
Dr Meredith Tavener
Honorary Senior Lecturer
School of Medicine and Public Health
A question of research
Dr Meredith Tavener’s qualitative research work delves into the why and the how of health behaviour in order to help effect positive change.

“Everyone’s got a story, and it’s my job to share that story,” Meredith says. A qualitative researcher, Meredith asks the open-ended questions that place context around a person’s health behaviours and give us greater understanding into what people do, and don’t do, when it comes to their health… and why that might be.
While quantitative data gives us the hard facts and figures that demonstrate how many people may be impacted by a health condition, qualitative research provides the context. “Qualitative research does focus on an individual,” Meredith says. “And it provides extremely rich data in its own right. It’s seeking to understand how people feel and how they experience something.”
“We have to remember that the person is at the heart of every health intervention. They’re not a passive part of it, and they will bounce things back at that intervention,” Meredith explains. “So it’s really important to understand how they might feel about someone coming into their home, or how they make decisions about taking that medication, or to practice that rehabilitation exercise.”
Meredith is adamant that if you’re conducting research that involves people, then you should be talking with people. And when it comes to how people are referred to, words matter. “I am mindful of not saying patient, I won’t say client and I won’t say customer because all these words can be quite passive, and indicate something being done ‘to you’ or ‘on you’.”
Putting people at the centre of research
Meredith’s work spreads across different research teams at the University, HMRI, different organisations within Australia and internationally. Working with people living with conditions as diverse as stroke, cancer and chronic disease, Meredith works with clinicians, researchers and not for profit organisations who want questions answered around their health research, and want to build their qualitative research capacity.
“Person-centred care is the perfect combination of implementing research - it’s with people, so let’s go find out what works for them,” Meredith says. “It’s people who are the experts, and that’s really important to acknowledge and get used to. So it’s not about you, the clinician or the nurse – it’s all about the person you’re speaking with. You are prioritising the person.”
Meredith has a diverse research background, which serves her well in the work she does. “I’m a bit of an ‘ologist’,” she says. “My first degree was in exercise physiology, then I went into health promotion and epidemiology, and then social gerontology for my PhD.”
“I come from a mixed methods platform and now I’m predominantly a qualitative researcher,” Meredith adds. “I’m very privileged in what I do and I’m very grateful to the people who share their time with me, and their lives with me. It’s not all belly laughs: there’s also tears and very, very sad stories. But you are literally holding someone’s space and if they trust you enough to be there then you stay, you listen and you work with what they give you.”
Part of the challenge of the work that Meredith does is when someone tells you something completely different to what you’re expecting. “Because I’ve been doing this a long time I’m okay with it,” Meredith says. “It sits a lot more easily with me because I know working qualitatively isn’t always a lovely, linear process from the idea or problem being explored, the research question and to the data. There are assumptions, risks, and some things may leave you completely stumped.”
“If the researcher thinks they’re the only expert in something then they’ll need to sit with some ambiguity and discomfort because it may not go the way that they want,” Meredith adds. “You may have things that you want to ask someone about, but your questions may be answered in terms of what the person wants to share with you, and the importance they ascribe to that.”
It’s all about the why
Qualitative work means diving deeper than a tick of a box on a survey to help truly understand a person’s health behavior. “For example, if you ask people about receiving support, they might say ‘yes, they’d like to join a support group’ but what we want to know is what part of being in a certain support group makes them feel safer, where they find value and what makes them come back to seek help.”
“Go and talk to people who have gone to such groups and ask them what resonated with them – perhaps we just conduct these groups thinking we know what’s right, when it’s not.”
How do we delve into all of this and ascribe meaning to people’s experiences in an authentic way? It helps to work in a team where a few people are involved. “You can then bring ideas back to that team and discuss what we feel people are saying,” Meredith says. “The question I often ask is ‘so what does that mean?’.”
It’s like handing over the mic
Meredith started her career working with children’s health and fitness, then women’s health and now every person’s health. It’s important to look at ‘who’s missing?’ ‘whose voices are not here?’
“One example could be, with breast cancer it’s incredibly important to consider those people who do not identify with a pink ribbon – whether it’s men or genderqueer, non-binary, trans people with breast cancer – who may still require breast cancer care,” Meredith says. “People need to know that they are welcomed absolutely in breast care spaces.”
“It’s a very important avenue to discover how people feel about care spaces. How can we work so everyone feels the door is open and they can seek the help they need? There could be some stigma that people feel around seeking health care, so we need to find out – where does that stigma come from?” Meredith adds. “Nothing happens in a vacuum.”
“We’re all experiencing something very different – but often we just don’t know it,” Meredith says. “We need to acknowledge that even if you’re all in the same storm, you’re in very different boats. So you’ll have some people bobbing around in a little boat which is very different to the yacht next to them.”
“People do qualitative research because they really want to find out the whys and the hows,” Meredith says. “It’s not just work to be used in front of, or behind a survey necessarily – it’s stand-alone empirical research. And it is scientific – it gives a context that is time, place and person specific.”
When it comes to understanding people’s health Meredith wants to know more than ‘what’s the matter with them?’ – she wants to know what matters to them.
A question of research
Dr Meredith Tavener’s qualitative research work delves into the why and the how of health behaviour in order to help effect positive change.
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Meredith Tavener knows the questions that need to be asked, and how to ask them. She is a qualitative educator and strategist, with 25+ years’ experience as a qualitative health researcher, conducting and advocating for, authentic and rigorous qualitative research as an integral part of implementation science.
Dr Tavener joined the University of Newcastle in 1996 as Senior Research Coordinator, then moved onto Research Management, and Senior Researcher roles. For five years she coordinated and delivered innovative online courses in qualitative health methods for post-graduate students and remains in-demand to conduct capability-building seminars and workshops for students, staff and clinician groups. She has 9 completed PhD students and currently supervises 3 more. Dr Tavener is a Fellow of the Australian Association of Gerontology, a member of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and Founder and Chair of the 'Qualitative Methodologies and Methods Network', created by Dr Tavener for the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia.
In October 2022 Dr Tavener was awarded the distinction of Fellow of the Advance HE (UK) Higher Education Academy in recognition of her teaching excellence. In February 2023 she received an Australian Award for University Teaching - citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning, for creative contributions to student learning in Health that embed qualitative research-integrated culture into curriculum design through authenticity of teaching and meaningful resources. Dr Tavener is recognised for her dedication to enriching and improving students' learning experiences.
Dr Tavener currently holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer position.
RESEARCH SUPPORT
Dr Tavener has received approx. $2.5M in total research career funding. She has accepted invitations to lead qualitative evaluation components of two NHMRC Project Grants, been awarded funding as study CI, and been invited onto a diverse range of studies as qualitative methodologist. She has also worked (unfunded) alongside Community Disability Alliance Hunter and Diversity and Disability Alliance, a team of researchers with lived experience on a 3-year project of peer support. Dr Tavener reviews grant applications for colleagues, focusing on qualitative and mixed methodologies.
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERTISE
- Senior Research Coordinator for the $1.65 million Department of Veterans’ Affairs “Preventive Care Trial” (1996-2001). Results from the PCT informed the introduction of Medicare Enhanced Primary Care items in 1999, for Australia-wide annual health assessments for over 75's. This work resulted in four reports being published with chief investigators, and five co-authored peer-reviewed journal publications.
- In 2001 Dr Tavener was asked to stay on as Project Manager on the $2.0 million Department of Defence “Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel” (2001-2004). In response to the study findings, the Government instituted a $21 million payment package and continuing health care scheme for ex-deseal/reseal personnel. This work resulted in four books being published with chief investigators, and eight co-authored peer-reviewed journal publications.
- In Perth WA (2009), Dr Tavener managed a LotteryWest funded project “Accommodation options for older gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and intersex individuals”, which involved a state-wide survey explore attitudes, knowledge and practices of retirement and residential aged care providers in WA towards accommodating older gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals. The project informed the 2012 Commonwealth of Australia National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Ageing and Aged Care Strategy.
- Following her post-doc, Dr Tavener managed two cohorts of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health and conducted mixed methods research using ALSWH survey and free text data. In 2015, ALSWH was awarded the CAPHIA Team Award for excellence and innovation in public health research.
- Dr Tavener held an administrative / research appointment with the UON Athena SWAN pilot (0.5FTE, Mar 2016 – Sept 2017), responsible for the design and collection of qualitative data, its synthesis and evaluation across the 2-year SAGE (Science Australia Gender Equity) Pilot addressing gender equity and diversity at the University. This culminated in real narrative represented within the SAGE Bronze Report submission and 4-year Action Plan, which was awarded Bronze Level accreditation on 5 Dec.
