Systems and Intervention Research Centre for Health

The Systems and Intervention Research Centre for Health (SIRCH) combines intervention-orientated research and evaluation and systems improvement in workforce development and education and training. The Centre aims to achieve positive change through engagement with the community and industry on initiatives that prepare service providers to apply theory to practice within health care settings that directly improve the health consumers’ and carers’ experiences.

SIRCH’s research ideas are community identified and its projects are co-driven by the community.

SIRCH is a trans-disciplinary research group committed to inter-professional learning. SIRCH designs interventions across sectors, particularly at the primary health care level.

Objectives:

  • to facilitate the translation of research and policy to enhance healthcare practice;
  • to improve the quality and sustainability of the workforce; and
  • to apply innovative education initiatives.

Strategies:

  • strengthen collaborative arrangements and programs with other universities, research agencies and individuals with similar interests and objectives;
  • maintain industry networks and vigilance of health care policy to be proactive in the development and implementation of innovative health care change;
  • design strategies to engage busy health professionals in changing clinical behaviour;
  • respond to the changing role of health professions as patients become more educated and want to take a greater role in their healthcare;
  • improve communication in the health consultation including limit setting, managing aggressive behaviour, motivational interviewing and communicating in complex situations and with special groups;
  • develop initiatives that improve recruitment and retention within the health sector; and
  • develop and evaluate innovative education through on-line learning, healthcare simulation and scenario based learning to improve system responses is a key platform.

Contact

Director
Associate Professor Moira Sim
Telephone: (61 8) 6304 3504
Email: m.sim@ecu.edu.au