Public Health

Project

Fraudulent publications are a significant issue in biomedical research. Systematic reviews provide summarized evidence that underpins clinical practice, making it crucial for authors to exclude fraudulent studies. Researchers aim to identify characteristics of these publications to facilitate easier detection, with one potential indicator being the absence of conference presentations.

Role

The first stage of this project involves identifying fraudulently published papers in the field of fertility. We will then search for corresponding presentations at the ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) and ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) meetings.

This project is based at Cochrane New Zealand, part of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department.

Skills learned

Skills gained will include an improved understanding of research production and publication, data collection using Excel spreadsheets, and scientific writing. We ultimately aim to publish the findings of this work.

Project

Venous leg ulcers (VLU) are chronic relapsing and remitting wounds on the lower leg associated with chronic venous insufficiency. Prevalence increases with age, however, similar to arterial disease, the mean age of Maori and Pasifika peoples with VLU is about 10 to 15 years younger than in non-Maori and non-Pasifika peoples.

Peoples with VLU have lower health-related quality of life compared to age- and sex-standardised population norms and the condition is associated with increased pain, poorer sleep, isolation, withdrawal, and feelings of hopelessness.

Role

More than 900 people have participated in five 4VLU trials and we want to describe the deprivation levels experienced by people with VLU and whether deprivation is associated with healing.

The project will involve extracting and de-identifying participant addresses from trial case record forms; extracting corresponding demographic and clinical data; working with a research team to obtain the NZDep index and the Indices of Multiple Deprivation for each participant; determining whether deprivation is associated with VLU healing; and preparing a draft publication.

The product would support future research and a publication.

Ideal student

Desired skills include use of Excel, academic writing, and knowledge of stats packages. Some clinical knowledge and / or programming in R could be helpful.

Project

Government- and community-led food initiatives play a crucial role in promoting food access, sustainability, and community well-being. In this project, we will explore a range of initiatives across New Zealand, including those that go beyond addressing food insecurity.

Role

This project involves identifying and mapping those food initiatives (e.g., food banks, community gardens, co-ops, reducing waste projects, school programmes, etc.) throughout New Zealand. You will search and review academic research, government reports, and NGO publications to collect data on the availability and effectiveness of such food initiatives.

Outputs of this work include an overview/table of the government and community food initiatives (e.g, description of the initiative, their reach, the demographics they serve, etc.) and a short report on the most successful strategies and further research gaps that need to be addressed.

Food initiatives extend beyond addressing hunger—they nourish bodies, minds, and communities. This summer studentship will contribute to a better understanding of their effectiveness and best practices, so we can create a more resilient and connected New Zealand.

Project

Mental health and wellbeing concerns for Maori are an ongoing issue in Aotearoa New Zealand. Conventional tools for assessing both mental health and illness are typically derived from Western ideas and concepts of wellbeing. These are often limited in terms of their ability to capture or reflect upon Maori worldviews, Maori culture, and Maori perspectives of health.

However, novel approaches and measures grounded in Matauranga Maori and Indigenous knowledge are increasingly being recognised as a more suitable means through which more accurate perspectives of mental health and wellbeing can be captured.

Role

This summer research project aims to identify and summarise key literature on approaches and measures grounded in Matauranga Maori and Indigenous knowledge to assessing mental health and wellbeing. Students will undertake a literature screening and a narrative synthesis. A narrative/scoping review will be conducted to determine the scope and types of literature available, to provide an overview of findings, and highlight gaps in the literature.

Benefits

This summer project will provide training in literature review and an opportunity to work with a team of supervisors experienced in working with Maori communities and Kaupapa Maori research.

Ideal student

The summer project would be particularly suitable for students interested in Maori mental health, psychometrics, hauora, wellbeing and Matauranga Maori.

Project

Literature shows a consistent link between racism and negative health outcomes with a higher prevalence for Maori, Pacific and Asian ethnic groups. Less is known about how experiences of other forms of discriminations alongside racism impact health and wellbeing. Especially, what is happening for rangatahi at risk of multiple stigmatisations, e.g. disability and rainbow communities within the broader ethnic groupings.

