Thesis proposal review: There is insufficient research conducted to date that explores the epidemiology and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children admitted to Paediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) in Australia. The limited research available describes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children as an over-represented population in the PICU environment and have over twice the mortality rate of non-Indigenous children admitted with invasive infections.

The aim of this PhD research is to understand the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families who have been admitted to Paediatric Intensive Care Units in Australia. The project will use a mixed methods, strengths based, Indigenous research methodology. The quantitative component of this research will use an underutilised national level data resource, The Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Intensive Care Registry, to describe the epidemiology of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child admissions and how these figures have changed over time. The qualitative component of this research will include speaking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who have experienced a PICU admission, in addition to a short survey.

This primary objective of this research is to establish an evidence base for future work on establishing a longitudinal cohort study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who have been admitted to Paediatric Intensive Care Units.

About Roxanne

Roxanne Jones is a Palawa woman, PhD candidate and Research Associate at the Australian National University, and holds an NHMRC postgraduate scholarship. Roxy is an Epidemiologist and Registered Nurse with a passion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child health and wellbeing. Roxy also has research interests in the areas of racism and discrimination.