Getting Started

introduction

Dive into the medical research world with some background information

Community

A bulletin board for all members to post questions, updates and reminders for events

resources

Some guides to help you get started on your consumer journey at OPUS

more about

opus

The opus research story

Formally created in 2017, OPUS is a multidisciplinary group of surgeons, general practitioners, health economists, physiotherapists and researchers, spread globally to tackle the issues in osteoarthritis (OA) care.

OPUS looks at all stages of OA health care: from referral through to rehabilitation, to determine the ‘real-world’ patient journey.

Our research provides the evidence and tools to drive practical changes that will:

Improve cost-effectiveness
Promote safe joint replacement surgery
Educate both patients and practitioners

HOW DO CONSUMERS FIT INTO medical RESEARCH?

It is increasingly recognised in Australian medical research that consumers form a vital part of the research process. In order to produce meaningful research outcomes that can influence health policy and practices, researchers need to incorporate the perspective of end-users, community members.

our

people

One of the objectives for the CCIP is to partner each new research student with a Consumer Buddy to ensure consumers are embedded at the beginning of each project. This gives Buddies a better idea of how the project fits into the bigger picture and a more fulfilling consumer journey.

ms sharmala thuraisingam

Biostatistician, statistical modelling for GP clinics

ms penny o'brien

Aboriginal health and Qualitative Research facilitator

ms brooke conley

Aboriginal health and patient education

Ms rita kinsella

Hip and shoulder joint pain following surgery

dr jason trieu

Health economics and cost efficiencies in surgery

mr jay-shian tan

Biomechanics of OA movement using wearable sensors

Ms ELise naufal

Periprosthetic joint infection control through prediction modelling

dr myles davaris

Delivering quality information to patients using digital technology

ms tara binnie

Understanding motion and how people adapt their movement to osteoarthritis

Mr Daniel Gould

Predicting hospital readmissions after surgery

mr cade shadbolt

Understanding opioid use pre-operation to inform better practices

dr yushy zhou

Predicting knee replacement operative outcomes

Mr sid rele

Enhancing recovery after surgery to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes

Mr Lyndon Hawke

Identifying the barriers to physical activity post-surgery

support

staff

We’re here to help you every step of the way and to make your experience as smooth and rewarding as possible!

michelle lam

claire weeden

lauren patten

amanuiel taddese

community

board

Got a question for us or other consumers?

Post them here. Remember that this is a safe space for everyone and any naughty messages will be removed.

We will also be placing the occasional document revision or request for feedback from researchers here.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Click the round, pink ‘+’ on the bottom right corner of the board.
Type in your title and comment/question as shown in the example
Attach a picture, file, etc if you like!
Click ‘Post’ in the top right corner

information

Resources

Below you will find documents contained in the Consumer Information Pack, extra information and handy guides to help you through your consumer journey no matter which Tier you are. If you need more information, please reach out to us on the details at the bottom of this page.

newsletters

Edition 1

edition 2

edition 3

edition 4

General information

Welcome Letter

Privacy & Confidentiality

Code of Conduct

Permission to Publish Form

Remuneration Guidelines

Consumer Claims Form

(For remuneration and compensation)

Roles and Responsibilities:

At OPUS

Roles & Responsibilities:

Researchers

Roles & Responsibilities:

Consumers

CCAG Terms of Reference

Face-to-Face meetings

Uni of Melbourne COVIDSafe Meetings and Workshop Guide

Uni of Melbourne COVIDSafe Kitchens and shared spaces

Disputes and Complaints

Lodge a complaint

Tier 1: Information Guides

Glossary

Remuneration Guidelines

Consumer Claims Form

(for remuneration and compensation)

Consumer Evaluation Form

(Upon joining CCIP)

Consumer Evaluation Form

(End of Year)

Tier 2: Information Guides

Glossary

What are PICFs?

Grant writing and what’s involved?

How to give constructive feedback?

How-to: read a scientific poster?

How-to: read an infographic?

How-to: read a survey?

Writing in Plain English

Feedback Form

Consumer Evaluation Form

(Upon joining CCIP)

Consumer Evaluation Form

(End of Year)

Tier 3: Information Guides

Glossary

How-to: read a PICF?

How-to: read a grant?

How-to: give constructive feedback?

How-to: read a scientific poster?

How-to: read an infograhic?

How-to: read a manuscript?

How-to: read a survey?

Writing in plain English

Consumer Evaluation Form

(Upon joining CCIP)

Consumer Evaluation Form

(End of Year)

Understanding the PhD student journey

Feedback Form

Agendas and Minutes

Tier 4: Information Guides

Glossary

How-to: read a PICF?

How-to: read a grant?

How-to: give constructive feedback?

How-to: read a scientific poster?

How-to: read a manuscript?

Feedback Form

Writing in Plain English

Consumer Evaluation Form

(Upon joining CCIP)

Consumer Evaluation Form

(End of Year)

Understanding the PhD student journey

Agendas and Minutes

references

Useful links to well established consumer organisations and partners to further strengthen and inform your consumer journey.

The Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) is the national peak body representing the interests of Australian healthcare consumers. CHF provides an excellent resource for consumers beginning their advocacy journey as well as those already involved.

Musculoskeletal Australia is a consumer advocacy organisation working with, and advocating on behalf of, people with arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, gout and other musculoskeletal conditions. OPUS has a close partnership with MSK Australia in strategically developing research projects that target the needs of people living with musculoskeletal conditions.

Australian Clinical Trials is an Australian Government register of all clinical trials conducted in Australia. The link on the left will take you to an excellent page full of resources to explain what a clinical trial is and how consumers can play a role.

Australian Clinical Trials Alliance is an Australian Government register of all clinical trials conducted in Australia. The link on the left will take you to an excellent page full of resources to explain what a clinical trial is and how consumers can play a role.

Cancer Australia is an Australian Government register of all clinical trials conducted in Australia. The link on the left will take you to an excellent page full of resources to explain what a clinical trial is and how consumers can play a role.

Feedback

Need to contact us? Get in touch through the webform on the left or the details below:

got questions and comments? let us know