Role

This summer project aims to identify and summarise key literature on multiple forms of discrimination and their association with:

1) Young people’s health and wellbeing outcomes

2) Access/barriers to health care and support services

3) Satisfaction/experiences of health services

Students will undertake a literature screening and a narrative synthesis, with a specific focus on the Aotearoa NZ context but also including international literature. The scoping/narrative review will describe scope and types of literature available, provide an overview of findings and highlight gaps in the literature.

Benefits

This summer project will provide training in literature review and an opportunity to work with a team of supervisors experienced in working with Maori communities and a senior Kaupapa Maori researcher.

Ideal student

The summer project would be particularly suitable for students interested in rangatahi health and wellbeing and the effects of discrimination within the health sector.

Project

This exploratory project examines the mental wellbeing of first-year students who participated in the University of Auckland Pasifika Floor initiative implemented in 2023. The student researcher will conduct two focus groups with up to 5 male and female students to discuss their lived experiences of living on the Pasifika Floor with others and how this arrangement impacts their mental wellbeing, sense of belonging, and academic work.

Requirements

The student for this project must have skills in group interviewing, analyzing qualitative data, and report writing.

Project

There is a shortage of Ophthalmologists in New Zealand especially in the regional setting. To ensure effective eye care services, it's crucial to understand ophthalmologists' demographics, work patterns, well-being and factors attracting them to regional centres.

Role

This project aims to conduct a comprehensive workforce survey to address these critical aspects within the Ophthalmic profession.

Objectives:
1. Demographic analysis: to investigate ophthalmologists' demographic characteristics, including gender, ethnicity and rurality to understand diversity and distribution.
2. Work patterns: to analyse hours and settings (public vs. private) worked by ophthalmologists, to assess workload distribution
3. Burnout assessment: Evaluate burnout prevalence amongst ophthalmologists and its correlations
4. Causes of burnout: To identify primary drivers of burnout to develop targeted interventions and support mechanisms
5. Attraction to regional work: To investigate factors attracting ophthalmologists to regional centres

Project

The aim of this project is to complete a detailed analysis of Whanau Ora Commissioning data for Pacific families who engaged with Pasifika Futures’ Whanau Ora Navigators over the 10-year period from July 2014 to June 2024 in the South Island.

This project will result in a detailed descriptive analysis of the demographic and well-being outcomes data on Pacific families and their members who engaged with Pasifika Futures’ Whanau Ora Navigators in South Island from July 2014 to June 2024.

Role

The demographics of these South Island Pacific families and their members will be compared with the latest National and South Island Pacific demographic data available from the Census 2023 to investigate demographic similarities and differences.

Well-being outcomes achieved by South Island Pacific families and their members will be compared with well-being outcomes achieved by North Island families who were engaged with Pasifika Futures’ Whanau Ora Navigators to investigate similarities and differences.

Project

Are you a passionate student interested in digital innovation and mental health? We have an exciting summer opportunity for you!

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic student to join our team in assessing a cutting-edge digital intervention designed to help teens with addiction issues.

What You Will Do

– Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to evaluate the intervention.
– Develop creative solutions and strategies for improvement.
– Engage with teens to gather valuable feedback through interviews.

Requirements

– Strong creative and problem-solving skills
– Experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods
– Excellent interview and communication skills
– Passion for digital innovation and mental health

Benefits

– Make a real impact in the field of mental health and addictions.
– Work on a 'real-life' project (nationally implemented public health intervention).
– Gain valuable experience in a dynamic interdisciplinary team.

If you are keen to contribute to this rewarding project and help create positive change, we want to hear from you!

Project

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic student to join our team in improving a digital solution aimed at supporting tertiary students' mental health and wellbeing. This project will focus on understanding and addressing the issues students want to see in a mental health and wellbeing app, including mental health, life skills, study techniques, time management, family and relationship dynamics, and handling transitions.

