17 May 2023
A ground-breaking research program funded by the RACP Foundation and led by geriatrician, Dr Janani Thillainadesan is set to improve the care and outcomes of hospitalised older adults.
Dr Thillainadesan’s research investigates latest technologies, including social media, to deliver microlearning to tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z junior doctors treating older patients.
With 4.48 billion social media users worldwide1, Dr Thillainadesan’s research offers a convenient, interactive, and accessible way to learn complex topics such as comprehensive geriatric assessment.
"By harnessing the tech-savvy and collaborative learning styles of Millennials and Gen Z, we can deliver a revolutionary educational intervention that improves the care and outcomes of hospitalised older adults" says Dr Thillainadesan.
As the first responders for older patients admitted to the hospital, junior doctors play a crucial role in preventing hospital-acquired complications such as delirium and falls. However, currently, there are no formal education and training programs available that address these skills.
The aim is to upskill junior doctors in the assessment and management of hospitalised older patients, which improves health outcomes of this vulnerable population.
Dr Thillainadesan has been awarded the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Research Establishment Fellowship for her exceptional work in the field of medical research. The Fellowship, worth $50,000, is a prestigious award administered by The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Foundation.
“I am honoured to receive this RACP Fellowship and am grateful to the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation for their support of my research. It gives me a huge boost in my work financially. I can now get the resources I need to continue my research” says Dr Thillainadesan.
Dr Thillainadesan focuses on quality training, as treating one patient goes a long way to help that individual, but by upskilling a generation of junior doctors, the benefits are for a much larger group of patients.
“My research has the potential to improve the lives of millions of hospitalised older adults around the world. Through the support of RACP Foundation, I have the potential of helping patients when they are most vulnerable.”
The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Research Establishment Fellowship enables Dr Thillainadesan to build a team of researchers and purchase necessary equipment to further advance her research goals.
For more information on Dr Janani Thillainadesan, her research, and past recipients, please visit the RACP website: https://www.racp.edu.au/about/foundation/our-recipients/awards/research-establishment-fellowships
1 Dean, Brian, 'Social network usage and growth statistics: How many people use social media in 2023' Backlink, (27 March 2023) https://backlinko.com/social-media-users