- Trial Manager (Sept 2017 - Feb 2022, 0.4FTE), responsible for the day to day running of an NHMRC funded project to assess post-stroke arm recovery. As part of the RCT Dr Tavener supervised a PhD student who examined trial participant / carer / therapist experiences.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBER OF
ACHIEVE - Academy for Health Inter-professional Education and Vibrant Excellence
CAPHIA – Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia
The International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Research Impact Academy
HMRI Women's Health Research Centre
Health Consumer Network NSW
Hunter Medical Research Institute – Public Health
National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR-CLAHRC) Qualitative Support Group, Wessex UK
Qualifications
- PhD (Community Health & Clinical Epidemiology), University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement), Ballarat University College - Vic
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours), University of Ballarat
- Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion, University of Newcastle
- Master of Medical Science, University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Consumer health
- Evaluation
- Health care
- Innovative qualitative methodologies
- Mixed Methods
- Narrative analysis
- Public health
- Qualitative Workshops
- Qualitative data and methods
- Qualitative methods capacity building
- Qualitative methods in health research
- Scholarship of teaching and learning
- Teaching qualitative methods
- Thematic analysis
- Women's health
Languages
- English (Mother)
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 330306 | Design practice and methods | 40 |
| 390102 | Curriculum and pedagogy theory and development | 40 |
| 420699 | Public health not elsewhere classified | 20 |
Professional Experience
Academic appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 1/1/2019 - 31/12/2020 | Lecturer / Course Coordinator | University of Newcastle |
| 1/1/2018 - 31/12/2018 | Research Fellow in Healthy Ageing | University of Newcastle Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing Australia |
| 1/2/2012 - 31/12/2017 | Research Fellow | The University of Newcastle, Australia Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing Australia |
| 1/1/2010 - 1/1/2012 | Postdoctoral Researcher | University of Groningen, Netherlands Faculty of Spatial Sciences Netherlands |
| 1/5/2009 - 1/10/2009 | Project Manager | Curtin University Australia |
| 1/7/2004 - 1/12/2009 | Research Academic | University of Newcastle Australia |
Professional appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 1/11/2001 - 1/7/2004 | Project Manager | Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle Australia |
| 1/10/1996 - 1/11/2001 | Senior Research Coordinator | Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle Australia |
Awards
Award
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
2022 Australian Award for University Teaching - citation for outstanding contribution to student learning Australian Awards for University Teaching |
| 2023 |
University of Newcastle Teaching Excellence Award – Highly Commended The University of Newcastle |
| 2021 |
Early Career College Teaching Excellence Award 2021 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle |
| 2019 |
DVC(A) Education Innovation and Impact Award Office of the DVC (A), The University of Newcastle, Australia |
| 2015 |
Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australia (CAPHIA) 2015 Team Award for excellence and innovation in public health research Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health |
Distinction
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
Fellow of the Advance HE (UK) Higher Education Academy Advance HE (UK) Higher Education Academy |
| 2019 |
Mentor in qualitative methods, NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery |
| 2016 |
Fellow of the Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) Australian Association of Gerontology |
Recognition
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2017 |
Member of consortium that successfully gained admission to the Department of Social Services Research, Evaluation and Data (READ) panel for University of Newcastle Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing (RCGHA), The University of Newcastle, NSW. |
Scholarship
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2008 |
Jill Cockburn Public Health Research Scholarship The University of Newcastle, NSW |
| 2005 |
University of Newcastle Research Scholarship (UNRS-C) The University of Newcastle, NSW |
Invitations
Distinguished Visitor
| Year | Title / Rationale |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Invited presentation on "Healthy ageing issues: Labour, housing and social consciousness". |
Keynote Speaker
| Year | Title / Rationale |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Getting from ‘what’s the matter’ to ‘what matters’. The value of qualitative methods |
| 2023 | Being awarded for the unteachable |
| 2016 | Plenary - Exploring salutary factors influencing women’s health |
Panel Participant
| Year | Title / Rationale |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Invited expert on ageing for Q&A symposium "Eyes, body & mind", at the Asia Pacific Vitreo-Retina Society Conference. |
| 2013 | PhD confirmation panel for Wilaiwan Pathike "The association between resilience and community health system among rural elderly: Effectiveness of rural community health system to promote successful ageing in Thailand". |
| 2013 | Discussing "How can we move policy forward?" at "Rethinking retirement" workshop. |
| 2012 | PhD confirmation panel for Tazeen Majeed "Life course impact of chronic diseases on patterns of workforce participation: A gendered approach". |
Participant
| Year | Title / Rationale |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Sax Institute workshop "Challenges in evaluating policy and programs". |
Speaker
| Year | Title / Rationale |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Doorways to Data: ALSWH qualitative data benefits and access |
| 2015 | Presentation at RCGHA Research Methods Workshop, on "A salutogenic analysis of health in older women: Using applied inductive themnatic analysis." |
| 2012 | Invited talk on "Appreciate and celebrate all the little things - How women deal with life's ups and downs." |
| 2011 | Invited presentation at "Multi-disciplinary workshop on ageing and wellbeing". |
| 2010 | Invited presentation to members of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, on analysing written stories. |
| 2010 | Invited presentation to "Health Economics" students, University of Hohenheim, on "The health of Australian baby boomer women: Understanding their ups and downs". |
| 2010 | Invited lecture on "Population Transition" as part of "Gender und Gesundheit" course. |
Thesis Examinations
| Year | Level | Discipline | Thesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | PHD | Public Health | Doing Dementia Friendly Communities Locally: Tensions in Committee Practices and Micro Processes |
| 2018 | PHD | Health | The Lantern Project: illuminating the value of nutrition in older Australians |
| 2018 | Masters | Health | Patient perspectives of using a patient-held health file |
| 2017 | PHD | Social Sciences | Towards active ageing: A comparative study of experiences of older Ghanaians in Australia and Ghana |
Grant Reviews
| Year | Grant | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 |
Greaves PhD top-up scholarships External - EXTE, External - EXTE |
$10,000 |
Teaching
| Code | Course | Role | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPID6660 |
Public Health Implications of an Ageing Population The University of Newcastle |
Online facilitator and tutor | 1/7/2013 - 30/11/2016 |
| EPID6600 |
Research Protocol Design School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia Leading qualitative protocol designs as Qualitative Theme Leader, semester 2 from 2019 to 2024 |
Qualitative Theme Leader - Mentor | 1/7/2019 - 1/7/2024 |
| EPID6660 |
Public Health Implications of an Ageing Population Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle |
Online facilitator and tutor | 1/1/2018 - 31/12/2018 |
| PUBH6210 |
Qualitative Methods in Health Research University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health |
Course Coordinator / Senior Lecturer in Qualitative Health Research | 1/1/2019 - 31/12/2024 |
| EPID6660 |
Public Health Implications of an Ageing Population The University of Newcastle |
Course Coordinator and facilitator | 1/1/2017 - 31/12/2017 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Book (5 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 |
D'Este CA, Byles JE, Attia JR, Brown AM, Second Mortality and Cancer Incidence Report, -, Newcastle, Australia (2004) [A2]
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| 2004 |
D'Este CA, Byles JE, Attia JR, Brown AM, Report on the General Health and Medical Study, -, Newcastle, Australia, 463 (2004) [A2]
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| 2003 |
D'Este CA, Byles JE, Attia JR, Brown AM, Literature Review Report, -, Newcastle, Australia (2003) [A2]
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| 2003 |
D'Este CA, Byles JE, Attia JR, Brown AM, Report on the qualitative interviews, -, Newcastle, Australia (2003) [A2]
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| 2003 |
D'Este CA, Byles JE, Attia JR, Brown AM, Interim mortality and cancer incidence report, -, Newcastle, Australia (2003) [A2]
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Chapter (5 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
Byles J, Tavener M, Princehorn E, 'Healthy ageing at very old ages - perspectives from women in the oldest cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health' (2025)
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| 2021 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Tavener M, Wales K, Byles J, 'Towards a better understanding of the long-term care needs of older people in Ghana', 117-142 (2021) [B1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||
| 2018 |
Rosenthal D, Moore S, Barbosa LM, Monteiro L, Giardini Murta S, Boyle F, Thomson C, Calvo E, Sarkisian N, Tamborini CR, Evans S, Atkinson T, Darton R, Cameron A, Netten A, Smith R, Porteus J, Fisher GG, Chaffee DS, Sonnega A, van der Heide I, van Rijn RM, Robroek SW, Burdorf A, Proper KI, Vo K, Forder PM, Tavener M, Rodgers B, Banks E, Bauman A, Byles JE, Wang M, Shi J, Zantinge EM, van den Berg M, Smit HA, Picavet HJ, Allen C, Bearg N, Foley R, Smith J, Coon A, Feuerhern J, Edgar P, Edgar D, Farrell C, Friedan B, 'Retirement and a healthy lifestyle: Opportunity or pitfall? A narrative review of the literature.', 1-15 (2018)
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| 2015 |
Byles JE, Tavener M, 'Health of older people', 1408-1424 (2015) [B2]
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| 2015 | Tavener MA, Byles JE, 'Oxford Textbook of Global Public Health', Oxford Textbook of Global Public Health, Oxford University Press, USA, Oxford, United Kingdom (2015) | ||||
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Conference (62 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Fentoullis M, Kalucy M, Tavener M, Beckmann EA, 'Teaching as an attribute of professionalism: Investigating medical students' contribution to peer teaching and educational advocacy', Adelaide Convention Centre (2024) | |||||||
| 2024 | Fentoullis M, Kalucy M, Tavener M, Beckmann EA, 'Medical students' experiences of teaching and educational advocacy develops their professionalism', Basel Switzerland (2024) | |||||||
| 2024 |
Leopardi E, Dalton MJ, Tavener M, 'Do you know what I meme? The trials and tribulations of an early career researcher in Health Professions Education' (2024)
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| 2017 |
Byles J, Tavener M, 'Home and care: An example of what we know analysis of 12 years of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health', Perth, WA (2017)
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| 2017 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Tavener M, Byles J, 'Evolution of Familial Care and Support Systems for Older People in Ghana: A Literature Review', Perth, Australia (2017)
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| 2015 |
Hubbard IJ, Tavener M, Thijsen A, Francis L, Grennall C, Levi C, Byles J, 'How do older Australian women experience life after stroke, and how does the WHO 18-item ICF core Set for Stroke compare?', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (2015) [E3]
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| 2009 |
Tavener MA, Byles JE, Loxton DJ, 'Identity construction in baby boomer women', Australasian Journal on Ageing, Canberra, ACT (2009) [E3]
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| 2006 |
D'Este C, Attia J, Brown A, Schofield P, Tavener M, Gibson R, Horsley K, 'SHOAMP: The study of health outcomes in aircraft maintenance personnel.', NEUROTOXICOLOGY, Res Triangle Park, NC (2006)
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Journal article (77 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
Taylor RM, Acharya SH, Parsons ME, Ranasinghe UP, Kuzulugil DO, Fleming KC, Harris ML, Byles JE, Philcox AN, Tavener MA, Attia JR, Kuehn J, Ross-Evans SN, Hure AJ, 'Australian practice nurses' perspectives on integrating specialist diabetes care with primary care: a qualitative study', Family Practice, 42 (2025) [C1]
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| 2025 |
Swaab L, Campbell LE, Tavener M, Goodwin J, '“People Thought I Was a Dreadful Mother”: Stigma Experienced by Parents with an Autistic Child Who Exhibits Aggressive Behaviour', Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (2025) [C1]
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| 2025 |
Hsiang CHT, Georgas S, Tavener M, Campbell L, 'Using Family Therapy in the Context of Autism: A Scoping Review', REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS [C1]
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| 2025 |
Patel H, Perry S, Badu E, Mwangi F, Onifade O, Mazurskyy A, Tavener M, Walters J, Noble D, Chidarikire S, Lethbridge L, Jobson L, Carver H, MacLellan A, Govind N, Andrews G, Kerrison-Watkin G, Lun E, Malau-Aduli BS, 'A scoping review of interprofessional education in healthcare: evaluating competency development, educational outcomes and challenges', BMC Medical Education, 25, 409-409 (2025) [C1]
BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential in healthcare to enhance collaboration, communication and teamwork among health professions education student... [more] BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential in healthcare to enhance collaboration, communication and teamwork among health professions education students. This review aimed to map out the core competencies health professions education students develop during IPE and identify the positive and negative educational outcomes. METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was developed and reported in accordance with the PRISMA ScR guidelines. The search was conducted across five electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and EBSCO) for peer-reviewed articles published in English within the last 20¿years. Data was extracted and core competencies were categorised into four defined areas-roles and responsibilities; interprofessional communication; values for interprofessional practice; teams and teamwork. The frequency of occurrence of each core competency, along with the positive and negative outcomes of IPE were analysed. Mixed methods analysis was used to integrate both qualitative and quantitative data. RESULTS: Team and teamwork emerged as the most frequently attained core competency in IPE. The positive impacts of IPE include significant improvements in role clarity, communication skills, and teamwork dynamics. However, negative impacts were also noted, such as logistical challenges and interpersonal issues like power dynamics and communication barriers, which impeded the personal professional growth and professional interactional skill-related benefits of IPE. Additionally, some participants reported feeling overwhelmed by the extra workload required for IPE activities. CONCLUSION: IPE is a valuable component of health professions education, significantly contributing to the development of core competencies necessary for interprofessional collaborative practice. Addressing the challenges and implementing best practices can further enhance the effectiveness of IPE programs, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes. The implications for practice, training of healthcare students and future research are discussed.