Your role

– Conduct in-depth research to uncover student needs and preferences.
– Brainstorm and implement innovative solutions to enhance the app.
– Interview tertiary students and pastoral care staff members to ideate, gather feedback and/or test prototypes.

Requirements

– Innovative thinking and strong problem-solving abilities
– Experience in both qualitative and quantitative research
– Excellent communication, with great interview skills
– Passion for digital technology and mental health of young adults

Benefits

– Influence the future of student/young adult mental health and wellbeing.
– Collaborate with a dynamic and interdisciplinary team.
– Gain hands-on experience in a high-impact project.

Ready to make a difference? We’d love to hear from you!

Project

Western psychedelic research is experiencing a resurgence following a multi-decade hiatus. As scientific efficacy is established and we see the emergence of new psychedelic-based interventions, there is a significant risk that indigenous knowledge and ways of being will not be integrated into this practice.

Maori in Aotearoa face significant health inequity and it is essential that authentic action is taken to ensure Maori goals and aspirations, and Te Ao Maori are represented in current and future psychedelic research practice. The Aotearoa Psychedelic Maori Advisory Ropu (group) (APMAR) was formed to work towards this goal.

APMAR is made up of indigenous academics, clinicians, and students, who are interested and passionate about the Kaupapa. The ropu provides a platform for regular consultation between psychedelic researchers/practitioners and Maori. The members draw on their lived and learned cultural expertise to assist the attendees in considering concepts integral to Te Ao Maori, such as whanaungatanga (relationship/connection), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and manaakitanga (care/respect/support).

Role

We are looking for a student to assist in a project evaluation study of APMAR. The student will be implementing the mixed methods protocol, involving both qualitative (semi-structured interviews and focus groups) and quantitative (surveys) research methods, engaging with three stakeholder groups: the ropu members, consulting researchers, and their participants.

Project

Aims

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease that remains the 4th most common female cancer worldwide, with 80% of the disease burden occurring in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) and higher disease burdens in low-resource settings. This reflects strong disparities in terms of access to care and reflects the need for the adoption of effective, context-adapted prevention strategies.

Role

To address this challenge, in 2020, the World Health Organization launched a global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. In this project, the summer scholar will begin to undertake a systematic literature review first on this topic and proceed to understand the role of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and the effective public health policy as an effective implementation strategy for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.

The research methods for this review will include the searching of Library catalogues and search engines for key databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and Medline. Online databases or abstracting and indexing services provide access to journal articles, conference proceedings, reports, dissertations and other grey literature.

The summer student will support our research team with various tasks, including literature reviews, research ethics, instrument development (survey and semi-structured interviews), and (potentially) data analysis for a mixed methods project.

Ideal student

Familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative methods and software is preferred but not essential. The student should be self-directed and intellectually curious.

Project

Aims

It is estimated that approximately 600 million people will have diabetes by 2040, with one-third expected to have diabetic retinopathy (DR)—the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults worldwide. Mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR) is the early stage of DR, which is characterized by the presence of microaneurysms. Proliferative DR (PDR) is the more advanced stage of DR and can result in severe vision loss.

Regular DR screening is important so that timely treatment can be implemented to prevent vision loss. Early-stage intervention via glycemia and blood pressure control can slow down the progression of DR, and late-stage interventions through photocoagulation or intravitreal injection can reduce vision loss. Also, Retinal screening contributes to early detection of diabetic retinopathy and timely treatment.

Role

In this project, the summer scholar will begin to undertake a systematic literature review first on this topic. They will then proceed to understand the role of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and the public health policy on the health technology assessment as an effective implementation strategy for the prevention and early detection of various eye diseases.

The research methods for this review will include the searching of Library catalogues and search engines for key databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and Medline. Online databases or abstracting and indexing services provide access to journal articles, conference proceedings, reports, dissertations and other grey literature.

