Social Sciences and Health Systems

Dr Fran Boyle

Our group applies social science and health systems thinking to current and emerging issues in population health. Spanning a range of disciplines – including sociology, psychology, medical anthropology, social epidemiology and health policy – our group is actively engaged in research and teaching that is focused on health policy and practice. Our research draws on a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, with a particular emphasis on mixed methods designs.

The Social Science & Health Systems group is actively engaged in research in three core areas:

  • Social determinants and psychosocial aspects of health and health care – a particular focus is on the health of those from socially disadvantaged and other vulnerable groups, including people living with HIV. Gender inequalities; chronic disease and reproductive health, including pregnancy loss, are also key areas of research.
  • Health services research – chronic disease  self-management is a central focus, especially in relation to the development of consumer-responsive approaches to self-management support. Other projects include: complementary, alternative and integrative medicine; implications to health systems of cross border medical care; and the delivery of health services to people with intellectual disability.
  • Policy and evaluation
The Mental Health Policy and Evaluation Group (PEG)

The Mental Health Policy and Evaluation Group (PEG)

The Mental Health Policy and Evaluation Group (PEG) at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR) is a state-funded mental health research centre, affiliated with the School of Population Health. The Group comprises eighteen research, ...

The Mental Health Policy and Evaluation Group (PEG) at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR) is a state-funded mental health research centre, affiliated with the School of Population Health. The Group comprises eighteen research, technical and support staff.

PEG's research focuses on four main areas:

  • Mental health policy analysis – how to design the best mental health policy
  • Structural reform of mental health services – how best to deliver services
  • Developing measures of service performance – what outcomes are we getting from the services
  • Measuring the impact of mental disorder on role functioning and productivity – what are the broader social and economic benefits of investing in mental health

Our research aims to inform and influence how governments and the private sector design and implement programs in mental health.

Teaching

Teaching

Social Science & Health Systems staff are involved in teaching programs at postgraduate and undergraduate levels through the Master of Public Health, International Public Health, ...

Social Science & Health Systems staff are involved in teaching programs at postgraduate and undergraduate levels through the Master of Public Health, International Public Health, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Oral Health and Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Programs. Our postgraduate courses include:

On this site

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