New research positions in HIREU

The Health Informatics Research & Evaluation Unit, University of Sydney, Australia, is advertising multiple research positions related to an exciting program of work examining how information technologies can support innovative work practices and new models of health care delivery.

We are seeking applicants for:

• Senior Research Fellow - applications closed: 17th May 2009

• Research Fellow - applications closed: 17th May 2009

• Research Assistants - applications closed: 13th May 2009

• 2 APAI PhD Scholarships - applications still open.

More details - APAI scholarships:

1. Technology-supported work innovation in emergency departments
2. The impact of an electronic medical record system on patient care and clinicians' work practices in an ambulatory setting (rheumatology outpatient department)

An exciting opportunity exists for two PhD candidates to work in a new area of health informatics research related to how health professionals can work with information and communication technology to improve delivery of care and outcomes for patients. The research will focus on the use of information technologies to support effective work practice innovation in multiple sites across a Sydney metropolitan area health service. In particular, the ways in which such technologies can create opportunities for new models of care delivery and how these care delivery models can improve the efficiency, effectiveness and safety of the health system. This research will involve a multi-method approach which will include qualitative research methods such as interviews, and observational studies of clinical work practices, as well as quantitative measures such as the collection and analysis of clinical indicator data.

The successful applicants will be working with a team of researchers from the Health Informatics Research and Evaluation Unit (HIREU) located at the Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney (http://www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/hireu/) and with clinical staff from the Sydney South West Area Health Service. The HIREU is the largest health informatics evaluation research team in Australia and is internationally recognised for designing rigorous and innovative approaches to evaluate health informatics interventions.

These scholarships are funded by an ARC Linkage Project grant and will provide support for 3 years on a full-time basis for a research project leading to a PhD.

Applicants should have an Honours or Masters degree. Applicants must be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens and be eligible for admission into a PhD program at the University of Sydney. The scholarship stipend is $26,669 p.a. in 2009 (tax exempt).

Applications must include the following:

• curriculum vitae - included details of previous research training and experience
• a certified copy of academic transcripts
• proof of citizenship or permanent residency
• the names and contact details of at least two referees

Applications must be submitted in hard copy to:

Professor Johanna Westbrook

Director

Health Informatics Research and Evaluation Unit

Faculty of Health Sciences

The University of Sydney

PO Box 170

Lidcombe NSW 1825

For further information, contact Professor Johanna Westbrook (Phone: 02 9351 9677; email: J.Westbrook@usyd.edu.au).