Gursharan Singh
Being surrounded by other students who are always willing to offer advice on the research process is...
Key research areas/interests: Palliative care and chronic heart failure
Principal Supervisor: Professor Phillip Newton
Summary of research project
‘The importance of palliative care in the chronic heart failure population’
My research aims to highlight the importance of palliative care for heart failure patients, by examining Australian data on heart failure patients’ use of acute hospital-based services during their last year of life. I will determine what proportion of these were palliative admissions or consultations. This will aid in the design and development of services that improve the quality of life for individuals with heart failure, as those in their last year of life have complex needs that could be better addressed with community based palliative care services or through the integration of a palliative care approach in heart failure clinicians.
I will also examine healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards end of life care and if this impacts their provision of primary palliative care and specialist referral, since in some cases, palliative care is considered to be end of life care. This study will highlight healthcare professionals training and support needs to improve their ability to provide holistic care to their heart failure patients.
Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
I came from a Medical Science background and the opportunity arose for me to complete an Honours year with a cross-faculty collaboration with the Faculty of Health. Throughout that year, I undertook research involving the chronic heart failure population and their symptom of breathlessness. My interest and desire for research grew, I learnt many skills, attended conferences and naturally, my passion for improving the quality of life for this population grew. I knew the next step to enhance my knowledge was to undertake a research degree at UTS.
What contribution to knowledge are you planning to make with your research project? What impact / change might that bring about?
I believe my research project will highlight the fact that many patients with heart failure are utilising the hospital during their last year of life, rather than being provided with palliative and supportive care. Using the hospital can be exhausting, expensive and lead to a poor quality of life for these patients as death approaches. I’m hoping my research will lead to further resources and organisation to provide adequate and appropriate care for these patients in order to reduce stressful hospitalisations and emergency department visits in the last year of life.
Furthermore, healthcare professionals working with heart failure patients may associate palliative care with end of life care, as palliative care was first introduced and associated with hospice. Since the dying or end of life phase is difficult to pinpoint in the heart failure trajectory, many patients miss out on this form of care, despite the fact that palliative care has shifted towards a focus on quality of life. Investigating whether clinicians attitudes towards end of life care influences their provision of palliative care will highlight the need for a change in perspective and further education and training for clinicians to improve the care that’s provided to heart failure patients.
Who will benefit from your research? How?
Patients with chronic heart failure will benefit from my research by obtaining care that is organised, seamless and results in a better quality of life from diagnosis to death. Families and carers can benefit from a lack of stress associated with a loved one’s illness. Healthcare professionals will also be able to understand that many heart failure patients miss out on palliative care due to its misperception of it being associated with end of life care. Clinicians and nurses caring for heart failure patients can become more knowledgeable on the concept of palliative care and its focus on quality of life from diagnosis or when psychosocial and physical issues arise.
How did you go about selecting your supervisor?
Professor Phillip Newton was my supervisor during my Honours degree and he possessed a wealth of knowledge and experience in conducting research for chronic heart failure patients, so he was a clear choice as my principal supervisor. The opportunities I was given during my Honours year encouraged me to continue my education further with his guidance. My co-supervisor, Professor Patricia Davidson came on board at Phil’s suggestion due to her expertise, understanding and interest in my topic.
What has been the most valuable part of your research student experience at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
The most valuable part of my student experience is being surrounded by other students who are always willing to offer advice on the research process. Attending research workshops like Journal Club and Summer Research School has been useful. Travelling to conferences and getting the opportunities to present has been invaluable and allows me to further enhance my skills as an independent researcher.
What advice would you give to future research students thinking about starting a higher degree in research at the Faculty of Health?
The most important thing is to ensure that you choose a topic that is meaningful to you! A research degree takes years with many challenges and it is up to you to ensure you stay motivated and interested. A research degree is 10% intelligence and 90% perseverance! Additionally, find a supervisor that is supportive and helpful. The Faculty of Health is filled with warm, positive and nurturing people.