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| 2024 |
Hlaing-Hlaing H, Dolja-Gore X, Tavener M, Hure AJ, 'Longitudinal analysis of the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 and incident non-communicable diseases over 15 years in the 1973-1978 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health', BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION, 131, 143-155 (2024) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2024 |
Luu X, Keilar C, Paras L, Tavener M, James EL, Johnson NA, 'How do setting-level changes in universities affect mental health and wellbeing? A systematic mixed studies review', MENTAL HEALTH & PREVENTION, 34 (2024) [C1]
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| 2024 |
Hsiang CHT, Campbell L, Tavener M, 'Clinicians' experiences and perceptions of family therapy in the context of autism', Journal of Family Therapy, 46 423-441 (2024) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2024 |
Bultz BD, Kelly B, Rosberger Z, Forbes C, Railton C, Tavener M, Lloyd C, Stukalin I, White B, Schulte FSM, '“Uncovering the unspoken”: a narrative analysis of patients’ experiences with testicular cancer.', Supportive Care in Cancer, 32 (2024) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2024 |
Kenah K, Tavener M, Bernhardt J, Spratt NJ, Janssen H, '"Wasting time": a qualitative study of stroke survivors' experiences of boredom in non-therapy time during inpatient rehabilitation', DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION, 46, 2799-2807 (2024) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2023 |
Taylor R, Acharya S, Parsons M, Ranasinghe U, Fleming K, Harris ML, Kuzulugil D, Byles J, Philcox A, Tavener M, Attia J, Kuehn J, Hure A, 'Australian general practitioners' perspectives on integrating specialist diabetes care with primary care: qualitative study', BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, 23 (2023) [C1]
Background: Improving the coordination and integration of health services is recognised nationally and internationally as a key strategy for improving the quality of di... [more] Background: Improving the coordination and integration of health services is recognised nationally and internationally as a key strategy for improving the quality of diabetes care. The Australian Diabetes Alliance Program (DAP) is an integrated care model implemented in the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), New South Wales (NSW), in which endocrinologists and diabetes educators collaborate with primary care teams via case-conferencing, practice performance review, and education sessions. The objective of this study was to report on general practitioners' (GPs) perspectives on DAP and whether the program impacts on their skills, knowledge, and approach in delivering care to adult patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Four primary care practices with high rates of monitoring haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels (> 90% of patients annually) and five practices with low rates of monitoring HbA1c levels (< 80% of patients annually) from HNELHD, NSW provided the sampling frame. A total of nine GPs were interviewed. The transcripts from the interviews were reviewed and analysed to identify emergent patterns and themes. Results: Overall, GPs were supportive of DAP. They considered that DAP resulted in significant changes in their knowledge, skills, and approach and improved the quality of diabetes care. Taking a more holistic approach to care, including assessing patients with diabetes for co-morbidities and risk factors that may impact on their future health was also noted. DAP was noted to increase the confidence levels of GPs, which enabled active involvement in the provision of diabetes care rather than referring patients for tertiary specialist care. However, some indicated the program could be time consuming and greater flexibility was needed. Conclusions: GPs reported DAP to benefit their knowledge, skills and approach for managing diabetes. Future research will need to investigate how to improve the intensity and flexibility of the program based on the workload of GPs to ensure long-term acceptability of the program.
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2023 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Wales K, Tavener M, Kowal P, Byles J, 'Functional difficulties and toileting among older adults in Ghana: evidence from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Ghana Wave 1', AGEING & SOCIETY, 43, 53-75 (2023) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2023 |
Ibrahim K, Weller S, Elvidge E, Tavener M, 'Using collaborative autoethnography to explore the teaching of qualitative research methods in medicine', ADVANCES IN HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION, 28, 1467-1483 (2023) [C1]
This article explores experiences of teaching qualitative research (QR) broadly, and qualitative methods (QM) more specifically in medicine, highlighting the challenges... [more] This article explores experiences of teaching qualitative research (QR) broadly, and qualitative methods (QM) more specifically in medicine, highlighting the challenges faced, and offering recommendations for overcoming them. Using collective online interviews, collaborative autoethnography (CAE) was employed to generate data comprising educator's reflective accounts of teaching QM in medical schools across two continents. Three main themes were identified through collaborative thematic analysis: making meaningful contributions from a marginalized position; finding our pedagogical feet; and recognizing the translational applicability and value of QR. We reflected on the marginalized positioning of QM in medical curricula and the underestimation of the value of QR to understanding pressing health issues. Analysis of these reflections pointed to a lack of formal training for educators and curriculum space for qualitative approaches. Our teaching pedagogies, developed through our own research experiences, self-reflection and student feedback, were primarily student-centered employing a range of novel approaches designed to foster skills and interest in the craft of QR, and introduce a greater appreciation of the significance of QR approaches to medicine. CAE further allowed us to identify some key recommendations that could help medical educators plan for teaching QM and other research methods more effectively in medicine. Future curriculum development should consider the benefits of exposing learners to a range of methods and approaches from across the qualitative-quantitative spectrum.
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| 2023 |
Lavis H, van Vliet P, Tavener M, 'Stroke survivor, caregiver and therapist experiences of home-based stroke rehabilitation: a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies', PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS, 28, 157-173 (2023) [C1]
Background: Following the initial period of hospitalisation, stroke rehabilitation is increasingly occurring within the home. As such, the home setting becomes a critic... [more] Background: Following the initial period of hospitalisation, stroke rehabilitation is increasingly occurring within the home. As such, the home setting becomes a critical environment in the context of rehabilitation service provision. Objectives: This study aimed to explore what factors influence the experiences of stroke survivors, caregivers and therapists participating in home-based rehabilitation. Methods: A systematic approach to thematic synthesis of qualitative studies began with search term development, followed by database search (CINAHL, Emcare, Medline, Scopus) from inception to 1 November 2022 using keywords and synonyms of 'stroke survivor', 'therapist', 'caregiver', 'home rehabilitation' and 'experience'. Included studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist. Data were analysed inductively for themes using a three-step thematic synthesis approach. Results: A total of 26 studies were included in this thematic synthesis. Across the data, three overarching analytical themes were constructed, including (i) The significance of place, (ii) The impact of relationships, and (iii) The meaning of therapy. Conclusions: The home setting offers benefits and challenges to delivery and participation in physical rehabilitation after stroke, shaped by various psychosocial and environmental factors that influence outcomes. Altered roles and relationships developed within the home setting influence participatory experience, whilst the setting can offer a familiar and relevant context to promote engagement in meaningful and purposeful therapy. Prior to hospital discharge, therapists who integrate personalised contexts into therapeutic environments can better prepare stroke survivors and caregivers for therapeutic participation within the home. Furthermore, future studies conducted before, during and after therapy focussing on stroke survivor, caregiver and therapist experiences of home-based rehabilitation can provide greater insight into the barriers and facilitators of home-based rehabilitation acceptance, adherence and implementation.
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| 2023 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Tavener M, Wales K, Denham AMJ, Byles J, 'A meta-synthesis of care and support for older adults in Africa', JOURNAL OF FAMILY STUDIES, 29, 431-452 (2023) [C1]
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| 2023 |
Lavis H, Van Vliet P, Tavener M, 'Lessons learnt by an experienced clinician-novice researcher throughout the process of qualitative research interviewing', The Qualitative Report, 28, 1665-1679 (2023) [C1]
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| 2022 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Amoah D, Tavener M, Aframa AA, Dintrans PV, Byles J, Kowal P, 'Food Insecurity and Functional Disability Among Older Adults in Ghana: The Role of Sex and Physical Activity', JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION, 23 (2022) [C1]
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| 2022 |
Hlaing-Hlaing H, Dolja-Gore X, Tavener M, James E, Hure A, 'Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 and Incident Non-Communicable Diseases: Findings from a 15-Year Follow up of Women from the 1973–78 Cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health.', Nutrients, 14 (2022) [C1]
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| 2021 |
Dolja-Gore X, Byles JE, Tavener MA, Chojenta CL, Majeed T, Nair BR, Mishra GD, 'Estimating the effect of health assessments on mortality, physical functioning and health care utilisation for women aged 75 years and older', PLOS ONE, 16 (2021) [C1]
Health assessments have potential to improve health of older people. This study compares long-term health care utilisation, physical functioning, and mortality for wome... [more] Health assessments have potential to improve health of older people. This study compares long-term health care utilisation, physical functioning, and mortality for women aged 75 years or over who have had a health assessment and those who have not. Prospective data on health service use, physical functioning, and deaths among a large cohort of women born 1921¿26 were analysed. Propensity score matching was used to produce comparable groups of women according to whether they had a health assessment or not. The study population included 6128 (67.3%) women who had an assessment, and 2971 (32.7%) women who had no assessment. Propensity matching produced 2101 pairs. Women who had an assessment had more use of other health services, longer survival, and were more likely to survive with high physical functioning compared to women with no assessment. Among women who had good baseline physcial functioning scores, women who had an assessment had significantly lower odds of poor outcomes at 1000 days follow-up compared to women who had no assessment (OR: 0.67, 95%CI: 0.52, 0.85). This large observational study shows the real-world potential for assessments to improve health outcomes for older women. However, they also increased health service use. This increased healthcare is likely to be an important mechanism in improving the women's health outcomes.
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| 2021 |
Hlaing-Hlaing H, Dolja-Gore X, Tavener M, James EL, Hodge AM, Hure AJ, 'Diet Quality and Incident Non-Communicable Disease in the 1946-1951 Cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH, 18 (2021) [C1]
Diet quality indices (DQIs) can be useful predictors of diet¿disease relationships, includ-ing non-communicable disease (NCD) multimorbidity. We aimed to investigate wh... [more] Diet quality indices (DQIs) can be useful predictors of diet¿disease relationships, includ-ing non-communicable disease (NCD) multimorbidity. We aimed to investigate whether overall diet quality (DQ) predicted NCD, multimorbidity, and all-cause mortality. Women from the 1945¿ 51 cohort of the Australia Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) were included if they: responded to S3 in 2001 and at least one survey between 2004 (S4) and 2016 (S8), and had no NCD history and complete dietary data at S3. DQ was summarized by the Healthy Eating Index for Australian Adults-2013 (HEIFA-2013), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), and Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010). Outcomes included each NCD (diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension (HT), asthma, cancer (except skin cancer), depression and/or anxiety) independently, multimorbidity, and all-cause mortality. Repeated multivariate logistic regressions were used to test associations between DQIs and NCD outcomes across the 15 years of follow-up. The mean (±sd) of DQIs of participants (n = 5350) were 57.15 ± 8.16 (HEIFA-2013); 4.35 ± 1.75 (MDS), and 56.01 ± 10.32 (AHEI-2010). Multivariate regressions indicated that women reporting the highest quintile of AHEI-2010 had lower odds of DM (42¿56% (S5¿S8)), HT (26% (S8)), asthma (35¿37% (S7, S8)), and multimorbidity (30¿35% (S7, S8)). The highest quintile of HEIFA-2013 and MDS had lower odds of HT (26¿35% (S7, S8); 24¿27% (S6¿S8), respectively) and depression and/or anxiety (30% (S6): 30¿34% (S7, S8)). Our findings support evidence that DQ is an important predictor of some NCDs and a target for prevention in middle-aged women.
