Research Projects

We undertake research in a number of areas across rehabilitation, ageing and independent living.

Browse through our current projects below and select here to view some of our completed research projects and outcomes.

Current research projects

Environment and behaviour mapping in Residential Aged Care: Evidence to inform built, technology and workforce design

This project will build evidence of methods used to evaluate Residential Aged Care design; undertake prospective aged care design evaluations in Victoria; and develop tools and education resources for people who may be considering moving into aged care, their families, health professionals and the future architectural design workforce.

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Improving Rehabilitation Outcomes Through Self-Management: My Therapy

My Therapy is a self-directed therapy program designed to increase the dosage of rehabilitation through independent practice, in addition to traditional hospital rehabilitation.

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The MND and Assistive Technology Evidence (MATE) Research Program

This project will research the assistive technology (AT) needs of people with MND (motor neurone disease).

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Smart Ward - PREDICT

This project focuses on understanding whether advanced movement sensors can better predict risks in hospitalised older adults to enable safer, more personalised care.

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Risk Assessment for moving Individuals SafEly (RAISE)

The new ‘RAISE’ program which embeds dynamic risk assessment into manual handling training, will be implemented into four health and aged care services.

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Completed projects

Re-imaGINing Post-fall ManagEment in NUrsing HomeS: GINEUS View

Re-imaGINing Post-fall ManagEment in NUrsing HomeS: GINEUS

Overview

Unplanned hospital transfers from aged care facilities in Australia are increasing and are not always beneficial for residents. Falls are a major reason for these transfers, and some of them may not be necessary. Healthcare staff often struggle to decide when to send residents to the hospital after a fall. The ReimaGINg Post-Fall ManagEment in NUrsing HomeS (GINEUS) study aimed to gain a better understanding of how falls are managed in aged care facilities in Victoria and New South Wales and identify gaps in processes. In a second step, a post-fall toolbox was developed with two aged care facilities through a co-design process leading to the development of a post-fall decision tree and a post-fall huddle form.

Impact

This work was led as part of an internationally funded postdoctoral fellowship and findings were fed back to the aged care facilities that participated in this project. The tool box that was developed through a co-design approach will be made available to all facilities that contributed to this project.
New funded project (03.2026-03.2027) to adapt the toolkit to aged care settings in Switzerland.

Outputs

Publications View

Conference presentations View

The research team

Lead Chief Investigator:

Other Chief Investigators:

Associate Professor Natasha Layton (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University), Professor Terry Haines AM (Head of School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash university), Professor Helen Rawson (Monash Nursing and Midwifery), Associate Professor Kelly-Ann Bowles (Department of Paramedicine, Monash university), Dr Katrina Long (Department of Occupational Therapy, Monash university), Professor Keith Hill (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University)

Funding

This project has been funded by an international grant scheme: The Swiss National Science Foundation: Postdoctoral mobility fellowship. Grant number P500PM_210835/1

Contact

Email: Dr Raphaëlle-Ashley Guerbaai at Raphaelle-Ashley.Guerbaai@monash.edu

Ageing with a traumatic brain injury consumer resources View

Ageing with a traumatic brain injury consumer resources

Overview

Funded by icare NSW and the TAC, this project aimed to co-design a tailored educational resource with, and for, older people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their caregivers, to help them age well.

Impact

As the first Australian resource of its kind and in recognition of its national importance, the resource was launched at the National Brain Injury Conference in September 2024. The research team has also been invited to present the resource to key stakeholder groups in brain injury and health, including the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation. Hosted on the Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia website, the resource has been downloaded by clinicians, consumers and policy makers across Australia and internationally.

Outputs

Publications View

Consumer resource View

The research team

Lead Chief Investigators:

Other Chief Investigators:

Dr Candice McBain (John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, University of Sydney), Dr Liz Gill (John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, University of Sydney), Associate Professor Libby Callaway (RAIL Research Centre and Department of OT, SPAHC, Monash University), Professor Susan Kurrle (Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney), Professor Grahame Simpson (John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, University of Sydney)

Funding

Transport Accident Commission and icare NSW, November 2022 – August 2024

Contact

Email: Associate Professor Christina Ekegren at christina.ekegren@monash.edu

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications for older Australians View

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications for older Australians: Research to inform the Commonwealth Government Support at Home Program reforms

Overview

Evidence was provided to inform the Support at Home Policy design within the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.