The summer student will support our research team with various tasks, including literature reviews, research ethics, instrument development (survey and semi-structured interviews), and (potentially) data analysis for a mixed methods project.

Ideal student

Familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative methods and software is preferred but not essential. The student should be self-directed and intellectually curious.

Project

Given the increase in immigration worldwide, parents need to make decisions about raising their children in multilanguage environments. Family language practices vary significantly in different countries and depend on government policies and parents' beliefs and attitudes.

Role

This project will investigate the attitudes, values, beliefs, and language practices of parents raising bilingual children worldwide and in New Zealand. It will result in a better understanding of parents' common language strategies and highlight beliefs and practices that may or may not be supported by evidence.

The student will review the literature and social media resources to find common themes, concerns, and beliefs that parents of bilingual children have about their children's language development and socialisation.

Based on the collected information, the student will also design and lead the interviews with parents of two-year-old bilingual children (LINGO study participants) to investigate family language practices, concerns, and beliefs when raising their kids.

Ideal student

This project is based in Grafton, Auckland. It will suit a student comfortable with using social media, literature search engines, and communicating with families from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Project

Aim

The aim of this project is to complete a detailed analysis of Whanau Ora Commissioning data for Pacific families who engaged with Pasifika Futures’ Whanau Ora Navigators over the 10-year period from July 2014 to June 2024 in the Wellington Region.

This project will result in a detailed descriptive analysis of the demographic and well-being outcomes data on Pacific families and their members who engaged with Pasifika Futures’ Whanau Ora Navigators in the Wellington Region from July 2014 to June 2024.

Role

The demographics of these Wellington Pacific families and their members will be compared with the latest National and Wellington Pacific demographic data available from the Census 2023 to investigate demographic similarities and differences.

Project

Seventy-one percent of Pacific People in Aotearoa New Zealand live with obesity which can adversely impact their health. Within Pacific communities, fasting is a common religious practice. Young Pacific People have reported using fasting to lose weight. However, there is almost no literature on the knowledge, perceptions, practice and effects of fasting among Pacific Peoples.

Given that studies have reported several health benefits (including weight loss, insulin response, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, and metabolic function), regular fasting may be a potential intervention to improve multiple health outcomes for Pacific populations.

Role

Semi-structured interviews with Pacific senior and youth leaders (aged=18 years) will be conducted in English, to explore knowledge, experiences, beliefs and practices of fasting among Pacific people. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed.

For the student, this project involves coding and analysis of the transcribed interview data.

Research tasks are to:
1. Code interview text within Nvivo according to themes developed with researchers
2. Prepare a draft of results from the qualitative analysis

Ideal student

This project would suit a student interested in Pacific People's health and well-being, and willing to work with a team of experienced researchers and be self-directed.

Skills learned

Skills gained include qualitative data analysis and academic writing.

Project

Good quality housing and neighbourhood conditions are associated with positive wellbeing outcomes. Typically, we quantify good housing and neighbourhoods in relation to quantitative measures of SES but these do not capture a person’s lived experiences of these contexts.

The Our Voices project (funded by MBIE) collected data from participants in the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort, exploring young people’s experiences of wellbeing in contemporary Aotearoa. The To Matou Rerenga – Our Journey app was developed in collaboration with young people and resulted in the collection of large-scale qualitative data. In particular, the app probed young people’s thoughts and feelings about home (‘What does home mean to you?’) and neighbourhood (‘My neighbourhood would be better if…’).

Role

This project aims to utilise thematic analysis to capture young people’s experiences of home and neighbourhood. The student will contextualise these findings by conducting a literature review.

Skills required 

These include strong academic reading and writing abilities for both the data coding / analysis and literature review tasks.

Project

Tinnitus disorder results in a reduction in quality of life from the perception of sound in the absence of a physical sound source. It is neurophysiologically characterised by connections between perception, attention and emotional networks of the brain.

One therapy avenue is to address the negative reaction and thoughts to tinnitus. Cognitive behavioural Therapy (CBT) and counselling/psychoeducation both attempt to modify negative reactions to tinnitus.

