Canberra Health Services: Literature Review of Older People (>65 years) with Obesity Accessing Bariatric Surgery and their Health Outcomes

Conduct a literature review to help inform ACT Health’s activities relating to older people with obesity accessing bariatric surgery.

label Opportunity type
College approved Internship
schedule Application date
23 Aug 2024 | 12pm - 8 Sep 2024 | 11:59pm
school Level
Master

About

 

The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Department of Bariatric Medicine (DBM) is a publicly-funded and medically-led multi-disciplinary program for adults with class III obesity (defined as a body mass index [BMI] of ≥40kg/m2) and at least one obesity-related comorbidity.

The OMS provides medical reviews, case management, group education and individualised allied health support. There is an initial focus on lifestyle interventions (individual dietitian and exercise physiology/physiotherapy appointments and group psychology sessions) with some patients receiving more intensive interventions such as anti-obesity medications, Very Low Energy Diets and/or bariatric surgery. Access to interventions is dependent on several factors including the patient’s medical status and psychosocial capacity to engage.

 

Project: Literature Review of Older People (>65 years) with Obesity Accessing Bariatric Surgery and their Health Outcomes

Internship details
Internship AvailabilitySemester 1, 2025
Internship Discipline/sChronic disease/obesity management
Internship LevelPostgraduate Coursework only
Available to International StudentsYes
Preferred Project Skills:
  • Literature review skills
  • Good professional health literacy
Clearances Required
  • Police check
  • Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) card
Host SupervisorDr Louise Brightman, Department of Bariatric Medicine (DBM, formerly known as Obesity Management Service [OMS])
LocationBelconnen Community Health Centre, 56 Lathlain Street Belconnen, ACT 2617
Project Opportunities/Benefits for the Intern
  • Working in a multidisciplinary team
  • Attendance at MDT team teaching sessions (depending on day of attendance)
  • Attendance at patient group education sessions (medical, dietetic, physical and psychological aspects of obesity management)
  • DBM flow of service knowledge and current practices

 

Summary:

The intern will conduct a literature review covering local and international research, clinical guidelines, and organisational reports to help inform ACT Health’s activities relating to addressing obesity and the impact it has on health outcomes. This information may then be used to help inform and/or improve DBM processes and policies.  It may also lead to formal research projects using DBM data in the future.