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| 2021 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Tavener M, Wales K, Byles J, 'The roles and capacities of social workers in the lives of older adults seeking healthcare and their caregivers in Ghana', HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, 29, 877-888 (2021) [C1]
As Ghana's older population increases in number and proportion, the social and healthcare needs of older adults and their caregivers become more critical highlight... [more] As Ghana's older population increases in number and proportion, the social and healthcare needs of older adults and their caregivers become more critical highlighting the relevance of social workers' contribution in assisting older adults and their caregivers. The purpose of this study was to explore social workers' contributions, discussed against the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) Policy on Ageing and Older Person framework. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach making use of semi-structured interviews to collect information from eight social workers at the Social Welfare Unit in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Themes and codes were developed from the interviews using thematic analysis, employing In-vivo and descriptive coding, and N-Vivo v12 as a management tool. Analysis of interviews revealed three interrelated themes; (a) "We provide it accordingly": Talking about their contributions as systematic, (b) "I think we can do more": Talking about their contributions as insufficient, and (c) "Our efforts are being hampered": Complaints of inadequate resources for working with older adults and their caregivers. The study offers areas of opportunities for social workers per the IFSW policy framework to reflect and examine their current knowledge and skill to address the challenges population ageing presents in Ghana. While social workers contribute towards helping older adults seeking healthcare and their caregivers, their needs cannot be ignored. The findings draw attention to effective policies and programs that can provide social workers with the needed resources to be independent and be able to devise novel approaches unique to older adults and their caregivers.
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| 2021 |
Tavener M, Majeed T, Bagade T, Weaver N, Reeves P, Dsilva S, James EL, 'Mixed Method Evaluation of a Graduate Student Teaching and Learning Internship Program', FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH, 9 (2021) [C1]
In recognition of the need to better prepare doctoral candidates with teaching and learning competencies, we devised an innovative internship program in the form of a s... [more] In recognition of the need to better prepare doctoral candidates with teaching and learning competencies, we devised an innovative internship program in the form of a structured apprenticeship and trialed it in public health higher education. The paid internship was comprised of: (i) Mentoring from an experienced educator, (ii) Structured program of education in pedagogy and curriculum design, and (iii) Opportunities for applied experience. Eleven interns completed the apprenticeship in its first 2 years. The mixed method evaluation assessed the impact of the internship on knowledge, skills, and confidence of interns throughout the internship, and included a cost-consequence analysis. Data collection included surveys and face-to-face interviews with interns and mentors. Changes in intern knowledge and skills were analyzed by intern self-ratings pre- and post-internship on 11 performance descriptors. All interns indicated improvement in at least one area of teaching. Interviews indicated general satisfaction, however raised incompatibilities between the unstructured nature of mentoring and intern expectations and preferences. The economic analysis calculated a cost-offset associated with intern-delivered teaching activities of $58,820 (AUD, 2019). The total cost of the program was calculated to be $70,561 (comprising mentor investment AUD$20,436, intern investment AUD$15,126, scholarship "top-up" payment of $5,000 paid to each of the 7 interns AUD $35,000). This Internship is associated with positive impacts for interns across a range of domains at a net total investment of $11,741.
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| 2020 |
Hlaing-Hlaing H, Pezdirc K, Tavener M, James EL, Hure A, 'Diet Quality Indices Used in Australian and New Zealand Adults: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal', NUTRIENTS, 12 (2020) [C1]
Distilling the complexity of overall diet into a simple measure or summative score by data reduction methods has become a common practice in nutritional epidemiology. R... [more] Distilling the complexity of overall diet into a simple measure or summative score by data reduction methods has become a common practice in nutritional epidemiology. Recent reviews on diet quality indices (DQI) have highlighted the importance of sound construction criteria and validation. The aim of this current review was to identify and critically appraise all DQI used within Australian and New Zealand adult populations. Twenty-five existing DQI were identified by electronic searching in Medline and hand searching of reference lists. DQI were constructed based on the respective national dietary guidelines and condition-specific recommendations. For preferable features of DQI, six captured the dimensions of adequacy, moderation and balance; five had a nested structure; 12 consisted of foods, food groups and nutrients; 11 used metric scoring systems and most of those with metric scales used normative cutoff points. Food frequency questionnaires, either alone or with other methods, were the most common dietary assessment method used in 20 DQI. For evaluation of DQI, construct validity and relative validity are reported. Based on our critical appraisal, Dietary Guideline Index (DGI), Dietary Guideline Index-2013 (DGI- 2013), Total Diet Score (TDS), Healthy Eating Index for Australian Adults-2013 (HEIFA-2013), and Aussie-Diet Quality Index (Aussie-DQI) were the preferred DQI used in Australian adults according to dimension, indicator selection, scoring criteria and evaluation. Further work is needed to enhance the construction of all Australian and New Zealand DQI, especially in terms of dimension and structure, for alignment with recommended construction criteria.
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| 2020 |
Tollosa DN, Holliday E, Hure A, Tavener M, James EL, 'Multiple health behaviors before and after a cancer diagnosis among women: A repeated cross-sectional analysis over 15 years', CANCER MEDICINE, 9, 3224-3233 (2020) [C1]
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| 2020 |
Tollosa DN, Holliday E, Hure A, Tavener M, James EL, 'A 15-year follow-up study on long-term adherence to health behaviour recommendations in women diagnosed with breast cancer', Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 182, 727-738 (2020) [C1]
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| 2020 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Wales K, Tavener M, Byles J, 'Do factors across the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework relate to caregiver availability for community-dwelling older adults in Ghana?', PLOS ONE, 15 (2020) [C1]
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| 2020 |
Awuviry-Newton K, Tavener M, Wales K, Byles J, 'Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Lived Experiences of Older Adults Regarding Their Functional Activities in Ghana', Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, 11 (2020) [C1]
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| 2019 |
Tollosa DN, Tavener M, Hure A, James EL, 'Adherence to multiple health behaviours in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis', JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP, 13, 327-343 (2019) [C1]
Purpose: Multiple health behaviours (not smoking, minimal alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight by having a healthy diet and regular physical activity) ... [more] Purpose: Multiple health behaviours (not smoking, minimal alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight by having a healthy diet and regular physical activity) improve quality of life and longevity of cancer survivors. Despite international guidelines, there are no existing reviews that synthesise cancer survivors' adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations. Method: Five databases (Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant articles published from 2007 until January 2018. Studies reporting adult cancer survivors' adherence to at least two lifestyle behaviours (body mass index, physical activity, smoking, fruit and vegetable intake, fiber intake, red meat intake, caloric intake, sodium intake, and alcohol consumption) based on the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) recommendations were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of adherence to single and multiple behaviours was calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis (mean years of survival and publication year) was undertaken. Results: A total of 3322 articles were identified. Of these, 51 studies matched the inclusion criteria, presenting data from 2,620,586 adult cancer survivors. Adherence to single behaviours, which was estimated from studies that assessed at least two health behaviours, was highest for not smoking (PE 87%; 95% CI, 85%, 88%) and low or no alcohol intake (PE 83%; 95% CI, 81%, 86%), and lowest for fiber intake (PE 31%; 95% CI, 21%, 40%). Adherence to multiple healthy behaviours (13 studies), ranged from 7 to 40% (pooled estimate (PE) 23%; 95% CI, 17%, 30%). Recent survivors (<¿5-year survival time) had relatively better adherence to multiple behaviours (PE 31%; 95% CI, 27%, 35%) than long-term (> 5¿years) survivors (PE 25%; 95% CI, 14%, 36%). Adherence to multiple behaviours improved over time since 2007. Conclusion: Adherence to physical activity, dietary, and multiple lifestyle behaviours recommendations was low amongst cancer survivors. Recent cancer survivors were relatively more adherent to WCRF/AICR recommendations compared to long-term survivors. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Health promotion programs help support healthy lifestyle behaviours of cancer survivors. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018091663
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| 2019 |
Majeed T, Tavener M, Dolja-Gore X, Nair B, Chojenta C, Byles J, 'Patterns of geriatric health assessment use among community dwelling older Australian women over a 14-year period', JOURNAL OF HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH & POLICY, 24, 100-107 (2019) [C1]
Objective: To assess which older Australian women had Medicare subsidized health assessments between 1999 and 2013. Methods: This study used prospective, longitudinal s... [more] Objective: To assess which older Australian women had Medicare subsidized health assessments between 1999 and 2013. Methods: This study used prospective, longitudinal survey data from the 1921 to 1926 birth cohort of Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) linked with Medicare Australia data on health services use. Over 11,000 Australian women were included in the study. Latent class analysis was used to identify assessment patterns over time, accounting for death, and based on three categories ('no assessment'; 'assessment; 'deceased') for each year between 1999 and 2013. Further analysis explored the impact of health and sociodemographic characteristics on class membership. Results: Of the women included in the latent class analysis, 37% never had any assessment and the remainder had had at least one assessment. After a steady uptake from 1999 to 2003, there was decline in uptake from 2003 onwards. A six-class model with sufficient homogeneity and reliable estimation was selected to represent assessment patterns and mortality risk, labelled as: 'high mortality' rate with little chance for assessment (12.4%), 'intermediate mortality, low assessment' (14.1%), 'later mortality/low assessment' (13.1%), 'later mortality, high assessment' (7.0%), 'low mortality, low assessment' (31.8%), 'low mortality, high assessment' (21.6%). Older women with certain conditions (such as diabetes, depression, heart disease) were more likely to be in the low assessment groups, and women with difficulty managing on income were more likely to be in low assessment groups. Conclusion: Distinct assessment and mortality patterns were seen, with many women not having assessment, in particular those who had certain health conditions, were taking 3+ medications, had difficulty in managing on income, needed help or were in respite care, and had caring responsibilities. The findings point to a need to promote these assessments among older women, and to reduce financial barriers, even within the context of a heavily subsidized health care system.
