Developing data driven algorithms to reduce readmissions in hospital settings in South Australia

About this project

Improve outcomes for those living with multimorbidity

If you are excited about starting your career in clinical health and keen to improve the lives of those living with multimorbidity, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD with important community impact within the Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre (RBRC) and in partnership with the Industrial AI Research Centre.

Our project aims to develop data-driven, actionable insights into how we can reduce the rate of people with multimorbidity (multiple chronic diseases) presenting to Emergency Departments (ED) in South Australian public hospitals. Our focus in on large metropolitan tertiary referral centres.

We want to understand what ED inputs are affecting presentation and re-presentation among people with multimorbidity and what’s happening in the ED setting that impacts the cost and length of care they receive. 

We also want to explore what ED outputs are affecting the ability for people with multimorbidity to be discharged in a timely manner. How could interventions like a Transition Care service, aimed at supporting people with multimorbidity, use data-driven insights to better manage the range and quality of services it offers? 

Our goal is to develop an applied solution to reduce ED presentations associated with people with multiple morbidity. 

You will be based in the RBRC in partnership with the Industrial AI Research Centre. This dynamic research centre focuses on generating research that translates into practice and has real-world impact. You will benefit from the expertise and mentorship of world-class leaders in their fields.
 
What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will help develop a data-driven tool prototype that can be deployed in the health sector. With support, you will also produce and submit 3 to 5 journal publications as part of your degree. 

You will have the opportunity to engage and build relationships with clinicians and healthcare administrators across the South Australian healthcare sector, in particular SA Health. This hands-on experience and exposure will accelerate your career and help you establish a valuable professional network.

Where you’ll be based

You will be based in the RBRC. We are a multidisciplinary research centre working to empower nurses and midwives and improve health.

The RBRC is the largest research centre of its kind in Australia focused on improving the health of all Australians.  Support the transition of evidence into practice to foster quality care. Harnessing the power and knowledge of the world’s largest healthcare workforce. Our researchers are world-class with expertise across fields in public health, nursing, midwifery, behavioural science, anthropology, data science psychology and epidemiology. Financial Support

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum (2025 rate) is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants will not be eligible for the scholarship.
 
Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from both domestic and international applicants. International applicants will not be eligible for the scholarship.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. 

Additionally applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Experience with data science
• Knowledge of Clinical and Health systems

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City East campus in the north of Adelaide.

Essential Dates

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Thursday 5 December 2024.