Role

This scoping review will catalogue and explore the relative benefits of each approach by reviewing the literature. In particular it will seek studies comparing outcomes for the two methods.

Ideal student

The successful applicant will have the skills and focus to undertake a literature review.

Skills learned

The methods of scoping reviews and processes will be taught and supported by the supervisor and wider tinnitus research group.

The cultural context of the research undertaken to date may be considered in light of indigenous knowledge and cross-cultural applicability.

The project serves as an entree to clinical auditory neurophysiology and research in population health service delivery.

Project

In late 2024 we will commence a population-based survey of diabetes and sensory impairment (vision and hearing impairment, peripheral neuropathy) among Maori >=40 years and non-Maori >=50 years in Counties Manukau.

Role

The summer period provides an opportunity to conduct an evaluation of the first phase of our survey, prior to completing recruitment in Counties Manukau in early 2025, and continuing on to Te Tai Tokerau, Tairawhiti and Lakes districts.

The student will spend time in the field as part of the survey team in Counties Manukau to learn the survey procedures and data collection methods. The student will then undertake an evaluation of Phase 1 of the survey, including assessment of recruitment processes, examination procedures and corresponding response rates, looking for opportunities to streamline processes and address any differential engagement across population groups.

This will include some quantitative data analysis, as well as key informant interviews with survey staff and our collaborators. This evaluation will inform the implementation of the survey in 2025.

Project

The New Zealand health system is currently being reformed to consolidate services and information systems. The Data and Digital Strategy requires that existing information systems be made interoperable and standardised for use, regardless of patient and provider location. Due to this nation-wide scope, there is a need to update, renew, or replace information systems to provide services that deliver the right information at the right time to the right people, whoever and wherever they are. Continuous quality improvement (CQI) is a prerequisite for long-term improvement and must become a cultural practice that is embedded in clinical work. The outcome of this change will be clinical digital safety.

Role

We will complete a literature review about clinical digital safety in order to create a framework for Te Whatu Ora staff to use when evaluating information systems.

Skills learned will include:

– Literature searching, analysing, and summarising
– Contribution to the development of a digital clinical safety framework
– Contribution to a paper for publication

Project

Careers for digital health specialists are difficult to identify and navigate. Digital health work has been investigated using vignettes to describe workers and elements of the work they do: providing career matrices; listing and describing competencies; designing a strategic roadmap for education; analysing observations of the workers at work; conducting a census of New Zealand and Australian digital health workers; and outlining certification of digital health workers.

Role

An interview-based biographical study of those already in digital health specialist roles will be conducted to gather stories of lived experience to create an interactive taxonomy of careers for career path navigation.

Skills learned:

– Literature review, search and analysis of articles
– Assistance with qualitative data analysis
– Contribution to a paper for publication

Project

It is well documented that food industry-funded research reports findings favourable to industry interests. We have also seen food-industry research that is well-conducted, but does not appear to be addressing important public health issues.

Role

This project will contribute to developing methods to systematically examine whether industry-funded research advances public health. This project involves selecting a top nutrition journal, and examining studies published in the journal within 2024. The student will classify these studies as industry-funded (based on the authors’ funding and conflict of interest disclosures) or not.

The student would also help develop and apply a rigorous method to categorise nutrition research according to public health relevance and importance.

Ideal student

This project would suit a student who is interested in engaging in the fast-growing field of public health, called the ‘commercial determinants of health’. This field focusses on the tactics of industry to grow consumption of their products – one common tactic used by industry is to shape the scientific evidence.

This project will contribute to an improved understanding of the ways the food industry benefits from influencing research and what might be done to reduce this influence.

Project

Public health experts have long recognised the need for New Zealanders to move towards healthier and more sustainable diets. Unfortunately, our food policy has not kept up with this need. Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) falls behind international best practice in creating healthy food environments for people and planet. Current voluntary/self-regulatory approaches preferred by politicians and the food industry (e.g. voluntary Health Star Ratings, voluntary codes on marketing to children) have been proven to be ineffective as their uptake is low.

