John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research

The John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research focuses on research and education in rehabilitation and injury-related disability.

Background

The John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research (JWCRR) is an interdisciplinary research and educational centre that focuses on injury related disability. It is located within the Kolling Institute at Royal North Shore Hospital.

It has five research and educational themes: psychosocial health after injury, musculoskeletal injury, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and 'other' which is predominantly disability related to ageing. JWCRR was established to develop and provide expert advice, and to build research capacity and capability around compensation systems.

Young woman sitting in a wheelchair in hospital using a tablet device

Research activities

JWCRR conducts research activities including:

  • research and evaluation
  • knowledge development and transfer
  • education and learning
  • leadership and advocacy in the field of rehabilitation and disability
  • evaluation of clinical services
  • academic capability and capacity building in relation to trauma and disability organisation development.

The Centre is connected with the research community, partners with government bodies, patient advocacy groups and non-governmental organisations to ensure effective transfer of research outcomes into health policies and aims to improve clinical care for people with injury-related disability and translate research outcomes into clinical practice.

Strategy for the extension of core funding

JWCRR has a long record of high-quality service development and research that is closely aligned with icare’s priorities to improve outcomes and quality of life for people severely injured in motor vehicle accidents and at work.

It also provides ongoing ad hoc advice to icare, including advice on disputes about eligibility and support services; and the development and review of guidelines and other materials enabling evidence informed decision-making and high-quality practice. 

An extension of the existing arrangement is now in place, in partnership with the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) for a further five years following an independent evaluation, commissioned by icare and SIRA. That review outlined five key benefits for icare and SIRA which are:

  • delivery of useable and unique research
  • provision of on-tap expertise
  • research that is embedded in the service system
  • an international reputation as leaders in rehabilitation research
  • provision of a Centre for leadership in rehabilitation research.

The JWCRR is the only research centre in NSW which focuses on injuries due to motor vehicle accidents. Its expertise in brain injury, spinal cord injury and rehabilitation psychology is of particular value to icare.

Key to the JWCRR’s success is that its academic staff are embedded in the NSW Health system and have strong clinical backgrounds, ensuring maximum translation of research and service development outcomes into practice.

Interested to learn more?

Go to the Kolling Institute website