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| 2019 |
Tollosa DN, Tavener M, Hure A, James EL, 'Compliance with Multiple Health Behaviour Recommendations: A Cross-Sectional Comparison between Female Cancer Survivors and Those with no Cancer History', International journal of environmental research and public health, 16 (2019) [C1]
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| 2018 |
Morgan K, Chojenta C, Tavener M, Smith A, Loxton D, 'Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome during pregnancy: A systematic review of the literature', AUTONOMIC NEUROSCIENCE-BASIC & CLINICAL, 215, 106-118 (2018) [C1]
Purpose: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is most commonly seen in women of child bearing age, however little is known about its effects in pregnancy. Method: ... [more] Purpose: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is most commonly seen in women of child bearing age, however little is known about its effects in pregnancy. Method: A systematic review was conducted in March 2015 and updated in February 2018. Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, CINHAL, and the Cochrane Library were searched from database inception. The ClinicalTrials.gov site and bibliographies were searched. MeSH and Emtree headings and keywords included; Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, and were combined with pregnancy and pregnancy related subject headings and keywords. Searches were limited to English. Eligible articles contained key words within the title and or abstract. Articles were excluded if Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome was not pre-existing. Results: Eleven articles were identified as eligible for inclusion. Studies were appraised using the PRISMA 2009 guidelines. The overall quality of evidence was poor using the NHMRC Evidence Grading Matrix, which was attributed to small sample sizes and mostly observational studies, emphasizing the need for future high quality research. Findings in this review must be used with caution due to the poor quality of the literature available. Conclusions: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome should not be a contraindication to pregnancy. Symptom course is variable during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Continuing pre-conception medication may help symptoms, with no significant risks reported. Obstetric complications, not Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, should dictate mode of delivery. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome did not appear to affect the rate of adverse events. These results are important in determining appropriate management and care in this population.
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| 2017 |
Christiani Y, Dugdale P, Tavener M, Byles JE, 'The dynamic of non-communicable disease control policy in Indonesia', AUSTRALIAN HEALTH REVIEW, 41, 207-213 (2017) [C1]
Objective The aim of the present study was to examine non-communicable disease (NCD) policy formation and implementation in Indonesia. Methods Interviews were conducted... [more] Objective The aim of the present study was to examine non-communicable disease (NCD) policy formation and implementation in Indonesia. Methods Interviews were conducted with 13 Indonesian health policy workers. The processes and issues relating to NCD policy formation were mapped, exploring the interactions between policy makers, technical/implementation bodies, alliances across various levels and the mobilisation of non-policy actors. Results Problems in NCD policy formation include insufficient political interest in NCD control, disconnected policies and difficulty in multisectoral coordination. These problems are well illustrated in relation to tobacco control, but also apply to other control efforts. Nevertheless, participants were optimistic that there are plentiful opportunities for improving NCD control policies given growing global attention to NCD, increases in the national health budget and the growing body of Indonesia-relevant NCD-related research. Conclusion Indonesia's success in the creation and implementation of NCD policy will be dependent on high-level governmental leadership, including support from the President, the Health Minister and coordinating ministries. What is known about the topic? The burden of NCD in Indonesia has increased gradually. Nationally, NCD-related mortality accounted for 65% of deaths in 2010. Indonesia is also a country with the highest burden of tobacco smoking in the world. However, the government has not instituted sufficient policy action to tackle NCDs, including tobacco control. What does this paper add? This paper deepens our understanding of current NCD control policy formation in Indonesia, including the possible underlying reason why Indonesia has weak tobacco control policies. It describes the gaps in the current policies, the actors involved in policy formation, the challenges in policy formation and implementation and potential opportunities for improving NCD control. What are the implications for practitioners? An effective NCD control program requires strong collaboration, including between government and health professionals. Health professionals can actively engage in policy formation, for example through knowledge production.
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| 2017 |
Dolja-Gore X, Tavener M, Majeed T, Nair BR, Byles JE, 'Uptake, prevalence and predictors of first-time use for the 75+ Health Assessment Scheme.', Australian Journal of Primary Health, 476-481 (2017) [C1]
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| 2017 |
Majeed T, Forder P, Tavener MA, Vo K, Byles JE, 'Work after age 65 – A prospective study of Australian men and women.', AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING (2017) [C1]
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| 2017 |
Christiani Y, Byles JE, Tavener M, Dugdale P, 'Health insurance coverage among women in Indonesia's major cities: A multilevel analysis', HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL, 38, 267-282 (2017) [C1]
We examined women's access to health insurance in Indonesia. We analyzed IFLS-4 data of 1,400 adult women residing in four major cities. Among this population, the... [more] We examined women's access to health insurance in Indonesia. We analyzed IFLS-4 data of 1,400 adult women residing in four major cities. Among this population, the health insurance coverage was 24%. Women who were older, involved in paid work, and with higher education had greater access to health insurance (p¿<.05). We also found there were disparities in the probability of having health insurance across community levels (Median Odds Ratios¿=¿3.40). Given the importance of health insurance for women's health, strategies should be developed to expand health insurance coverage among women in Indonesia, including the disparities across community levels. Such problems might also be encountered in other developing countries with low health insurance coverage.
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| 2017 |
Christiani Y, Tavener M, Byles JE, 'Contextualizing urban living as a determinant of women's health in Jakarta, Indonesia', Women and Health, 57 1204-1220 (2017) [C1]
Big cities can offer great opportunities for women to have a better life. At the same time, however, the physical and social environment in cities can negatively affect... [more] Big cities can offer great opportunities for women to have a better life. At the same time, however, the physical and social environment in cities can negatively affect their health. We conducted focus groups with 24 women (aged 18¿72 years) living in Jakarta, Indonesia from October to November 2014. Our aim was to elicit women's experiences of living in Jakarta, including their health and accessing health care. The most frequent health problems reported by women in this study were hypertension and arthritis. Women often gave priority to their family, particularly their children, over themselves and their own health. Discussants also thought that the city's physical and social conditions could affect their health, and that women were more prone to feel stress than men. The results of this study highlight the importance of addressing social determinants of health across the life course, including gender, to improve women's health status. Moreover, multi-sectoral collaboration at the municipal and national level is needed for urban planning to create better living conditions for women in the cities.
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| 2016 |
Kennaugh R, Byles J, Tavener M, 'Beyond widowhood: Do prior discovered themes that describe the experiences of older Australian widowed women persist over time?', WOMEN & HEALTH, 56, 827-842 (2016) [C1]
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| 2016 |
Tavener MA, Chojenta C, Loxton D, 'Generating qualitative data by design: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health qualitative data collection.', Public Health Research & Practice, 26 (2016) [C1]
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| 2016 |
Christiani Y, Byles JE, Tavener M, Dugdale P, 'Exploring the implementation of poslansia,Indonesia's community-based health programme for older people', AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, 35, E11-E16 (2016) [C1]
© 2016 AJA Inc. Aim: To explore the implementation of poslansia, a community-based integrated health service implemented across Indonesia to improve the health status o... [more] © 2016 AJA Inc. Aim: To explore the implementation of poslansia, a community-based integrated health service implemented across Indonesia to improve the health status of older people through health promotion and disease prevention. Methods: Data analysis of 307 poslansia surveyed in the 4th wave of Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS-4). We examined the services provided in the programme, resources and perceived problems. Results: The services provided by poslansia focused mostly on risk factor screening and treatment for minor illness, and less on health promotion activities. Lack of support from community health centres, no permanent place for holding poslansia and lack of participant interest in joining the programme were associated with fewer services provided in the programme (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate existing support from the community, community health centres and related institutions for poslansia is not adequate for optimal service function. Health awareness among the older population should also be increased for programme sustainability.
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| 2016 |
Christiani Y, Byles JE, Tavener M, Dugdale P, 'Gender Inequalities in Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors Among Indonesian Urban Population', ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, 28, 134-145 (2016) [C1]
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| 2016 |
Tavener M, Mooney R, Thomson C, Loxton D, 'The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health: Using Focus Groups to Inform Recruitment', JMIR Research Protocols, 5 (2016) [C1]
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| 2016 |
Otterbach S, Tavener M, Forder P, Powers J, Loxton D, Byles J, 'The effect of motherhood and work on women's time pressure: A cohort analysis using the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health', SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF WORK ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH, 42, 500-509 (2016) [C1]
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| 2015 |
Christiani Y, Byles JE, Tavener M, Dugdale P, 'Do women in major cities experience better health? A comparison of chronic conditions and their risk factors between women living in major cities and other cities in Indonesia.', Glob Health Action, 8 28540 (2015)
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| 2015 |
Christiani Y, Byles J, Tayener M, Dugdale P, 'Socioeconomic related inequality in depression among young and middle-adult women in Indonesia's major cities', JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS, 182, 76-81 (2015) [C1]
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| 2015 |
Vo K, Forder PM, Tavener M, Rodgers B, Banks E, Bauman A, Byles JE, 'Retirement, age, gender and mental health: findings from the 45 and Up Study', AGING & MENTAL HEALTH, 19, 647-657 (2015) [C1]
Objectives: To examine the relationships of retirement and reasons for retirement with psychological distress in men and women at the age of 45-79 years. Method: Data f... [more] Objectives: To examine the relationships of retirement and reasons for retirement with psychological distress in men and women at the age of 45-79 years. Method: Data from 202,584 Australians participating in the large-scale 45 and Up Study was used. Psychological distress was measured by the Kessler psychological distress scale. Associations between different work status and reasons for retirement with psychological distress were assessed for men and women at different ages using logistic regression. Results: Being fully retired or unemployed was associated with the high levels of psychological distress compared to being in paid work for men and women aged 45-64 (p < 0.0001), and for men aged 65-74 years (p = 0.0014). At the age of 75-79 years, there was no difference in psychological distress between different work statuses. Among retirees, retirement due to ill health, being made redundant or caring duty was associated with the high level of psychological distress. Conclusion: The association between work and mental health underscores the importance of policies and strategies to encourage and enable people to continue in the workforce after age 55, particularly for men. Important reasons for retirement with worse mental health outcomes include redundancy, ill health and needing to care for family or a friend. These circumstances will affect whether a person can continue working and their risk of poor mental health, and both considerations should be addressed in developing approaches for maintaining older workers or assisting them with their retirement transition.
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2015 |
Powers J, Tavener M, Graves A, Loxton D, 'Loss to follow-up was used to estimate bias in a longitudinal study: a new approach', JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, 68, 870-876 (2015) [C1]
Objectives: To examine bias arising from loss to follow-up due to lack of contact. Study Design and Setting: The 1973-1978 cohort of Australian Longitudinal Study on Wo... [more] Objectives: To examine bias arising from loss to follow-up due to lack of contact. Study Design and Setting: The 1973-1978 cohort of Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health was first surveyed in 1996 and followed up in 2000, 2003, 2006, and 2009. At the 2000 survey, 9,688 women responded (responders), 2,972 could not be contacted, of whom 1,515 responded subsequently (temporary no contact) and 1,457 did not (permanent no contact). Characteristics were compared for these groups at baseline and follow-up in 2003, 2006, or 2009. Relative risk ratios were used to estimate bias. Results: No-contacts were younger, more likely to live in cities, to be less educated and stressed about money than responders. No-contacts were more likely to be in de facto relationships, separated, divorced, or widowed, to have experienced partner violence and be smokers. Compared with temporary no contact, permanent no contact were less educated, less likely to be studying or employed. Despite differences in prevalence estimates, relative odds ratios were close to one and had confidence intervals that included one, indicating little effect of bias. Conclusion: Although various characteristics were related to loss to follow-up, the relative risks estimates did not indicate serious bias due to loss to follow-up in this cohort of young women.