Impact

The Support at Home Program’s new assistive technology and home modifications scheme outputs have been published on the Department’s website. Select here to access the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing / Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme web page.

Outputs

Publications View

Conference presentations View

The research team

Lead Chief Investigator:

Other Chief Investigators:

Associate Professor Libby Callaway (RAIL Research Centre and Department of Occupational Therapy, Monash University), Associate Professor Natasha Brusco, (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University), Associate Professor Gang Chen (Centre for Health Economics, Monash University), Professor Keith Hill (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University), Dr Em Bould (RAIL Research Centre and Department of Occupational Therapy, Monash University)

Funding

Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (Australia), June 2023 - December 2024

Contact

Email: Associate Professor Natasha Layton at natasha.layton@monash.edu

ERAA: Exercise Right for Active Ageing View

ERAA: Exercise Right for Active Ageing

Overview

The research found subsidised 12-week exercise classes of low-to-moderate intensity, run by accredited exercise professionals, led to significant improvements in physical function, physical activity and quality of life. The findings are outlined in three studies published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, BMC Geriatrics and Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport (see publication section below).

Impact

Reaching every state and territory, the research has highlighted to policy makers the need for continued Government subsidies to boost exercise engagement in this extremely underserved group. The research has attracted significant media attention including an interview with ABC Perth on 5/8/24.

Outputs

Publications View

The research team

Lead Chief Investigator:

Other Chief Investigators:

Associate Professor Darshini Ayton (Health and Social Care Unit, SPHPM, Monash University), Associate Professor Sze-Ee Soh (The University of Melbourne), Professor Helen Skouteris (Health and Social Care Unit, SPHPM, Monash University)

Funding

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), August 2019 - December 2024

Contact

Email: Associate Professor Christina Ekegren at christina.ekegren@monash.edu

Scalable physical activity program for older people with dementia View

Development of a scalable physical activity program for improving physical activity and reducing risk factors of falls in older people with dementia who receive home support

Overview

This study co-designed and piloted a physical activity program for people with dementia receiving home care, delivered by trained support workers. The program aimed to improve physical activity, function, and falls-related risk factors using existing aged care structures. Guided by action research, it engaged people with dementia, caregivers, community staff, and health professionals in co-design and iterative refinement. The pilot study evaluated the program's feasibility, safety, adherence, and preliminary health outcomes.

Impact

This innovative model empowers non-clinical aged care staff to safely promote physical activity in clients with dementia during regular care visits. If scaled, it has the potential to improve mobility and independence for over 90,000 Australians with dementia in home care, while reducing care burden and fall risks. It offers a cost-effective, scalable approach aligned with Australia’s aged care reform and dementia care priorities.

Outputs

Peer-reviewed publications View

The research team

Lead Chief Investigator:

Other Chief Investigators:

Professor Keith Hill (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University), Professor Terry Haines AM (School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University), Associate professor Michele Callisaya (Peninsula Clinical School, Monash University)

Funding

Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration/Dementia Australia Foundation, 2021-2023

Contact

Email: Dr Angel Lee at angel.lee@monash.edu

Telehealth care for hospitalised TAC clients and service providers View

The uptake, benefits and impact of telehealth care for hospitalised TAC clients and service providers

Overview

The project evaluated the impact of the TAC’s decision to introduce telehealth billing codes at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Via qualitative and quantitative research, we demonstrated that telehealth was received favourably as a rehabilitation model of care by patients and clinicians and used most by patients with more severe injuries.

Impact

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TAC had never provided funding to their clients for telehealth appointments. This was despite previous demand, particularly for trauma patients living in regional and remote areas, far from specialised trauma services. Via qualitative and quantitative research, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated that telehealth was received favourably as a rehabilitation model by patients and clinicians and used most by patients with more severe injuries. Following this research, the TAC has continued to fund telehealth post-COVID-19, demonstrating policy impact on rehabilitation models of care.

