Kalwun facilitates a range of health research programs in collaboration with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary healthcare services in Australia.
There are currently three trials being run by Kalwun Health Service:
Inflate ear trial
The INFLATE trial is looking to find a solution to treat glue ear before our kids need grommet surgery to fix their ears.
‘Glue ear’ is when fluid builds up in the middle ear instead of draining away like it should and can affect hearing and learning. Grommet (ventilation tube) surgery is the current treatment but there can be a long wait, so the INFLATE trial is studying a treatment to help.
Participants will be allocated standard care or provided the Otovent device to trial at home. The Otovent is a small device used to blow up a balloon using the nostrils. By doing this a few times a day for a few weeks, we hope we will have a safe, effective and low-cost alternative to treat glue ear in our mob.
Eligibility
To be a part of the study children must:
- be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- be aged between 3 and 16 years old
- record a type B result for both ears on their tympanometry test
- be able to blow their nose.
How to get involved
If you would like information about this study or are interested in your child taking part, please speak with a health worker, nurse or doctor at your local Kalwun health clinic.
WATCH ear trial
The WATCH ear trial is a research project looking at the best treatment for middle ear infections in our mob. Ear infections can cause deafness and affect education and life opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Children with middle ear infections are put in either a “WATCH and WAIT” group or given “straight up” antibiotics and are followed to see what works best.
Eligibility
To be a part of the study children must:
- be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- be aged between 3 and 16 years old.
How to get involved
If you would like information about this study or are interested in your child taking part, please speak with a health worker, nurse or doctor at your local Kalwun health clinic.
WOmen’s action for Mums and Bubs (WOMB) Mothers Group
The ‘WOMB’ Project is a trial being run by Kalwun and nine other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary healthcare services in Australia.
The trial is based at will look at how community women’s groups such as this affect the quality of health care and outcomes for mothers and their babies.
The WOMB Mothers Group will:
• engage existing clients of Kalwun
• allow group-led decision making for activities in the community
• support the empowerment of women
• create a safe place for jarjums
• provide a safe space to share stories
• identify health care gaps for mothers and babies in our community.
Mothers with young children and mothers-to-be are encouraged to come along and join in the activities.
Toys and activities for the children are provided as well as lunch after the session.
Eligibility
To be a part of the study, clients must be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mums or non-Indigenous women with Indigenous babies.
How to get involved
If you would like information about this study or are interested in taking part, phone (07) 5526 1112.