Identifying the barriers to developing and implementing strong food and population nutrition policies, including the key national stakeholders and their scope of influence, is critical.

Globally, we know that key influential actors include transnational agri-food corporations and their shareholders; certain food and beverage manufacturers, distributors, retailers and industry associations; government agencies and politicians; international trade partners; and civil society, food and health movements.

Role

This summer research project will conduct a qualitative assessment of the relevant actors in NZ, their interests, and power/resources to influence the development of regulations on unhealthy, unsustainable ultra-processed foods in Aotearoa.

Project

Advertisements promoting energy-dense, nutrient-poor food and drinks influence children’s dietary choice and preference and are pervasive in children’s environments across Aotearoa, New Zealand. Our recent research found that 62% of schools in Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland had visible outdoor advertising in close proximity, and 83% of these adverts promoted unhealthy food and/or drinks. We created a simple Advertising Score for each school, which combines multiple exposures to unhealthy advertising in the school zone.

Critically, the exposure to unhealthy advertising increased statistically significantly with neighbourhood deprivation. As advertising in Aotearoa is currently only voluntarily self-regulated by food and drink companies and industry bodies, there is a clear need for policy intervention that regulates and limits unhealthy food/drink advertising around schools. Such regulation is in the remit of local councils.

Role

The summer research student will undertake a review of international policies that have restricted outdoor advertising of unhealthy food and drinks in school areas, at the city level. They will also conduct a review of existing Auckland Council bylaws related to outdoor advertising in public spaces. The student will contribute to a stakeholder engagement process to share the school Advertising Scores with the school community and other neighbourhood actors and groups with an interest in creating school environments free from unhealthy marketing.

Project

This project is an opportunity to contribute to the national "Carosika Collaborative", a multidisciplinary whanau-centric ropu, which aims to lower the rate of preterm birth and optimise preterm birth outcomes, while working towards equity in preterm birth outcomes. Our team are working with national contemporaneous datasets to develop metrics based on a set of locally defined core outcomes, to track the progress of the Collaborative's work.

Ideal student

We are looking to work with a student with computer science, data science, or statistics skills who is able to help us develop concepts for a dashboard presenting interactive and engaging visualisations of available data.

Project

Researchers from the University of Auckland Dept Psychological Medicine are investigating improving sleep and mental health via an app called Sleep Ninja.
Young people are at risk of significant deficits in sleep. There is compelling evidence for the negative effect of insufficient sleep on many aspects of health and wellbeing, particularly on mental wellbeing. We know in Aotearoa New Zealand that there are increasing rates of mental health difficulties and poor wellbeing.

The Sleep Ninja app has been designed with young people and is specifically aimed at reducing symptoms of insomnia via an evidence-based intervention called cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

Role

The summer student will be supported to undertake analysis of sleep questionnaire data from participants who have completed the Whiria Moe Sleep Ninja study.

This project will support our on-going research commitment to providing young people in Aotearoa with digital supports that are safe, efficacious, and acceptable, and that suit them.

Ideal student

The applicant should be interested in sleep, mental health and wellbeing, data analysis, digital technologies and connecting with rangatahi. This project involves connecting with the wider team in a collegial and fun research environment.

Skills required:
• Self-motivation
• Data handling and data analysis
• Ability to effectively communicate

Project

Suicide prevention researchers from the University of Auckland Dept Psychological Medicine are currently working on #chatsafeNZ Te tarawhete ipurangi haumaru #chatsafeAotearoa. #chatsafe is young person’s guide to communicating safely online about self-harm and suicide that was first developed in Australia and is now being adapted in Aotearoa.

We know that almost all young people are using social media constantly. There is tremendous capacity to impact positively via social media and to increase access to support.

Role

We are looking for a student to create a suite of social media assets that will form a campaign for #chatsafeNZ. The student will design posts for social media platforms. This mahi will include working with rangatahi to ensure acceptability, connecting with the wider team in a collegial and fun research environment. The student will also undertake a literature review.

