Monash Clinical Trials Advisory Group

Rethinking Safety in Hospital Emergency Departments – Tasmanian Consumers Are Invited to Share Experiences of Deterioration in Hospital Emergency Departments

A research team is seeking people who have experienced, or supported someone who has experienced, deterioration while waiting or receiving care in a hospital emergency department. The project aims to partner with consumers to rethink how deterioration is recognised and responded to in busy emergency settings.

About the Project
The initiative focuses on improving safety in hospital emergency departments by working directly with people who have lived experience of deterioration. By involving consumers from the earliest stages, the research team hopes to design better systems, tools and processes that ensure no patient is overlooked when they need urgent help.
Deterioration occurs when a patient’s health worsens while they are receiving care. This may include changes in breathing, heart rate, alertness or other vital signs. Early recognition and timely response can prevent harm, yet current systems in emergency departments do not always detect deterioration as effectively as they should. Warning signs may be missed, and responses can be delayed, particularly during periods of high demand.

Who the Project Is Seeking
The research team is looking to partner with people who have:
Experienced deterioration themselves while in an emergency department, or
Supported a family member or friend who deteriorated during an emergency department visit
These lived experiences can provide valuable insights into how clinicians could better detect deterioration, how staff can improve listening and communication with patients and carers, and what systems or tools might strengthen safety.

Ways to Get Involved
Consumers who choose to participate may be invited to contribute in several ways, including:
1. Joining brief focus groups to share experiences, concerns and advice
2. Advising on consumer priorities for health research directions and projects
3. Participating in an advisory group or committee to help shape the design and planning of research aimed at improving detection of deterioration

How to Express Interest
Individuals who would like to participate or learn more can visit the project website and complete the sign‑up form by applying here: link

Or contact the project team directly at: med-clinicaltrials@monash.edu