculum design and workforce planning, we contribute to strengthening clinical education and enhancing the capacity of health services. This work supports long-term workforce stability and ensures that emerging and experienced clinicians are equipped with the skills required to meet evolving healthcare demands.
Maternal and reproductive health
Supporting informed, woman-centred care
Our maternal and reproductive health research focuses on improving care, safety and outcomes across pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Research examines maternity service models, including midwifery led and continuity of carer approaches, and evaluates how these models influence clinical outcomes and women’s experiences of care. The work is grounded in evidence based, woman centred principles.
Researchers also explore reproductive health equity, informed decision-making, and the development of digital tools designed to support communication and shared understanding between women and clinicians. Attention is given to addressing disparities in access and outcomes, particularly among underserved and vulnerable populations.
We strive to contribute to national and international efforts to improve maternity care quality, cultural safety and system responsiveness. Findings inform clinical guidelines, workforce education and policy development aimed at strengthening the safety, respectfulness and accessibility of reproductive healthcare.
Neonatal and paediatric care
Supporting healthy beginnings
Our neonatal and paediatric care research focuses on the health and wellbeing of infants and children, with an emphasis on reducing neonatal and early childhood mortality and morbidity. Research spans clinical interventions, developmental care, and models that strengthen parent and family involvement in early-life care environments.
Collaborations with neonatal and paediatric services support investigations into care quality, early detection of risk, and innovative approaches that optimise developmental outcomes. This includes evaluating clinical practices, environmental influences and service integration strategies that support children across a range of health settings.
Research findings aim to enhance evidence-based care for newborns and children, strengthen family centred care approaches and inform policies that support optimal early childhood development. The work contributes to long term improvements in child health across diverse population groups.
Older people, chronic disease and end-of-life care
Advancing equity in care
Our research focused on older people, chronic disease and end of life care addresses the complex and evolving needs associated with ageing populations and those with long-term chronic conditions. Research explores person-centred models of care that enhance self-management, dignity and quality of life, while recognising the importance of family involvement and culturally appropriate approaches.
A key focus is understanding the impact of multimorbidity, frailty and functional decline on health outcomes and service needs. Studies also examine access barriers, care coordination challenges and equity considerations, particularly for people experiencing vulnerability or chronic health conditions. This includes evaluating interventions that improve symptom management, communication and care planning.
Through partnership with health services, community organisations and carers, our researchers inform best practice of nurses and other healthcare professionals. Findings contribute to more responsive, integrated and compassionate care across the spectrum of chronic disease, ageing and end of life.
Patient safety and wound care
Improving care through innovation
This research centres on patient safety in acute surgical care, with a specific focus on preventing postoperative wound complications and improving outcomes across the surgical care continuum. It examines how safer practices, fast-track recovery pathways, and evidence‑based wound management can reduce harm and improve outcomes for surgical patients. A core feature of this program is its commitment to implementation through co‑design, ensuring that patients, families, and clinicians work together to shape interventions that are practical, acceptable, and safe. Strong consumer engagement and partnerships with clinical teams guide each stage of the research, supporting real‑world relevance and sustainable change.
Key areas of interest include Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), optimisation of perioperative processes, and strategies that enhance the quality and experience of surgical care. Particular emphasis is given to reducing unwarranted variation in clinical practice and strengthening the consistent delivery of evidence-based care across the surgical care continuum. Through these collaborative approaches, the program aims to embed safer systems, reduce postoperative complications, promote consistently high‑quality surgical care and reduce low value practices that do not improve patient outcomes.
Collectively, our research contributes to enhanced outcomes for patients and informs policy and practice across multiple care environments.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to advancing health and wellbeing, inclusive education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, responsible consumption, peace and justice, and global partnerships for a more sustainable and equitable future.