Outputs

Peer-reviewed publications View

Reports View

The research team

Lead Chief Investigator:

Other Chief Investigators:

Professor Belinda Gabbe (School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University), Dr Sandy Reeder (School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University), Associate Professor Natasha Brusco (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University), Associate Professor Libby Callaway (RAIL Research Centre and Department of OT, Monash University), Professor Keith Hill (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University)

Funding

Transport Accident Commission (TAC), 2021-2022

Contact

Email: Associate Professor Christina Ekegren at christina.ekegren@monash.edu

Assistive technology expenditure in Australia: an equity benchmarking study View

Assistive technology expenditure in Australia: an equity benchmarking study

Overview

While NDIS participants have access to fully funded assistive technology and home modifications, this is rarely the case for people who are not eligible for the scheme. Many funding streams outside the NDIS provide subsidies for a small fraction of market costs. As a result, people frequently go without or continue using products that are unsafe or are not fit for purpose, or forgo other critical aspects of care or essential services so they can afford the AT they need. People who are not eligible for NDIS, have to navigate a labyrinth of 108 funding streams. At the time of the report, the average spend on assistive technology and home modifications per person per year for NDIS participants is $2,500, compared with just $51 per person per year for aged care recipients. A single national assistive technology and home modifications program will require an annual investment of approximately $16 billion, to create equity of spend with people in the NDIS.

Impact

Presented to the Commonwealth Department of Health September and November 2022, and February and March 2023, led to subsequent funding from the Department of Health to conduct a 2 year longitudinal study on the use and outcomes of assistive technology for nearly 24,000 recipients of the Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology program. This longitudinal study is from 2023-2025.

Outputs

Publications View

Award View

The research team

Lead Chief Investigator:

Other Chief Investigators:

Associate Professor Natasha Brusco (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University), Lauren Henley (COTA Victoria), Pip Veerman, Kate McDavitt (Monash Health)

Funding

Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre 2021 Seed grant, September 2021 - September 2022

Contact

Email: Associate Professor Natasha Layton at natasha.layton@monash.edu

Is there a role for gait aids for older people with dementia View

Is there a role for gait aids to improve stability and reduce falls risk for older people with dementia?

Overview

This study developed and tested a training program to promote safe gait aid use among people with dementia. It addressed current confusion and inconsistency in prescribing gait aids by hospital staff, community care workers, and informal caregivers. The research involved creating a decision-making algorithm and pilot training, evaluating feasibility, safety, and potential benefits for mobility, falls risk, and independence. Surveys and co-design workshops informed practice and identified key facilitators and barriers to gait aid use.

Impact

This project offers the first evidence-informed framework to guide gait aid prescription and training for people with dementia. By enabling safer mobility and reducing falls, it can improve quality of life and delay residential care admission. The findings have influenced physiotherapy training nationwide and informed WHO rehabilitation guidelines, demonstrating potential for national and international policy and practice impact.

Outputs

Peer-reviewed publications View

Report View

The research team

Lead Chief Investigator:

Other Chief Investigators:

Professor Keith Hill (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University), Associate Professor Elissa Burton (Curtin University), Dr Claudia Meyer (Bolton Clarke)

Funding

Dementia Australia Foundation, 2020-2022

Contact

Email: Dr Angel Lee at angel.lee@monash.edu

The COVID-19 global pandemic and access to AT products and services View

The COVID-19 global pandemic and access to AT products and services

Overview

Millions of people around the world affected by illness, disability, or the impacts of aging rely on assistive technology (AT) to lead healthy, independent, and productive lives. COVID-19 impacts on the AT ecosystem are unknown. This mixed methods study series, commissioned WHO, explored experiences of both users and providers of AT. Led by Monash, it was conducted by a global research team including researchers from academia, international non-government organizations, organizations of people with disability, and WHO’s assistive technology team. Nearly 150 respondents across six WHO Regions participated. Findings demonstrated that the onset of COVID-19, declared a global pandemic in 2020, threatened the AT ecosystem, with repercussions felt far beyond the primary impacts on those who contracted the virus. Substantial barriers, and creative innovations, were identified. Recommendations include recognition of AT as essential health products and services, and strengthening of AT service delivery systems to ensure pandemic responses are AT-user inclusive.

