1 July 2020 – Sydney,

One of Australia’s leading non-government funders of health services research, the HCF Research Foundation, is making its 10th annual call to the research community to boost the evidence base for improving the delivery of health services for all Australians.

As of 1 July 2020, the HCF Research Foundation is seeking expressions of interest from research teams for their Health Service Research Grants to support in the following areas:

1. Emerging health care solutions and alternative models that engage and support health care users:

• Use of technology and innovative digital health care solutions
• Evaluation of new models of telehealth that could improve health care accessibility
• Evaluation of emerging models of acute care delivered in the community, including General Practitioner led models of care.

2. Management of joint pain:

• Supporting people with pain to self-manage their condition (e.g. back pain)
• Innovative non-invasive solutions to assist people with joint pain
• Standardising clinical care to improve adherence to best practice.

HCF Research Foundation Chair, Lisa McIntyre said, “At the HCF Research Foundation, our aim is to ensure clinical researchers can access funding to help improve a variety of gaps and issues in the delivery of health services to patients.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced that as a health care system we need to constantly evolve and adapt in order to meet Australians’ needs. With this year’s funding we are specifically calling on researchers who are actively looking to alternative and improved solutions ensuring patients receive the right care, in the right place and at the right time.  

“We’re proud to be the only research foundation that commits 100 per cent of its funding to health services research undertaken by Australian researchers,” Ms McIntyre said.

The Foundation is currently seeking expressions of interest from Australian researchers focusing on improving ways to provide high quality care to better patient outcomes and encouraging applications from collaborations of investigators from a range of backgrounds, including career researchers, practising clinicians, policy makers, and private sector organisations.

Applications will be assessed on scientific merit as well their ability to effect meaningful change to health services provision. There will more weight given to applications that demonstrate a strong opportunity and considered approach for translation of research outcomes into practice.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Thursday 13 August 2020 (AEST). The Foundation will deliver funding to the research community from 1 January 2021. For more information and to apply visit: hcf.com.au/foundation

-ENDS-

Issued on behalf of the HCF Research Foundation by OPR Agency. Media enquiries to:
Gabriela Czwarnos
M: 0450 396 290
E: gabriela.czwarnos@opragency.com.au

About the HCF Foundation
Now in its 20^th year, the HCF Research Foundation’s mission is to encourage the examination and improvement of the provision, administration and delivery of health services to effect positive changes to the health of all Australians. This is achieved by funding research projects that consider the most effective ways to organise, manage, finance and deliver high-quality care; reduce the number of errors; and improve patient safety. The HCF Research Foundation was established in 2000, with a donation from The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (HCF). While HCF has generously donated money to establish the Foundation’s current corpus of $50 million, the HCF Research Foundation operates independently and with specific focus on funding health services research that can benefit all 24 million Australians. Since its inception the Foundation has invested $19.7m in health services research. For more information go to https://www.hcf.com.au/about-us/hcf-foundation.

ABOUT HCF
HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 1.6 million members with health and life insurance, and travel and pet insurance. On average over the last five years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. With over 35,000 specialists participating in its Medical Gap Cover Scheme and approximately 10,000 providers participating in its 100% back More for You programs, HCF gives members access to quality health care with no gaps or minimal costs compared to non-participating providers. To empower members to put their health first, HCF also offers a range of health and lifestyle services including its Healthy Weight for Life programs, mobile Victor Chang Heart Health Checks, Thank You rewards program and preparing for hospital online tool. HCF’s national network of retail outlets and Australian-based call centres have earned multi-award winning status. HCF members also have access to low cost, high quality services at HCF Dental Centres and HCF Eyecare Centres. Having contributed $50 million to support the health services research funded by the HCF Research Foundation, HCF is devoted to investing in the future of Australia’s health. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us.