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2015 |
Christiani Y, Byles JE, Tavener M, Dugdale P, 'Do women in major cities experience better health? A comparison of chronic conditions and their risk factors between women living in major cities and other cities in Indonesia', GLOBAL HEALTH ACTION, 8 (2015) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2015 |
Tavener M, Thijsen A, Hubbard IJ, Francis JL, Grennall C, Levi C, Byles J, 'Acknowledging How Older Australian Women Experience Life After Stroke: How Does the WHO 18-Item Brief ICF Core Set for Stroke Compare?', HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL, 36, 1311-1326 (2015) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2015 |
Christiani Y, Byles JE, Tavener M, Dugdale P, 'Assessing socioeconomic inequalities of hypertension among women in Indonesia's major cities', JOURNAL OF HUMAN HYPERTENSION, 29, 683-688 (2015) [C1]
Although hypertension has been recognized as one of the major public health problems, few studies address economic inequality of hypertension among urban women in devel... [more] Although hypertension has been recognized as one of the major public health problems, few studies address economic inequality of hypertension among urban women in developing countries. To assess this issue, we analysed data for 1400 women from four of Indonesia's major cities: Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan and Bandung. Women were aged =15 years (mean age 35.4 years), and were participants in the 2007/2008 Indonesia Family Life Survey. The prevalence of hypertension measured by digital sphygmomanometer among this population was 31%. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, socioeconomic disadvantage (based on household assets and characteristics) as well as age, body mass index and economic conditions were significantly associated with hypertension (P<0.05). Applying the Fairlie decomposition model, results showed that 14% of the inequality between less and more economically advantaged groups could be accounted for by the distribution of socioeconomic characteristics. Education was the strongest contributor to inequality, with lower education levels increasing the predicted probability of hypertension among less economically advantaged groups. This work highlights the importance of socioeconomic inequality in the development of hypertension, and particularly the effects of education level.
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2015 |
Tavener M, Vo K, Byles JE, 'Work and Other Activities in Retirement', JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, 63, 1476-1477 (2015) [C3]
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| 2014 |
Tavener M, Byles J, Loxton D, 'Expert perceptions of the popular baby boomer image.', Australasian Journal on Ageing (2014) [C1]
Aim: This paper explored how gerontology experts described baby boomers, whether they challenged the popular image, and if they provided alternatives to the popularly r... [more] Aim: This paper explored how gerontology experts described baby boomers, whether they challenged the popular image, and if they provided alternatives to the popularly reported baby boomer behaviours and characteristics. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten experts from different areas across Australia. The interviews were semi-structured and guided by a 'sense-making' approach to explore the baby boomer construct and identify expert narratives that differed from the popularly tendered image. Results: The majority of experts were identified as baby boomers and made use of phrases associated with the popular baby boomer image, such as 'cashed up', 'reinventing retirement' and 'sea change'. Lifestyle and wealth were recognised as staple features of the popular image. To a lesser degree, the experts also recognised alternative characteristics and behaviours, including people with disabilities and those who struggle financially. Conclusions: Experts appeared to identify with the popular baby boomer label, but not necessarily the accompanying stereotypes.
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2013 |
Byles J, Tavener M, Robinson I, Parkinson L, Stevenson D, Leigh L, Curryer C, Warner-Smith P, 'Transforming retirement: new definitions of life after work.', Journal of Women & Aging, 25, 24-44 (2013) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2013 |
Coles T, Byles J, Dow B, Tavener M, 'Advances in gerontology research and education: Perspectives from the Australian Association of Gerontology', Australasian Journal on Ageing, 32 40-45 (2013) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2012 |
Reid MG, Parkinson L, Gibson RE, Schofield PW, D'Este CA, Attia JR, Tavener MA, Byles JE, 'Memory Complaint Questionnaire performed poorly as screening tool: Validation against psychometric tests and affective measures', Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 65, 199-205 (2012) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2012 |
Horner B, McManus A, Comfort J, Freijah R, Lovelock G, Hunter M, Tavener MA, 'How prepared is the retirement and residential aged care sector in Western Australia for older non-heterosexual people?', Quality in Primary Care, 20, 263-274 (2012) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2011 |
Guest M, D'Este CA, Attia JR, Boggess M, Brown A, Tavener M, Gibson RE, Gardner I, Harrex W, Ross J, 'Impairment of color vision in aircraft maintenance workers', International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 84, 723-733 (2011) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2011 |
Guest M, Attia JR, D'Este CA, Boggess MM, Brown AM, Gibson RE, Tavener MA, Ross J, Gardner I, Harrex W, 'Peripheral neuropathy in military aircraft maintenance workers in Australia', Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 53, 381-387 (2011) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2010 |
Guest M, Boggess M, Attia JR, D'Este CA, Brown A, Gibson RE, Tavener MA, Gardner I, Harrex W, Horsley K, Ross J, 'Hearing impairment in F-111 maintenance workers: The study of health outcomes in aircraft maintenance personnel (SHOAMP) general health and medical study', American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 53, 1159-1169 (2010) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2010 |
Sibbritt DW, Byles JE, Tavener MA, 'Older Australian women's use of dentists: A longitudinal analysis over 6 years', Australasian Journal on Ageing, 29, 14-20 (2010) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2009 |
Brown A, Gibson RE, Tavener MA, Guest M, D'Este CA, Byles JE, et al., 'Sexual function in F-111 maintenance workers: The study of health outcomes in aircraft maintenance personnel', Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6 1569-1578 (2009) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2008 |
D'Este CA, Attia JR, Brown AM, Gibson RE, Gibberd RW, Tavener MA, Guest M, Horsley K, Harrex W, Ross J, 'Cancer incidence and mortality in aircraft maintenance workers', American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 51, 16-23 (2008) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2006 |
Schofield PW, Gibson RE, Tavener MA, Attia JR, D'Este CA, Guest M, Brown AM, Lee SJ, Horsley K, Harrex W, Ross J, 'Neuropsychological health in F-111 aircraft maintenance workers', NeuroToxicology, 27, 852-860 (2006) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2006 |
Attia JR, D'Este CA, Schofield PW, Brown AM, Gibson RE, Tavener MA, et al., 'Mental health in F-111 maintenance workers: the study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel (SHOAMP) general health and medical study', Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 48 682-691 (2006) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2004 |
Byles JE, Tavener MA, O'Connell RL, Nair BR, Higginbotham HN, Jackson CL, McKernon ME, Francis LM, Heller RF, Newbury JW, Marley JE, Goodger BG, 'Randomised controlled trial of health assessments for older Australian veterans and war widows', Medical Journal of Australia, 181, 186-190 (2004) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2002 |
Byles JE, Tavener MA, Fitzgerald PE, Nair BR, Higginbotham HN, Jackson C, Heller RF, Newbury J, 'A checklist for comprehensive health assessment for the over 70's', Australasian Journal on Ageing, 21, 14-20 (2002) [C1]
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| 2000 |
Nair BR, Byles J, Tavener M, Heinze R, 'Immunisation Rates in Older Veterans and War Widows', Australasian Journal on Ageing, 19 No 3, 136-138 (2000) [C1]
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| 2000 |
Byles JE, Higginbotham HN, Goodger BG, Tavener MA, Conrad A, Schofield P, Anthony DM, 'Development of a depression scale for veterans and war widows', International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 7, 256-270 (2000) [C1]
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| 1999 |
Tavener MA, Byles JE, Francis L, McKernon M, 'Too Late for Prevention? The Search for Printed Health Promotion Materials Within the Preventive Care Trial', Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 9 198-201 (1999) [C1]
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| Show 74 more journal articles | |||||||||||
Other (3 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
Green L, Tavener M, Byles J, 'Submission to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety - Aged Care Program Redesign: Services for the future, Consultation Paper.', Submission to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (2020)
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| 2019 |
Green L, Tavener M, Byles J, 'Submission to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.', (2019)
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| 2015 |
Tavener M, Loxton D, Byles J, 'Submission to the Legislative Council Inquiry into Elder Abuse in New South Wales.', (2015)
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Presentation (1 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Tavener M, 'Being awarded for the unteachable', (2023) |
Report (22 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Tavener M, Lithgow S, 'Mapping the locations of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons and outreach activities across Australia. Final report on the qualitative data analysis and interpretation.' (2025) | ||
| 2023 | Tavener M, 'Peer Support A way forward driven by people with disability, a co-production project, Final Report for Community Disability Alliance Hunter and Diversity and Disability Alliance', Information, Linkages and Capacity (ILC) funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services (2023) | ||
| 2022 | Baird Peddie O, Duong J, Fitzpatrick A, Hayter C, Magill J, Pryer S, et al., 'Nothing about us without us The benefits and challenges of peer support- A co-production project Interim Report', National Disability Insurance Agency (2022) | ||
| Show 19 more reports | |||
Thesis / Dissertation (2 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 |
Lavis H, 'Narratives of illness and recovery: (Re)constructing continuity in life after stroke' (2023)
|
Open Research Newcastle | |||
| 2010 | Tavener MA, Your bloomin' lot: An empirical study of the popular baby boomer stereotype., University of Newcastle (2010) |
Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 37 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $2,496,547 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20241 grants / $618,554
From community priority to delivery of care: Co-designing effective treatment models for Aboriginal women with asthma during pregnancy$618,554
Funding body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
| Funding body | NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council) |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Doctor Elissa Jane Elvidge, Karen Baker, Doctor Guy Cameron, Doctor Tameka McFadyen, Kim Morey, Louise Morris, Professor Vanessa Murphy, Professor Peter O'Mara, Ms Shanthi Ramanathan, Associate Professor Geraint Rogers, Professor Juanita Sherwood, Doctor Meredith Tavener, Dr Steven Taylor, Ms Yeena Thompson, Professor Peter Wark |
| Scheme | MRFF - PPHRI - Consumer-Led Research |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2024 |
| Funding Finish | 2026 |
| GNo | G2300814 |
| Type Of Funding | C1300 - Aust Competitive - Medical Research Future Fund |
| Category | 1300 |
| UON | Y |
20232 grants / $5,855
Working with McGrath Foundation breast care nurses to advance supportive care for transgender and non-binary patients$3,855
Funding body: University of Newcastle
| Funding body | University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Doctor Meredith Tavener |
| Scheme | Pilot Funding Scheme |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2023 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | G2300445 |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | Y |
SMPH Teaching and Learning Professional Development grant$2,000
Funding body: School of Medicine and Public Health teaching and learning professional development grant
| Funding body | School of Medicine and Public Health teaching and learning professional development grant |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Teaching and Learning Professional Development Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2023 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20224 grants / $311,000
Hunter Ageing Alliance and NovaCare: Active Stronger Better pilot project$250,000
Funding body: Hunter New England Area Health Service
| Funding body | Hunter New England Area Health Service |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr John Ward, Deb Moore, Professor Ron Plotnikoff, Professor Robin Callister, Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts, Professor Julie Byles, Laraine Dunn, Dr Jenni White, Dr Kylie Wales, Dr Meredith Tavener et al |
| Scheme | Aged Care |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2022 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | External |
| Category | EXTE |
| UON | N |
Lost in translation? Improving multicultural cancer patient outcomes$50,000
To improve the outcomes of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) cancer patients and their carers by ensuring that video interpreters are embedded into all stages of care in the cancer continuum. The team will work closely with the Calvary Mater Newcastle to ensure that an interpreter is engaged for each appointment by ensuring consistency of information transfer through the variety of systems. The project will compare the experience of patients who have had access to interpreters using qualitative approaches, compared to cancer patients who did not have them for all appointments.