Impact

Cited in WHO & UNICEF. Global report on assistive technology. Geneva: WHO & UNICEF; 2022. Report No.: Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO

Outputs

Publications View

The research team

Lead Chief Investigator:

Other Chief Investigators:

Associate Professor Libby Callaway (RAIL Research Centre and Department of OT, SPAHC, Monash University), Professor Keith Hill (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University), Daniel Mont (Center for Inclusive Policy, Washington), Kylie Shae (World Health Organization), Emma Tebbutt (World Health Organization), Louise Puli (World Health Organization)

Funding

World Health Organization, October 2020 - January 2021

Contact

Email: Associate Professor Natasha Layton at natasha.layton@monash.edu

Ageing with lifelong accident injuries: Building a body of evidence View

Ageing with lifelong accident injuries: Building a body of evidence

Overview

Through an evidence review, desktop scan and key informant interviews, this project aimed to create a comprehensive body of evidence to support the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to understand the influence of ageing with lifelong transport accident injuries on health and well-being.

Impact

Two new TAC Clinical Guidelines (Fractures and Recovery in Older Clients and Dementia and Delirium)
Inclusion of resources identified by this project (e.g. aged care referral pathways) in the TAC Internal Service Catalogue to assist claims managers in supporting older clients
Updated internal TAC work practices (e.g. flow charts) to assist claims managers with client access to residential aged care
Inclusion of our recommended cognitive screening tools on the TAC website’s provider page: https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/providers/working-with-the-tac/outcome-measures
New, funded project, in conjunction with the TAC and icare NSW to develop resources for healthy ageing in people with TBI (see Tools for ageing well with TBI).

Select here to learn more about the Tools for ageing well with TBI

Outputs

Peer-reviewed publication View

Reports View

The research team

Lead Chief Investigator:

Other Chief Investigators:

Professor Keith Hill (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University), Professor Belinda Gabbe (School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University) Associate Professor Libby Callaway (RAIL Research Centre and Department of OT, SPAHC, Monash University), Associate Professor Ben Beck (School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University), Dr Aislinn Lalor (RAIL Research Centre and Department of OT, SPAHC, Monash University), S Newman, Dr Sandy Reeder (School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University), Dr Melita Giummarra, Associate Professor Natasha Brusco (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University)

Funding

Transport Accident Commission - March to August 2020

Contact

Email: Associate Professor Christina Ekegren at christina.ekegren@monash.edu

National GEAT longitudinal study View

National GEAT longitudinal study

Use and effectiveness of goods, equipment and assistive technology for older Australians under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

This longitudinal study was commissioned by the Department of Health, Disability and Aged Care and conducted the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre of Monash University, utilising data collected by Indigo Australasia. The Commonwealth Government provide many types of assistive products to older Australians through the national Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology (GEAT) programme. This two year study followed nearly 24,000 older Australians and explored the difference AT such as mobility products, daily living equipment and self-care equipment can make to safety, autonomy and independence at home. The study analysed data about AT uptake, use and satisfaction, participant goals, functioning, health service utilisation and health-related quality of life. Service satisfaction and the role of AT prescribers was also explored.

Results are presented to the Department of Health, Disability and Aged Care in May 2026. Check this website for forthcoming presentations and publications on the results

The research team

Lead Chief Investigator:

Other Chief Investigators:

Professor Keith Hill (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University), Associate Professor Libby Callaway (RAIL Research Centre and Department of Occupational Therapy, Monash University), Associate Professor Natasha Brusco (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University), Dr Em Bould (RAIL Research Centre, Monash University)

Acknowledging input of Associate Professor Sze-Ee Soh

Funding

Department of Health and Aged care (Australia), July 2023 - March 2026

Contact

Email: Associate Professor Natasha Layton at natasha.layton@monash.edu