The Monash Health Emerging Researcher Fellowship program invests in high performing, early-career individuals interested in a research career.
Open for all employees in health-related disciplines including Allied Health, Medicine and Nursing, the program provides career development opportunities and some salary support for those who do not have a proven record of research.
Dr Natalie Ngu is one of 10 Monash Health Emerging Researcher Fellows in the 2021 cohort.
Dr Ngu and her study team have recently completed the LivR Well study. LivR Well is a feasibility study for a home-based, multidisciplinary liver optimisation program for the first 28 days after an admission for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).
The current statistics for ACLF is a 28-day mortality rate of 33.9%, and a 30% 30-day re-admission rate. Participants in the LivR Well study received weekly medical reviews and oral nutritional supplementation. Home nursing visits, and consultations from dietitians, physiotherapists, pharmacists, social workers, and neuropsychiatrists were also provided.
At the end of the LivR Well study, the 28-day mortality rate was 3% and the 30-day readmission rate was 16%. The LivR Well study cost $4,947 compared to $16,197 for an inpatient ACLF admission. It was deemed safe, feasible, acceptable and cost-efficient.
The study team now plans to conduct a randomised controlled trial of the LivR Well study, compared to standard care, to further evaluate cost-effectiveness and clinical impact on re-admission and mortality.
For more information about our 2021 Emerging Researcher Fellows and the research they are working on, please visit the Monash Health website.
If you are interested in the 2022 Monash Health Emerging Researcher Fellowship program, applications will open in January.
Featured Image: LivR Well Multidisciplinary Team.
Approved by Anjali Dhulia.