Sydney, 16 May 2018 - Australia’s leading non-government funder of health services research, the HCF Research Foundation, is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from Australian researchers focusing on improved ways to provide high quality care to better patient outcomes. 

The HCF Research Foundation will be awarding $1 million in funding to the research community, which will be divided into a number of research grants for distribution in early 2019. 

The HCF Research Foundation is specifically seeking EOIs from research projects that address the following topics: 

• Reducing hospital acquired complications as identified by the Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Health Care.
• Leveraging existing clinical registry data to positively impact patient outcomes.
• Reducing the incidence of low value care provided in the hospital setting.

HCF Research Foundation Chair, Lisa McIntyre, said “The mission of the HCF Research Foundation is to support researchers in finding strategies to improve ways of working in the health care system as a whole, to drive better health outcomes for all Australians.

“We know that the health care system needs to evolve in order to ensure the best outcomes for patients. With this year’s funding we are specifically looking for researchers who are actively improving the quality of medical care, minimising complications and ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate care for their needs.

“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.”

Research grants awarded by the HCF Research Foundation for 2018 ranged in value from $80,000 to $240,000. Applications involving collaborations between investigators from a range of backgrounds, including career researchers, practicing clinicians, policy makers, and the private sector, will be given priority.

Expressions of interest close at 5:00pm AEST on Thursday, 14 June 2018.

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

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Media inquiries to:

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

ABOUT HCF

HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting people since 1932, covers around 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 healthcare 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 Heart 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. 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