The RMH Emergency Department is involved in many clinical and epidemiological trials, in collaboration with the the University of Melbourne, other speciality units at the RMH and hospitals in Australia and internationally.
Research focus areas
We focus on improvements to processes of care for the high-impact conditions that we treat most frequently.
Our main research areas of focus are:
- Acute infectious disease
- Mental health and illness
- Trauma care
- Organ donation and end of life care
- Patient flow
- Workforce wellbeing
Our collaborators
We work in close partnership with:
Current and featured research
Multi-centre projects
Multi-centre projects where the RMH ED is a site (lead or participating):
- EDNAV (observational study of recreational drug use)
- ARISE Fluids (multi-centre trial of restricted versus liberal IV fluid use in patients with sepsis)
- FEISTY II (multi-centre trial of cryoprecipitate versus fibrinogen concentrate for trauma patients with major haemorrhage)
- Multi-centre prospective observational project of e-scooter injuries
- PATCH 24-month outcomes follow up study (secondary study of a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of pre-hospital tranexamic acid for patients at risk of trauma-induced coagulopathy)
- Enhancing guidelines for transfer of major trauma patients: A review of current practice
- COVID Point of Care observational project (RESPOCT-ED)
- Epidemiology and outcomes of ovarian torsion: retrospective cohort study
- Use of whole blood in pre-hospital trauma pilot trial
- Outcomes of patients with pre-hospital status epilepticus
- Prehospital blood transfusion audit: a retrospective cohort study
- Infection typing via use of mRNA: a multi-site observational study
Single-centre projects
Projects being undertaken within the RMH ED (single-centre projects):
- Trial of analogue versus digital drain for patients with traumatic pneumothorax (ADICT)
- Standardising calcium and TXA use in major trauma: observational study of introduction of a massive exsanguination box
- Observational study of the effect of introducing early palliative care referral (PIES)
- Current use patterns of CT Brain in atraumatic headache presentations to the Emergency Department: a retrospective cohort study
- Biological sex and its effect on analgesia in abdominal pain presentations: a retrospective cohort study
- Reducing unnecessary pelvic x-rays in trauma: mixed methods study
- Delphi study of critical care research priorities: multi-centre national survey
- Prospective observational study of nausea and vomiting in the ED and efficacy of current medical management
- Retrospective cohort study of post-induction hypotension and hypocalcaemia
- Role of long-acting antipsychotics on effectiveness of PRN sedatives in the acute care setting: a retrospective cohort study
- Effect of legislative changes to restrictive interventions on staff actions and safety across Victoria: multi-site survey
- Observational study of the benefit of introducing ‘name hats’ at trauma calls: the trauma hats study
- Audit of microbiological, clinical and economic impact of blood culture guidance following blood culture bottle shortages: a retrospective cohort study
- MAC/RIC line outcomes study: a retrospective cohort study
- CT imaging in elderly trauma patients following low falls: retrospective cohort study
Publications
Case Series of Resuscitative Hysterotomy in Pregnant Trauma Patients Performed in the Emergency Department of a Level One Major Trauma Service
Shanahan TAG, Gabriel-Anyassor J, Kane SC, Gumm K, Read DJ, Bourke E
(2025), Emerg Med Australas, e70078
Emergency Department Mental Health Presentations in Young Children Letter to the Editor "Addressing the Unique Challenges of Paediatric Mental Health Emergency Care" Response
Bourke EM, Say DF, Carison A, O'Donnell SM, Babl FE; Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) research network
(2025), J Paediatr Child Health, 655-656
DOI: 10.1111/jpc.70005
Emergency department staff perceptions of representation through an observational documentary series
Moon F, Dean A, Putland MJ
(2025), Australas Emerg Care, 227-232
Latest news & events
During August, the sitting area in our Emergency Department (ED) waiting room will undergo renovations.
For mother Brianna her journey into motherhood was fraught with complications following a life altering stroke which changed everything.
If you’ve been down to the triage and ambulatory care part of our emergency department recently, you might have bumped into one of our Medical Support Officers (MSOs).
