About allied health and our research
Allied health clinicians provide a wide range of health services across various settings and clinical areas to deliver multidisciplinary care. Allied health professions include:
- physiotherapy
- social work
- occupational therapy
- speech pathology
- nutrition and dietetics
- psychology.
Find out more about allied health professions in NSW Health.
The Allied Health Research Unit and steering committee at Western Sydney Local Heath District (LHD) are committed to building a strong research culture. We aim to grow the skills and capacity of allied health professionals to carry out research that improves health outcomes for people in Western Sydney and beyond.
We work in partnership with academic institutions to support research that is practical, meaningful and sustainable.
We focus on research that supports the key health needs in our community. Our priority areas include:
- preventing, diagnosing and treating chronic disease
- maternal and child health
- ageing and disability
- mental health
- neurological health
- musculoskeletal health
- cancer research.
Our work also supports other areas including:
- health literacy
- integrated care
- health services research.
Learn more about our research work.
Our research work
Our research covers a wide range of allied health disciplines. We have performed recent research in various areas, explore our research.
Investigators:
- Prof Vicki Flood
- Prof Steve Vucic
- Dr Hans Bogaardt
- Dr Parvathi Menon
- Kirsty Niven
- Rachael Hammond
- Timothea Lau.
Funding support: MND Research Institute of Australia.
This research project is investigating the feasibility and effects of active swallowing exercises and a diet high in extra virgin olive oil among people with Motor Neurone Disease.
We are currently recruiting to this project and for more information contact WSLHD-AlliedHealthResearch@health.nsw.gov.au
Investigators:
- Marie March
- Dr Bijoy Thomas
- Associate Prof Sarah Dennis (University of Sydney and South Western Sydney LHD).
This study is investigating knee-osteoarthritis management with physiotherapist-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy. For more information contact marie.march@health.nsw.gov.au
Investigators:
- Dragana Ceprnja
- Lucy Chipchase
- Amitabh Gupta.
This research is investigating the prevalence and factors associated with pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women, including how women cope with this condition. For more information contact dragana.ceprnja@health.nsw.gov.au
Get involved
Allied health research helps improve health outcomes and quality of life for communities.
We are building strong research capability across the sector. Our focus is on supporting sustainable, collaborative research involving different allied health disciplines.
If you want to participate in research projects, led by the allied health research team, get in touch with the contact directly in the research project, or send a general enquiry to: WSLHD-AlliedHealthResearch@health.nsw.gov.au
If you are interested in collaborating with our team on research, for example, as a co-investigator, an honours research student, or Higher Degree Research student (Masters or PhD), contact us at WSLHD-AlliedHealthResearch@health.nsw.gov.au
Include information about the area of research you are interested in and any research background.
Contact Western Sydney LHD
More options to contact us.
For general enquiries, complete our online enquiry form.