Research Projects
Injury Matters acknowledges the role of evidence in supporting the implementation of effective injury prevention and recovery initiatives, and ultimately reducing the impact of injury in WA. We are proud to partner with a number of research projects in the formation of this evidence, some of which are outlined below.
Community Attitudes to Injury in WA:
In working to create a safer WA, Injury Matters has completed research with Monash University to understand the perceived attitudes towards injury in WA and gain insights into the actions and influences that precede unintentional injuries across different settings. Quantifying these perceptions of injury in WA has highlighted a number of avenues to empower Western Australians to reduce the impact of injury in WA.
To view the results of the research click here.
The findings from this research, alongside the results from international campaign delivery, support the need to develop a co-designed injury prevention campaign in WA that has a common call to action that relates to multiple injury types. Injury Matters is currently seeking funding partners to develop this initiative to reduce fatalities and serious injuries in WA. If you are interested in being involved please reach out.
Annual WA Falls Reports:
Tracking the incidence of falls-related injuries and fatalities in WA, Injury Matters produces an annual Western Australian Falls Report. This comprehensive document provides the diverse falls prevention sector with a central Report to understand the impact of falls in WA and highlights the need to prioritise falls prevention initiatives.
To access the latest WA Falls Report, click here.
WA Ironbark pilot project:
Aiming to improve social and emotional wellbeing, independence, mobility, strength, balance and overall physical activity levels among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Ironbark falls prevention program is a group-based yarning and exercise class for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Following its development in New South Wales, a convergent mixed methods trial is currently happening to evaluate the effectiveness of the program among Aboriginal communities in WA.
Balance on the Brain trial:
The Balance on the Brain research trial is a large-scale research study in Western Australia aiming to improve the physical health and prevent falls for people living in the community with mild cognitive impairment. By measuring how effective usual daily living is compared to an innovative balance and movement program, the study will lead the way in understanding the role of balance training in helping individuals aged 50 years and over with mild cognitive impairment to prevent falls.
If you are interested to learn more about the project or would like to be a participant in the trial click here.
Evidence Bank
The Injury Matters Evidence Bank provides a central location to access injury prevention research. This resource increases users awareness of reliable, accurate and authoritative research pieces.
Knowledge Translation
At Injury Matters, we acknowledge that knowledge is not used to its highest value unless it is put into practice. In partnership with Curtin University, the team have developed a knowledge translation guide for how we can best work with, feed into and share research on a daily basis.