The Queensland Aphasia Research Centre at The University of Queensland has been awarded almost $5 million from the Medical Research Future Fund to improve treatment for the growing number of Australians living with post-stroke aphasia.
The disorder damages the area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension, often leaving patients unable to communicate effectively.
A team of researchers, healthcare partners, and industry leaders led by UQ's Professor David Copland will create a digital platform for the delivery of evidence-based treatments, tailored for both metropolitan and regional health services.
The platform will provide information and resources to support healthcare teams to deliver coordinated, quality care and monitor outcomes. The platform will also empower people living with aphasia and their carers to self-manage elements of their care.
The work will build on long-standing partnerships with consumers and the design of the platform will address unmet healthcare needs identified in 2 year in depth exploration of people with aphasia.
This study is funded under the Medical Research Future Funds (MRFF) Rapid Applied Research Translation initiative.
QARC was established in partnership with Metro North Health as part of the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Services Education and Research Alliance, thanks to a $1 million gift from the Bowness Family Foundation and $500,000 from an anonymous donor.
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