Consumers and Research

Partnering with consumers

Northern Health acknowledges that patients, families and carers are key partners in the establishment of clinical communication systems and processes. Effective decision making is key in achieving good outcomes for patients. Shared decision making is a consultation process in which a clinician and a patient jointly participate in making a health decision, having discussed the options, and their benefits and harms, and having considered the patient’s values, preferences and circumstances.

Who are consumers and how can they help research?

Consumers can be past or present patients, potential patients, carers, or people who use health care services. Consumers can also be people who represent the views and interests of a consumer organization or the wider community. They have the ability to actively help to shape research at Northern Health by giving a consumers perspective to the research conducted.

Follow this link to the Northern Health’s Consumer and Community Participation page where you will find additional information and speak to a Consumer Participation Coordinator about how you can contribute to furthering research at Northern Health.

Research Participation

For an Australia-wide search of clinical trials, please follow this link. This initiative by the Australian Government aims to offer information and resources to participants, healthcare providers, researchers, and industry professionals regarding participation, access, and management of clinical trials.

Here is a link to the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. The Charter describes rights that consumers, or someone they care for, can expect when receiving health care. These rights apply to all people in all places where health care is provided in Australia.

Interpreter Service

The Transcultural & Language Services (TALS) Department role is to strengthen Northern Health’s cultural competence by offering high quality language services comprising: Professional interpreting; Translation of medical material; Transcultural training; Research & Education. TALS is also responsible for the development and implementation of the Northern Health Cultural Responsiveness Plan. For further information please visit the Transcultural & Language Services page.

Resources