Sydney, 19 May, 2017:  Australia’s leading non-government funder of health services research, the HCF Research Foundation, is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from Australian researchers interested in funding health services projects that will drive improvements in the quality, safety, appropriateness and cost effectiveness of health care in Australia.

This year, the HCF Research Foundation has committed $1million in funding to the research community, which will be divided into a number of grants for distribution from 1 January 2018.

The Foundation’s mission is to encourage examination and improvement of the provision, administration and delivery of health care services to drive better health care for all Australians. It is inviting expressions of interest from research projects that specifically address the following topics:
 

• End of life care: Multidisciplinary programs that assist patients to die in the comfort of their home.
• Clinical registry data: Use of registry data to directly improve patient outcomes (e.g. heart disease, orthopaedics, cancer).
• Mental health care: Programs that provide the most efficacious and cost effective outcomes for patients.
   

The Chair of the HCF Research Foundation, Lisa McIntyre, said, “With the health care landscape continually evolving, and too frequently not optimally meeting patient needs, there is an increased demand for evidence-based solutions to drive improvements.

“The three focus areas have been selected as they address topical health care issues, invite opportunities to better personalise care, and explore the potential of leveraging data to extend knowledge in health care.

“We know that continued research in these areas will create strategies that will help improve health outcomes and experiences, not just for our members but for the broader health community.

“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.”

HCF Research Foundation will give priority to applications involving collaborations between investigators from a range of backgrounds, including career researchers, practicing clinicians, policy makers, and the private health sector.

Applications will be assessed on scientific merit as well as their ability to affect meaningful change to health services provision. Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to translation of the research outcomes into practice will be looked upon favourably.

Expressions of interest close at 5:00pm AEST on Thursday, 15 June 2017.

For more information on the application process and the HCF Research Foundation, visit hcf.com.au/foundation

-ENDS-

Media enquiries to:

• Laura Cairnduff
  Ph: (02) 9290 0623
  M: 0423 421 382
  E: LCairnduff@hcf.com.au

ABOUT THE HCF RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The HCF Research Foundation, now in its 17th year, was established in 2000 as the HCF Health and Medical Research Foundation to fund health and medical research for the benefit of all Australians. In 2008, the focus was moved towards health services research, an area of research which does not receive large funding dollars from other sources. In 2013 the name was simplified to HCF Research Foundation. The HCF Research Foundation was originally established 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.

ABOUT HCF

HCF, largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 1.5 million members with health and life insurance, community care, 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 My Health Guardian health management program, mobile Victor Chang Health Checks and My Global Specialist second opinion service. 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