A population based linked data analysis of the prognostic determinants of out of hospital cardiac arrest [ 2005 - 2006 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Judith Finn (Principal investigator) ,  E/Pr Michael Hobbs ,  Prof Cashel Holman ,  Prof Ian Jacobs ,  Prof Simon Stewart

Brief description Heart disease, resulting in a cardiac arrest, is the largest single cause of death for men and women in Australia, accounting alone for almost a quarter of all deaths. Despite the scope of the problem, there is a paucity of objective data about the factors that determine outcomes in the short-term and long-term. This study will capitalise on the unique research potential of the WA Data Linkage Project to combine the WA Cardiac Arrest Register with existing health service data and death records, to describe the outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Perth WA. Both morbidity and mortality will be described and compared to patients with similar health conditions, but who do not experience a cardiac arrest. More specifically this study will address questions such as 'what is the effect of age, gender, pre-existing illness and socio-economic status on survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest?' and What is the long-term survival and health status for initial survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest?' This project will both identify those factors associated with best outcome as well as identify a profile of persons who are 'at risk' of experiencing a further cardiac arrest. Such information is important for the evaluation of current resuscitative practices as well as providing the basis for future planning initiatives.

Funding Amount $AUD 174,000.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant