Suicide Prevention Australia is pleased to announce three new recipients of PhD Scholarships. The Scholarship supports research relevant to all aspects of suicide prevention and to develop a capacity for original independent research within Australia.
Ms Debra Osborne
Ms Debra Osborne from Swinburne University of Technology will investigate using user-guided design to implement a clinical decision support system for suicidal risk in general medical practice. Previously, data collected by Swinburne University of Technology has indicated that an electronic assessment tool has the potential to accurately predict the presence of suicidal ideation. Ms Osborne’s research will build on this data to examine how health professionals and patients could use the tool, implementing and trialling a screen-based tool in a university health centre. Ms Osborne says “being able to research ways to more easily identify those who are suicidal and help GPs and other professionals intervene earlier to get people the help they need is important.”
“It is not just about helping these individuals live – hopefully it is about intervening early enough that they can access the tools and supports they need to make a life worth living.”
Mrs Nicola Jamieson
Mrs Nicola Jamieson from the University of New England aims to explore the experiences of former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who have identified with previous suicidal ideation, and their relationship with moral injury (MI). The research will contribute to an emerging body of knowledge on moral injury, particularly regarding early intervention and prevention of suicidal behavior in the ADF community post-service. Mrs Jamieson says that “this research will not only add to the scant research currently available on this topic in Australia, but will also add to the primary agenda of both state and commonwealth governments, in sharing the voices of those with lived experience.”
Mrs Pauline Klein
The final recipient is Mrs Pauline Klein of Flinders University, who will look at the impacts of borderline personality disorder from a family, carer and individual perspective.
Mrs Klein’s research will aim to understand how we can better support people and prevent suicide, as well as engage families and carers looking after those with borderline personality disorder. Mrs Klein says “the research will gain a better understanding of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and coping mechanisms among people with borderline personality disorder, and trial an innovative suicide prevention model of care to better support this population.”
Suicide Prevention Australia congratulates the three recipients and we look forward to working with them as they conduct their research.
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