Funding body: Cancer Institute NSW
| Funding body | Cancer Institute NSW |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Mr Ashley Young, Ms Linda Drummond, Dr Meredith Tavener, Shingisai Chando |
| Scheme | Innovations in Cancer Control grants |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2022 |
| Funding Finish | 2022 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Non Commonwealth |
| Category | 1NS |
| UON | N |
Examining medical student research skills and preparedness to ‘do research’: A mixed methods study.$10,000
Funding body: 2022 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Strategic Research Pilot Grant
| Funding body | 2022 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Strategic Research Pilot Grant |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr Eleonora Leopardi, Dr Meredith Tavener, Dr Esther Robinson, Dr Adam Collison, Associate Professor Vanessa Murphy, Dr Natasha Weaver, Professor Christine Paul |
| Scheme | 2022 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Strategic Research Pilot Grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2022 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Mentoring grant for T&L - Strategic career development strategies for teaching-centred academics$1,000
Funding body: School of Medicine and Public Health | University of Newcastle
| Funding body | School of Medicine and Public Health | University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr Meredith Tavener |
| Scheme | Pilot Grant Funding |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2022 |
| Funding Finish | 2022 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20212 grants / $39,806
Development and transfer of data linkage key and dataset for Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel$25,090
Funding body: Department of Veterans` Affairs
| Funding body | Department of Veterans` Affairs |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Doctor Meredith Tavener, Doctor Natasha Weaver, Conjoint Professor Cate d'Este |
| Scheme | Research Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2021 |
| Funding Finish | 2021 |
| GNo | G2100281 |
| Type Of Funding | C2200 - Aust Commonwealth – Other |
| Category | 2200 |
| UON | Y |
Reflective practice in practice: Evaluation of a gender identity awareness training program for breast care nurses at McGrath Foundation$14,716
Funding body: McGrath Foundation Limited
| Funding body | McGrath Foundation Limited |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Doctor Meredith Tavener |
| Scheme | Research Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2021 |
| Funding Finish | 2022 |
| GNo | G2101189 |
| Type Of Funding | C3200 – Aust Not-for Profit |
| Category | 3200 |
| UON | Y |
20201 grants / $2,000
Research Infrastructure Block Grant$2,000
Funding body: Research Infrastructure Block Grant (RIBG)
| Funding body | Research Infrastructure Block Grant (RIBG) |
|---|---|
| Project Team | M. Tavener |
| Scheme | Research Infrastructure Block Grant (RIBG) |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2020 |
| Funding Finish | 2020 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20194 grants / $6,711
Top-up conference travel grant School of Medicine and Public Health$4,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health
| Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Top-up funding School of Medicine and Public Health |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2019 |
| Funding Finish | 2019 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
School of Medicine and Public Health teaching and learning professional development grant$1,361
Funding body: School of Medicine and Public Health teaching and learning professional development grant
| Funding body | School of Medicine and Public Health teaching and learning professional development grant |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr Meredith Tavener |
| Scheme | Teaching and Learning Professional Development Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2019 |
| Funding Finish | 2019 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Research Infrastructure Block Grant (RIBG)$1,000
Funding body: Research Infrastructure Block Grant
| Funding body | Research Infrastructure Block Grant |
|---|---|
| Project Team | M. Tavener |
| Scheme | Research Infrastructure Block Grant (RIBG) |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2019 |
| Funding Finish | 2019 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Faculty of Health and Medicine conference travel grant$350
Funding body: Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant
| Funding body | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr Meredith Tavener |
| Scheme | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2019 |
| Funding Finish | 2019 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20183 grants / $6,995
Qualitative evaluation of the internship program funding$4,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health
| Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Qualitative evaluation of the internship program funding |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2018 |
| Funding Finish | 2019 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Faculty of Health and Medicine conference travel grant$2,000
Funding body: Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle
| Funding body | Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Tavener, M. |
| Scheme | Faculty of Health and Medicine Conference Travel Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2018 |
| Funding Finish | 2019 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
School of Medicine and Public Health small grant funding allocation$995
Funding body: School of Medicine and Public Health
| Funding body | School of Medicine and Public Health |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Tavener, M, Byles, JE, Chojenta, C, Chatwin, F. |
| Scheme | School of Medicine and Public Health small grant funding allocation |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2018 |
| Funding Finish | 2018 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20176 grants / $879,682
Improving arm function after stroke using task specific training$852,596
Funding body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
| Funding body | NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council) |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Van Vliet P, Carey L, Turton A, McElduff P, Kwakkel G, Searles A, Bernhardt J, Tavener M, Middleton S. |
| Scheme | Project Grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2017 |
| Funding Finish | 2020 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
| Category | 3IFA |
| UON | N |
Liveable housing checklist: Future proofing homes for older adults$22,786
Funding body: NSW Department of Family and Community Services
| Funding body | NSW Department of Family and Community Services |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Doctor Meredith Tavener, Emeritus Professor Julie Byles, Doctor Catherine Chojenta |
| Scheme | Liveable Communities Grants Program |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2017 |
| Funding Finish | 2017 |
| GNo | G1601168 |
| Type Of Funding | C2300 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Own Purpose |
| Category | 2300 |
| UON | Y |
Top up funding$1,400
Funding body: Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing (RCGHA), The University of Newcastle, NSW.
| Funding body | Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing (RCGHA), The University of Newcastle, NSW. |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr Meredith Tavener |
| Scheme | Top up funding |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2017 |
| Funding Finish | 2017 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Faculty of Health and Medicine ECR Pilot Grant round$1,400
Funding body: Faculty of Health and Medicine Pilot Grant University of Newcastle
| Funding body | Faculty of Health and Medicine Pilot Grant University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr Meredith Tavener |
| Scheme | UON Faculty of Health and Medicine Pilot Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2017 |
| Funding Finish | 2017 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Conference Travel Grant$750
Funding body: Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant
| Funding body | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr Meredith Tavener |
| Scheme | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2017 |
| Funding Finish | 2017 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Top up School of Medicine and Public Health 2017 Professional development Grant$750
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health
| Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Tavener, M. |
| Scheme | School of Medicine and Public Health 2017 Professional development Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2017 |
| Funding Finish | 2017 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20161 grants / $806
Research Consultancy$806
Funding body: Catholic Community Services NSW/ACT
| Funding body | Catholic Community Services NSW/ACT |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Doctor Meredith Tavener |
| Scheme | Small Research Consultancy |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2016 |
| Funding Finish | 2016 |
| GNo | G1600883 |
| Type Of Funding | C3200 – Aust Not-for Profit |
| Category | 3200 |
| UON | Y |
20153 grants / $206,893
Long term evaluation of uptake, impact and outcomes of the 75+ Health Assessment$204,898
Funding body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
| Funding body | NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council) |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Emeritus Professor Julie Byles, Doctor Xenia Dolja-Gore, Doctor Catherine Chojenta, Emeritus Professor Kichu Nair, Doctor Meredith Tavener |
| Scheme | Project Grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2015 |
| Funding Finish | 2016 |
| GNo | G1400038 |
| Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
| Category | 1CS |
| UON | Y |
Travel grant to represent Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing at the 48th AAG National Conference as an inaugural "Knowledge Hub", Alice Springs, 4-6 November 2015$1,775
Funding body: Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, The University of Newcastle, NSW
| Funding body | Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, The University of Newcastle, NSW |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Travel grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2015 |
| Funding Finish | 2015 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Travel grant to attend "Challenges in evaluating policy and programs", Sydney, NSW.$220
Funding body: Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing
| Funding body | Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Travel grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2015 |
| Funding Finish | 2015 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20142 grants / $4,400
Visiting Scholar Grant Scheme to bring Dr Steffen Otterbach from Universitat Hohenheim, Germany$3,900
Funding body: Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle
| Funding body | Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Visiting Fellows Scheme |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2014 |
| Funding Finish | 2014 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Non Commonwealth |
| Category | 1NS |
| UON | N |
Travel bursary to present at the 47th Australian Association of Gerontology National Conference, "50 not out", 26-28 November 2014, Adelaide, SA.$500
Funding body: Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG)
| Funding body | Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Travel grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2014 |
| Funding Finish | 2014 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | External |
| Category | EXTE |
| UON | N |
20132 grants / $2,060
Travel grant to attend Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Incorporated course "Qualitative Research: Design, Analysis and Representation".$1,560
Funding body: Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing
| Funding body | Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Tavener, M. |
| Scheme | Travel grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2013 |
| Funding Finish | 2013 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Travel grant, invited to attend "Ageing Mind Initiative", The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD.$500
Funding body: The University of Queensland
| Funding body | The University of Queensland |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Travel grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2013 |
| Funding Finish | 2013 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
| Category | 3AFG |
| UON | N |
20121 grants / $405,587
Ageing and well-being in a globalizing world$405,587
Funding body: ANR-DFG-ESRC-NWO
| Funding body | ANR-DFG-ESRC-NWO |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Professor I Hutter |
| Scheme | Indian-European research networking programme in the social sciences |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2012 |
| Funding Finish | 2015 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
| Category | 3IFA |
| UON | N |
20112 grants / $4,348
Promoting quality practice. Challenges and practicalities of engaging older adults in research.$3,748
Funding body: University of Groningen
| Funding body | University of Groningen |
|---|---|
| Project Team | B van Hoven |
| Scheme | Internal Departmental Funding |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2011 |
| Funding Finish | 2011 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | International - Non Competitive |
| Category | 3IFB |
| UON | N |
Travel bursary to present at the 9th Asia/Oceania Regional Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, "Ageing well together", 23-27 October 2011, Melbourne, Australia.$600
Funding body: Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG)
| Funding body | Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Travel grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2011 |
