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Topical versus systemic antibiotics for chronic suppurative otitis media

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), sometimes referred to as chronic otitis media (COM), is a chronic inflammation and often polymicrobial infection (involving more than one micro-organism) of the middle ear and mastoid cavity, characterised by ear discharge (otorrhoea) through a perforated tympanic membrane. The predominant symptoms of CSOM are ear discharge and hearing loss. Antibiotics are the most common treatment for CSOM, which act to kill or inhibit the growth of micro-organisms that may be responsible for the infection.

PhD Candidate: Sharynne Hamilton

PhD Title: Talking, Hearing, Understanding, Knowing: A qualitative exploration of the experiences of justice-involved youth undergoing assessment for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a juvenile detention centre

 
Summary
The proposed qualitative research aims to examine the views of young people and their families, non-custodial staff working in the detention centre, and youth justice service providers to explore their views and experiences of assessments for FASD or neuro-developmental disability which were undertaken as part of the Banksia Hill Detention Centre prevalence study. The thesis will be underpinned by two theoretical frameworks: ‘Wicked Problems” and Hope.


Examining and reporting on these experiences and understanding the effects of being diagnosed with FASD or a neurodevelopmental disability while engaged in the youth justice system will provide a unique insight into the challenges the young people have experienced in their lives and how they may be assisted. By gaining an in-depth understanding of the complex needs of young people in detention, the study aims to:

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of the complex needs of young people in detention, including participation in FASD assessment process/outcomes.
  • Identify intervention points which may assist young people in detention to find alternative life pathways which enable them to fulfil their hopes.
  • Identify solutions which address the ‘wickedness’ of the problems associated with youth justice systems.
  • Provide a unique contribution to evolving policy in Australian youth justice systems.


Supervisors

  • Professor Carol Bower: FASD Research Australia Centre of Research Excellence; The Kids Research Institute Australia, The University of Western Australia
  • Dr Melissa O’Donnell: The Kids Research Institute Australia, The University of Western Australia
  • Clinical Associate Professor Raewyn Mutch: The Kids Research Institute Australia, The University of Western Australia
  • Dr Tracy Reibel: The Kids Research Institute Australia, The University of Western Australia
  • Professor Valerie Braithwaite: Australian National University

Thias PhD was submitted and passed in 2020. 

For more information about this PhD project contact Sharynne Hamilton