Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Burnie, Hobart, Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Residents in Australian aged care facilities are commonly prescribed psychopharmaceuticals at high rates (Westaway et al 2018), with rates of psychopharmaceutical use increasing markedly soon after individuals enter care (Harrison et al 2020a).
While high rates of use may be due to a range of reasons, inappropriate and high rates of psychopharmaceutical prescription are associated with increased morbidity and mortality (Westbury et al 2019) and may reflect limits to current approaches to residential aged care (Harrison et al 2020b). Rates of use can be reduced when individualised non-pharmacological treatments are provided (Westaway et al 2018; Harrison et al 2020). However, Registered Nurses may be minimally prepared to provide non-pharmacological interventions for residents with mental health needs.
The proposed study will employ a participatory research design to understand how nursing staff in residential aged care facilities respond to the mental health needs of residents. Knowledge will be generated regarding the use of psychopharmaceuticals and the role that non-pharmaceutical interventions can have, with a focus on informing nursing care to enhance mental health outcomes within the Australian residential aged care setting.
References
Harrison, S., Sluggett, J., et al. (a)(2020). The dispensing of psychotropic medicines to older people before and after they enter residential aged care. Medical Journal of Australia, 212(7), 309-313.
Harrison, F., Cations, M., et al. (b) (2020). Prolonged use of antipsychotic medications in long-term aged care in Australia: A snapshot from the HALT project. International Psychogeriatrics, 32(3), 335-345.
Westaway K, Sluggett J, et al. (2020). The extent of antipsychotic use in Australian residential aged care facilities and interventions shown to be effective in reducing antipsychotic use: A literature review. Dementia. 19(4):1189-1202.
Westbury, J., Gee, P., et al. (2019). More action needed: Psychotropic prescribing in Australian residential aged care. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 53(2), 136-147.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Domestic applicants only
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
- Familiarity with the Australian Aged Care Sector
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Registered with AHPRA (RN)
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr David Lees to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
Apply now Explore other projects
Why the University of Tasmania?
Worldwide reputation for research excellence
Quality supervision and support
