RSL Queensland Annual Report 2020

75 RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2020 Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation Creating a Brighter Future for Veterans Through Research Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF) is committed to understanding the impact that military service has on veterans and their families from both a physical and mental health perspective. The long-standing partnership between GMRF and RSL Queensland is built on trust and a shared vision to create a brighter future for veterans through research. Our partnership achieves its mission of improved quality of life for veterans and their families by providing evidence-informed programs to meet the needs of veterans. Throughout 2020 the partnership continued to flourish and deliver impactful veteran outcomes. Implementation of these recommendations is underway and will continue to enhance the services provided by RSL Queensland now and into the future. Community Support through COVID-19 Due to increased COVID restrictions at Greenslopes Private Hospital throughout 2020, a major GMRF research project studying the sleep conditions of veterans with PTSD was faced with logistical challenges. We’re thankful for Queensland’s RSL community and the generosity of Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch who provided a COVID safe place for our veterans and researchers to meet. Easing the Adjustment to Civilian Life with M-CARM In November 2020, following six years of world- class research, GMRF published the M-CARM academic manuscript and launched the M-CARM online tool (m-carm.org ). Available to all veterans, the M-CARM is a free online assessment to help veterans identify how well they are adjusting to civilian life after military service. Helping Veterans and their Families In 2020, RSL Queensland commissioned a GMRF research project led by Principal Research Fellow, Dr Angela Maguire to identify the key areas of need for veterans and their families to provide RSL Queensland and Mates4Mates with critical evidence to inform service planning. RSL Queensland now uses this evidence to inform the program delivery of both organisations. RSL Queensland and Legacy Brisbane also joined forces with other stakeholders including Open Arms to deliver the ‘Family with a Veteran’ research project led by GMRF. The results of this research project provided important evidence in considering models of care for supporting families and managing a veteran with complex multiagency needs. Enhancing Services In addition to the ‘Family with a Veteran’ research project, Dr Maguire also worked closely with RSL Queensland to help identify ways of objectively evaluating the impact of RSL Queensland programs and services. This publication indicates a significant milestone in the research partnership, demonstrating the important positive impact of research for veterans. RSL Queensland is dedicated to enhancing outcomes for veterans by committing to long-term investment in GMRF veteran-specific research. This partnership ensures RSL Queensland are well versed on the latest veteran research and how this helps to inform future service delivery models. "Our research projects have progressed at a rapid pace with thanks to our supporters and research partners such as RSLQueensland. Whether in the laboratory or the clinic, our scientists and researchers are working relentlessly to realise our vision of enhanced health of the Australian veteran community through the highest quality research." MIRIAM DWYER CEO, Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation The long-standing partnership between GMRF and RSL Queensland is built on trust and a shared vision to create a brighter future for veterans through research. Miriam Dywer CEO, Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation w gallipoliresearch.com.au e enquiries.gmrf@ramsayhealth.com.au / Delivering Impactful Veteran Outcomes