WORLD’S LARGEST STUDY IN INTRAVENOUS CATHETER SECUREMENT FOR CHILDREN AND CATHETER FAILURE REDUCTION
Brooke Charters, Paediatric Emergency Nurse
Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service
PEOPLE IN HEALTH CARE
Filmed in Southport, Queensland | December 2024
Brooke Charters is a dynamic Paediatric Emergency Nurse who works at the Gold Coast University Hospital in Queensland.
After leaving school unsure of her career path, she ventured into disability support, which sparked her interest in nursing. She pursued a Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University, and during her placement in Africa, she discovered her passion for paediatrics instead of mental health nursing.
Since completing her post grad certificate in paediatric acute care and a passion ignited from working frontline in the Paediatric Emergency, Brooke has developed a wide variety of clinical research interests, especially in cannulation, children’s mental health trauma and pain management.
An opportunity arose when she was approached for research ideas related to securing cannulas, a frequent issue in paediatric care.
Brooke was the first nurse to become a Principal Investigator on an Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF) Queensland Research Program grant when it was opened to nurses. Having seen first-hand how one in four cannulas used in treating children were failing
and needed to be reinserted Brooke looked for an opportunity to find a solution.
The study enrolled children aged six months to eight years, aiming to save cannulas and reduce reinsertion trauma. Her study’s findings showed significant improvements in securing cannulas, highlighting a potential solution to a common problem.
Brooke initiated a study with a randomised control trial (RCT) comparing standard care to an integrated dressing with tissue adhesive.
Brooke’s research became the world’s largest study of its kind and in May 2024 the results of the study were published in JAMA Pediatrics. Her mission is to drive change and enhance the hospital experience for children globally.
-
Navigating the health system for mental health support
Senior professionals and middle managers are experiencing increased burnout and stress, leading to higher alcohol consumption, and there is a need for better support and resources for mental health and addiction treatment in Australia, according to Ruth Limkin, Founder of The Banyans and Chief Development Officer at parent Sana Health Group.
-
Peak body in child and family services urges prioritising healthcare for kids in care
The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre) is calling on the Australian Government to prioritise healthcare access for children in out-of-home care.
“We have many amazing young people in care with huge potential, but they’re not set up for success,” said Deb Tsorbaris, CEO “Young people and workers tell us that access to health and education assessments is a huge disadvantage.”
-
Study on digital tool for pharmacists in aged care
In March 2022, the Australia government announced $350 million of funding over 4 years to employ on-site pharmacists in residential aged care, starting July 2023. In April 2023, the government made changes to the proposed on-site pharmacists, where the new program will now be delivered by and through community pharmacies. Regardless of how the model will be implemented, the goal remains the same – to improve quality use of medicines and medicines safety for aged care residents.
