Developing a predictive model for emergency health services during mass gatherings is the focus of a new Griffith University Australian Research Council-funded study.
“Mass gathering events such as sporting events, parades and festivals may strain the health resources of the host community due to the number of people attending,’’ says lead researcher Dr Jamie Ranse, who has been awarded an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award.
Dr Ranse, from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, said mass gatherings could impact emergency response services, such as ambulance and emergency departments.
“This research will develop an understating of the impact of mass gatherings on emergency health service usage, from a patient presentation, patient outcomes and health economics perspective,” he said.
“It will lead to the development of a predictive model for emergency health services and assist in health resource allocation. This will ensure appropriate emergency health services are available for both attendees of mass gathering events and the community in which mass gathering events are being held.
“Ultimately, this project will enhance the planning and response of emergency health services, benefiting event attendees and the host community.”
Griffith University is an international leader in mass gathering health and the impact of mass gatherings on health services. This research forms part of a larger research agenda, including a project currently funded by the Emergency Medicine Foundation and Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service Research Scheme exploring the impact of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on emergency department services