2021 Central Clinical School public lecture
‘Thank you for asking’: Addressing consumer priorities in respiratory medicine research
CCS's public lecture for 2022 was held 12.30-1.30 pm Friday 29 October 2021, presented by Professor Anne Holland, Head of Central Clinical School's Respiratory Medicine@Alfred department.
See video
People living with chronic respiratory diseases have access to a range of drug and non-drug treatment options that are underpinned by robust scientific evidence. However, despite recent research advances these treatments do not always relieve important symptoms such as breathlessness, and some treatments are burdensome for patients.
Insights from the lived experience of people with chronic respiratory disease, including the experience of common treatments and hopes for future treatments, are critical to shaping the priorities for respiratory medicine research. Professor Holland will outline the ways in which consumer experiences (good and bad) have prompted development of new interventions, given rise to clinical trials and changed clinical practice, and will highlight new opportunities to address the research priorities of people living with chronic lung disease.
About our speaker
Anne Holland is Professor of Physiotherapy and Head of Respiratory Research at Alfred Health and Monash University’s Central Clinical School. She leads the Respiratory Care research group, which aims to improve the lives of people with chronic lung disease through novel non-drug treatments and optimal supportive care. Prof Holland has particular research interests in pulmonary rehabilitation and oxygen therapy for people with COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. Anne’s research is cited in 27 clinical practice guidelines across the world pulmonary rehabilitation, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, skeletal muscle dysfunction, oxygen therapy and respiratory management. In 2021 she was awarded the Society Medal from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, recognising excellence in the advancement of respiratory medicine. She is the first allied health professional to receive this honour.
Additional information
One in four Australians has a chronic respiratory condition, with one in seven deaths in Australia occurring due to respiratory disease. Lung disease accounts for 10% of the total health burden in Australia, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF) accounting for half of this burden. Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of avoidable hospital admissions in Australia, costing over half a billion dollars each year for COPD alone. People with chronic lung disease frequently experience stigma based on its perceived association with tobacco smoking, which is an important barrier to accessing research, treatment and support.
Research partners
- Alfred Health
- Centre of Research Excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep
- Lung Foundation Australia and Thoracic Society