| Funding Finish | 2011 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | External |
| Category | EXTE |
| UON | N |
20092 grants / $1,100
University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree 'grants in aid'$600
Funding body: Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle
| Funding body | Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Grants-in-aid |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2009 |
| Funding Finish | 2009 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Student bursary to present at the 42nd National conference of the Australian Association of Gerontology, "Translation and Transformation", 25-27 November 2009, Canberra ACT.$500
Funding body: Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG)
| Funding body | Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Travel grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2009 |
| Funding Finish | 2009 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | External |
| Category | EXTE |
| UON | N |
20081 grants / $750
Student bursary to present at the 7th National conference of Emerging Researchers in Ageing (ERA), “Shaping research landscapes”, 18 November 2008. Fremantle, Western Australia.$750
Funding body: Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG)
| Funding body | Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Travel grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2008 |
| Funding Finish | 2008 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | External |
| Category | EXTE |
| UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
| Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | PhD | Shared Decision Making in Perioperative Care for High Risk Patients Considering Surgery. | PhD (Medicine), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2021 | PhD | Use Family Therapy to Support Families Impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder | PhD (Psychology - Science), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2020 | PhD | Promoting and Protecting Mental Health in Universities: The Gaps Between Recommendations and Reality | PhD (Public Health & BehavSci), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Past Supervision
| Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | PhD | Narratives of Illness and Recovery: (Re)constructing Continuity in Life After Stroke | PhD (Public Health & BehavSci), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
| 2023 | PhD | All Disabilities are not Created Equally: Stigma Associated with Parenting an Autistic Child who Behaves Aggressively | PhD (Psychology - Science), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2022 | PhD | Life Stories, Death Stories: Connecting with the Unique Death Narratives of Care Providers in Residential Aged Care Facilities in Australia | PhD (Gender & Health), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
| 2022 | PhD | Diet Quality and Non-communicable Diseases in Australian Women at Different Stages of Life | PhD (CommunityMed & ClinEpid), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2021 | PhD | Multiple Health Behaviours in Cancer Survivors: Does a Cancer Diagnosis Provide a Teachable Moment for Health Behaviour Change? | PhD (CommunityMed & ClinEpid), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2021 | PhD | Needing, Providing and Supporting Care: A Mixed-Methods Study of Older Adults' Functional Abilities and Care Needs, Caregivers' Lived Experiences, and Social Workers' Contributions in the Lives of Older Adults in Ghana | PhD (Gerontology & Geriatrics), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2021 | PhD | Beyond Structure: An Investigation of Agency within Aboriginal Communities in the Case of Child Removals | PhD (Aboriginal Health Stud), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
| 2017 | PhD | "It's Not How Old We Are; It's How We Are Old": A Salutogenic Approach to How Older Australian Women Experience Ageing and Respond to Life Stressors | PhD (Gender & Health), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2016 | PhD | Urban Women's Health Inequalities and Their Determinants in Indonesia | PhD (Gender & Health), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Research Projects
Testicular Cancer: Long Term Challenges in Adjustment of Patients and their Partners 2020 - 2024
Testicular cancer (TC) is one of the most common types of cancer among adolescent and young adult men aged 15-39, and has increased in incidence over the past two decades. Up to 97% of men diagnosed with TC will survive at least 5 years or more post diagnosis. This research focuses on evaluation of the psychosocial outcomes and challenges that TC patients, survivors, and their partners face, particularly in the context of younger TC patients and survivors who may be at an ever greater risk for developing psychosocial challenges given their critical developmental stage.
Publication accepted 28 July 2024 ""Uncovering the Unspoken": A narrative analysis of patients' experiences with testicular cancer", Supportive Care in Cancer.
CT:IQ Clinical Trials - Thinking smarter. The "InFORMed Project" 2021 - 2023
The "InFORMed Project" is about redesigning Consent to Research. Participant Information and Consent Form templates, such as those of the NHMRC website can be long and complex - often too complex for the research participants. Feedback and research indicates that these are not what participants want or need to make an informed decision to participate in a clinical trial. This work builds upon research in 2016 by a working group who developed a new National PICF template for interventional studies, however uptake and engagement was limited due primarily to the new template not receiving endorsement from the NHMRC. To address a common view that the NHMRC templates need a significant overhaul to create shorter, less complex, more participant friendly version, CT:IQ has initiated a sector-wide PICF Innovation project to address this issue. Dr Tavener was invited onto the project in February 2021, as part of the "consumer group", developing survey and qualitative items for different users / user-groups, to ensure the voices of research participants are included in PICF designs. In November 2021 she moved onto analysing all the consumer and stakeholder survey free-text comments made about PICFs.
Using collaborative autoethnography to explore the teaching of qualitative research methods in medicine 2020 - 2023
Senior Investigator on a collective auto-ethnography piece of research with colleagues from Southampton University, UK. Ongoing online interviews between Dr Tavener and UK colleague Dr Ibrahim have explored critical dialogue regarding teaching qualitative methods within an empirico-analytic University environment.
Teaching as an attribute of professionalism: Investigating medical students' contribution to peer teaching and educational advocacy 2023 -
Working with UNSW medical education colleagues, to explore and understand the range of teaching/educational advocacy experiences healthcare students acquire during their studies, with a view to creating a taxonomy of such activities.
Exploring benefits and challenges of peer support for people with disability in peer support organisations: A co-production project 2020 - 2023
This 3-year research co-design and co-production project will contribute to the evidence for how peer support can broaden options for inclusion and participation for people with disability across NSW. It will also provide better evidence about the structures that facilitate the development of peer support for people with disability in NSW. Furthermore, it will explore the role of people with disability as lived experience researchers in peer support. Conducted with Community Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH) and Diversity and Disability Alliance (DDA). Dr Tavener is responsible for all ethics applications and liaison, as academic partner, plus capacity building training for research team members.
McGrath Foundation Workforce Development Project ‘Sense, Sensibilities and Systems’. Working with Men with Breast Cancer and Male Carers of Individuals with Breast Cancer 2020
Breast cancer care nurses rarely tend to men diagnosed with breast cancer, being more likely to encounter men as carers. In 2019-2020 the McGrath Foundation provided support for 22,894 breast cancer patients, 215 of whom (1%) identified as men. So that outcomes can be optimised for breast cancer patients, the McGrath Foundation undertook a series of qualitative interviews in 2020 with breast care nurses to better understand their practices of working with men. The work was carried out as workforce development, involving Dr Meredith Tavener (Qualitative Health Researcher, and Qualitative Academic Advisor), Mr Mark Buckland (Project Officer), ECR Ms Liana Green (Social Worker) and Jane Mahoney (McGrath Foundation Nursing Program Officer). The resulting report “Sense, sensibilities and systems: Working with men with breast cancer and male carers of individuals with breast cancer” provided evidence to support the development of specialty tailored training for McGrath Foundation breast care nurses.
Examining medical student research skills and preparedness to ‘do research’: A mixed methods study 2022 -
Ability to understand and conduct research is a core competency of medical graduates. As part of the JMP (Joint Medical Program) BMedSci-MD program, students at the Universities of Newcastle and New England are exposed to a longitudinal research curriculum that includes foundational skills in Years 1-2, then taking part in a research enquiry project during Years 3 and 4 of their degree. Feedback from students and supervisors after their enquiry project completion suggests feelings of low preparedness to perform satisfactorily in the research component. This mixed-methods study will explore the students’ perspectives and learning strategies in engaging with the research curriculum, and the supervisors’ reflections and experiences.
Active, Stronger, Better (ASB) 2022 - 2024
A grant of $250,000 has been received from the NSW Health Ministry for a Hunter Region trial and a small research study to demonstrate one of the key components of this initiative in the context of return of investment on exercise delivery by a Fitness Professional within an aged care setting. Working with the Hunter Ageing Alliance, Dr Tavener is a member of the project consortium. The money will go through NovaCare.
Reflective practice in practice: Evaluation of a gender identity awareness training program for breast care nurses at McGrath Foundation. 2021 - 2022
Although breast cancer is not a sex-specific cancer, it can be easily gendered as a women’s-only disease. This can act as a barrier to men seeking support, with men who experience breast cancer feeling marginalised. It has been recommended that men’s needs, and experiences be ‘more visible in clinical and support staffs’ training materials’. We have developed a specially structured staff training program for McGrath Foundation breast care nurses, grounded in reflective practice, directed towards increasing knowledge of how male gender influences interactions between the service user and the service provider using experiences of McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses who have worked with men with breast cancer. This project, led by Dr Meredith Tavener, will evaluate the training program, with a view to roll out the pilot program throughout the McGrath Foundation from early 2022.
Lost in translation? Improving multicultural cancer patient outcomes. 2022 - 2023
Working with members of the academic community and collaborating with the Multicultural and Refugee Health Service, which works with persons and families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, to ensure this community receives excellent health care and opportunity to access the health system in a culturally appropriate manner. We will work to improve the outcomes of Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) cancer patients and their carers by ensuring that video interpreters are embedded into all stages of care in the cancer continuum. The team will be working closely with the Calvary Mater Newcastle to ensure that an interpreter is engaged for each appointment by ensuring consistency of information transfer through the variety of systems. We will compare the experience of patients who have had access to interpreters using qualitative approaches, compared to cancer patients who did not have them for all appointments.
Diversity – who ticks the box? Working with McGrath Foundation breast care nurses to advance supportive care for transgender and non-binary patients 2023 -
As CI, Dr Tavener will work with Jane Mahoney (McGrath Foundation Nursing Program Director Australia-wide), Beth McLean (Nursing Program Senior Lead, NSW ACT) and Olivia Cook (Senior Manager - Education) to examine how and why breast cancer care nurses classify patient gender and explore how that might impact on the person’s treatment.
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Research Collaborations
The map is a representation of a researchers co-authorship with collaborators across the globe. The map displays the number of publications against a country, where there is at least one co-author based in that country. Data is sourced from the University of Newcastle research publication management system (NURO) and may not fully represent the authors complete body of work.
| Country | Count of Publications | |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 91 | |
| Netherlands | 6 | |
| United Kingdom | 5 | |
| United States | 3 | |
| Canada | 2 | |
| More... | ||
News
News • 8 May 2017
Creating liveable cities for older Australians
A team of researchers from the University of Newcastle (UON) has been awarded a Liveable Communities Grant to identify how to best meet the housing needs of an ageing population.
News • 3 Nov 2016
Gender Equity PhD Opportunity
PhD opportunity for a business intelligence and data analytics framework for delivering gender equity in the higher education Sector.
Dr Meredith Tavener
Position
Honorary Senior Lecturer
School of Medicine and Public Health
School of Medicine and Public Health
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
| meredith.tavener@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Link | Research Networks |



