COVID-19 Research Survey

Colleagues,

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties it has wrought on the healthcare system, Concord Hospital Geriatric Medicine Department is looking to conduct a study assessing the effects of the pandemic on the function of Geriatric Medicine Departments in Australia and New Zealand. This study is planned to be in the form of two surveys, one taking place in the next few weeks and the other later in the year when the pandemic has run its course.

The aim of these surveys is to assess the imposition this event has on the provision of regular geriatric medical services and workforce distribution. It will also look to characterise novel tools and processes employed to deal with the complex care issues raised. The results of this study will be shared with all participants as soon as practicable to provide insights and guidance on clinical standards employed by other hospitals, as well as shedding light on possible alternate treatment protocols that may be of assistance to the Geriatric Medicine community.

In the near future, the Heads of Geriatric Medicine departments in Australia and New Zealand will receive an email with an information sheet and a link to the survey for completion. Participation is voluntary and anonymous and consent can be withdrawn at any time. This research study has been approved by the Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committees at Concord Hospital (2020/ETH00800). We appreciate your time in considering involvement in this project, which hopefully should provide real benefit and guidance to our community as we progress through this extraordinary time.

Regards,

Dr. Liesl Ischia
Principal Investigator
Department of Medicine
Concord Hospital, Sydney

Professor David Le Couteur
Coordinating Principal Investigator
Department of Medicine
Concord Hospital, Sydney

Professor Vasi Naganathan
Investigator
Department of Medicine
Concord Hospital, Sydney