2021-07-27
The Canberra region’s top health research conference opened today, providing free online access to internationally renowned keynote speakers and local cutting-edge research.
The Canberra Health Annual Research Meeting (CHARM) runs until Friday afternoon, with a program of expert presentations from clinicians and scientists, panel discussions and workshops.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said CHARM facilitates collaboration between health researchers, students, policy makers, carers, consumers and clinicians from a diverse range of health disciplines.
“CHARM provides an opportunity for researchers to share their findings and achievements. The focus on building a culture of innovation, sustainability and effective care is clearly seen in the submissions to the CHARM conference this year.
“The ACT Government is focussed on improving health outcomes in the ACT through an inclusive and accessible health system.
“Consumers, carers, non-government providers and clinicians all play a vital role in the research that supports the policy and systems that in turn benefit our whole community,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Each day of the CHARM program has a different focus.
· Tuesday 27 July: ‘ACT in profile: Big initiatives’
· Wednesday 28 July: ‘Mental health research focus day’
· Thursday & Friday 29-30 July: ‘ACT research in focus’
Wednesday’s program is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing research, not just in clinical settings but also in community-based care models. The Mental Health Research Focus Day explores how interdisciplinary research can contribute to a more effective and sustainable mental health system.
Topics included in the mental health research program: Lived experience research; the spectrum of interventions: mental health promotion, prevention, early intervention; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health; and using positive psychology to build resilience.
“Improving mental health outcomes for Canberrans is a result of collaboration and co-design with the community, health practitioners and researchers. The CHARM conference is a fantastic opportunity for the health care sector to help Government translate research into practice so more people can receive the care they need, when they need it and where they need it,” Minister Davidson said.
CHARM is hosted by the ACT Health Directorate’s Centre of Health and Medical Research and Canberra Health Services, in collaboration with the Australian National University, the University of Canberra, UNSW Canberra, the Australian Catholic University and the Australian Institute of Sport.
For more information, to see the full CHARM program or to register visit: health.act.gov.au/research/charm-2021