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Dr Renee Sheedy’s research in the spotlight

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

Barwon Health is proud to highlight the recent research publication presenting the work undertaken by Dr Renee Sheedy as part of her PhD research.

Dr Renee Sheedy, Senior Acute Neurological Physiotherapist, was one of Barwon Health’s pioneer allied health clinician researchers. Renee’s PhD research formed part of the A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (AVERT) study, which investigated the impact of early physical mobilisation after stroke.

Renee sadly passed away following a battle with brain cancer before her work could be published. She was granted a well-deserved Doctor of Physiotherapy (Professional Doctorate) posthumously by La Trobe University, Melbourne.

With the assistance of Renee’s colleagues at Barwon Health and her family who helped acquire the data needed to complete this manuscript, Renee’s co-authors were able to publish her research in the journal Stroke Research and Treatment.

The paper demonstrates that the vast majority of stroke patients are inactive in the first few days following a stroke. This is concerning given that the Clinical guidelines for stroke management promote the commencement of out of bed activity within the first few days of the stroke (unless contraindicated). It is hoped that the findings of this research will prompt some evidence-informed changes to clinical practice.

Read the publication here.

Find out more about Allied Health Research and Translation at Barwon Health here.