Ideal student

This study will support our on-going research commitment to providing young people in Aotearoa with support that suits them. The applicant should be interested in social media, suicide prevention, digital technologies and connecting with rangatahi.

Skills required:

• Self-motivation
• Interest in suicide prevention and digital technologies
• Knowledge and experience using social media
• Ability to effectively communicate

Learned include:

• Literature review
• Teamwork
• Academic report writing

Project

Electronic gambling machines (EGMs, aka 'pokies') are the main drivers for gambling harm in Aotearoa NZ. They are widely distributed through bars and clubs. The Gambling Act 2003 has provisions aimed at controlling the number of EGMS, including a requirement for new venues to have new licenses approved by local councils.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has been granting license extensions to new venues in close locations. One of these extensions has been successfully challenged in the High Court. In the process it was revealed that DIA has granted another 363 similar extensions.

Role

This project’s focus will be on collating information on these extensions and developing an overview of what is going on. The student on this project will engage in the fast-growing part of public health called 'commercial determinants of health' which focuses on unhealthy commodity industry (like tobacco, alcohol and gambling) tactics in growing consumption of their products.

The work is primarily investigative, and would involve collecting, interpreting and synthesizing information such as Official Information Act responses, licensing agreements and legal documents. The report would have immediate relevance and help inform current and future legal action with EGM providers and relevant government agencies.

Project

Equitable access to mental health services is a critical public health issue. This project aims to support the ongoing development and implementation of an Entry Criteria (EC) and Prioritisation Framework (PF) for referrals for Non-Acute Adult Mental Health Services (NAAMHS).

This tool will enhance consistency and aid decision-making regarding referrals, ensuring equitable access to mental health services and effective prioritisation, optimising resource allocation and improving patient outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged groups.

Role

The present project involves conducting a scoping review to identify, map, and synthesise the literature discussing the development of entry criteria and prioritisation tools for mental health services, with the possibility of expanding to other areas as necessary.

Scoping reviews provide a comprehensive overview of existing research in a particular area, helping to identify gaps and offering recommendations.

Skills learned and ideal student

The project offers literature review and academic writing training and is particularly suitable for students interested in mental health services research and public health. Useful skills include attention to detail and analytical thinking.

Project

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora has established an artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory and has been tasked with the assessment, testing, evaluation, and monitoring of AI tools for use within the public healthcare system. How these tools will be implemented into practice informs decisions being made in the assessment of these tools.

Role

For the successful implementation of AI into health services, we need to ensure that the workforce using these tools is equipped with the skills and knowledge to safely and successfully use them. This project will explore the knowledge/competency of Te Whatu Ora staff around AI, including current use of and competency with AI tools, as well as their perspectives on how the organisation can increase transparency around AI and its use.

Ideal student

The ideal candidate will have good communication skills (written and verbal) as the project will involve gathering the perspectives of staff across a range of settings. Experience in survey design and analysis would be a benefit.

This summer student project is funded by a grant from Te Whatu Ora.

Project

Governments are often not seen as meal providers. Yet, the NZ Government funds approximately 300,000 meals per day in sectors such as health and education. Despite the large population reach, research in food procurement is limited in NZ, and health and sustainability criteria rarely feature in government contracts for food purchasing. However, there is an opportunity for governments to indicate their commitment to health and sustainability by including effective measures and practical steps in food procurement and service policies.

Role

This project will assess the food procurement and service landscape in NZ. We will use the 2021 World Health Organization action framework for developing and implementing public food procurement and service policies for a healthy diet.

The proposed research components are:

1. A summary table of food procurement systems in other countries, including assessment indicators and benchmarks of good practice.
2. Gathering information on the current food procurement systems in NZ. Research activities will include internet searches to identify population groups receiving meals, types of food and meals, and identifying nutrition/sustainability criteria in the current legislation/guidelines/policies.

Ideal student

This project would suit a student interested in nutrition, sustainability and policy.

Skills learned

Skills gained will include reviewing literature and navigating government documents and websites.

Project

Climate change is widely reported to be the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. Our changing climate increases health risks to individuals and directly affects healthcare system practices. In addition to providing services to affected populations, health professionals have a role in advocating for climate action to professional and government organisations. Therefore, key aspects of planetary health must be embedded into health professional training programmes and curricula.

Role

In 2023, a small group of School of Pharmacy students audited planetary health teaching in the BPharm programme via completion of a standardised international planetary health report card. This project aims to determine whether completion of this report card has led to changes in the BPharm curriculum, and identify areas where planetary health teaching could be better integrated.

Specific objectives are to:

• Conduct a literature review to explore how planetary health is being implemented into health professional training programmes globally
• Audit planetary health teaching across the 2024 BPharm programme
• Identify any curricular changes made, by comparing with the 2023 audit results
• Develop recommendations for further integrating planetary health into the BPharm curriculum

Ideal student

This project is best suited to a pharmacy student with an understanding of planetary health.

Project

The aim of this project is to complete a detailed analysis of Whanau Ora Commissioning data for Pacific families who engaged with Pasifika Futures’ Whanau Ora Navigators over the 10-year period from July 2014 to June 2024 in the Auckland Region.

This project will result in a detailed descriptive analysis of the demographic and well-being outcomes data on Pacific families and their members who engaged with Pasifika Futures’ Whanau Ora Navigators in the Auckland Region from July 2014 to June 2024.

Role

The demographics of these Auckland Pacific families and their members will be compared with the latest National and Auckland Pacific demographic data available from the Census 2023 to investigate demographic similarities and differences.

Well-being outcomes achieved by Auckland Pacific families and their members will be compared with well-being outcomes achieved by non-Auckland families who were engaged with Pasifika Futures’ Whanau Ora Navigators to investigate similarities and differences

Project

Suicide prevention researchers from the University of Auckland Dept Psychological Medicine are working on research to evaluate the effectiveness of apps in reducing suicidal ideation in young people.

One such app is TuneIn which takes young users on a journey to positive change using the power of music to reduce suicide ideation and self-harm. It has been developed specifically with rangatahi Maori and now requires further iteration to increase Maori kupu, waiata and purakau, and messages of hope. These changes are based on feedback we have had from rangatahi Maori.

Role

The summer student will develop Te Ao Maori content for TuneIn with rangatahi via focus groups and interviews. The student will contribute to literature review and data analysis. This mahi will include connecting with the wider team in a collegial and fun research environment.

This study will support our on-going research commitment to providing young people in Aotearoa with support that suits them.

Ideal student

The applicant should be interested in suicide prevention, digital technologies, te reo Maori, tikanga Maori and te ao Maori, and connecting with rangatahi.

Skills required:
• Self-motivation
• Interest in suicide prevention and digital technologies
• Effective communication

Skills learned include:
• Literature review
• Data analysis
• Teamwork
• Academic and report writing

Project

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora has established an artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory and has been tasked with the assessment, testing, evaluation and monitoring of AI tools for use within the public healthcare system. Several projects are underway assessing a variety of different AI tools used in diabetic retinopathy, contouring for radiation therapy, fracture detection, and sepsis prediction.

Role

This is not a definitive list of project areas, and additional projects will arise in the coming months. The project undertaken by the summer student will be based on their interest and the availability of work.

Broadly speaking, a summer student will be tasked with testing an AI tool using historical electronic health data to determine the AI's predictive ability.

Skills learned

The summer student will learn skills in developing datasets, statistical analysis, stakeholder management and clinical AI evaluation.

Ideal student

The ideal candidate will need knowledge of R or Python. SQL experience is ideal but not a requirement.

Please note that the candidate will need to spend at least some of their time based at North Shore Hospital working alongside members of the Te Whatu Ora AI Lab.

This summer student project is funded by a grant from Te Whatu Ora.