ReSeaRch centRe foR aPPlied PSychology (RecaP) - Health ...

School of Psychology and Speech Pathology ReCAP ANNUAL REPORT 2011
11
ESTABLISHING A SUSTAINABLE ROAD TRAUMA
SUPPORT SERVICE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Chief Researchers: Dr Lauren Breen, Dr Moira
O’Connor (Western Australian
Centre for Cancer and Palliative
Care, Curtin University), and
Anh Le (School of Economics and
Finance, Curtin University).
Funded by: Department of Health
Western Australia
Project Term: 2011
Total funding: $32,000
Traffic crashes remain a significant global health issue
resulting in the deaths of approximately 1.2 million and the
injury of 20 to 50 million people every year. The potential for
psychological distress following a major crash is significant.
Drivers, passengers, family, friends, colleagues, witnesses,
emergency service workers, and entire communities may be
affected. Despite these psychosocial ramifications, there is
no dedicated road trauma support service in WA, yet such
services exist in most other Australian states.
Participatory action research provided a framework for the
development of a community-based research partnership.
A stakeholder reference group comprising representatives
from government and non-government agencies as well
as community members affected by road trauma was
instrumental in guiding the establishment of a sustainable
road trauma support service in and for WA.
We:
• investigated current services in WA and demonstrated
that current services in WA are inadequate to meet the
varied needs of people affected by road traffic crashes;
described the efficacy of trauma and bereavement
service delivery;
• examined existing road trauma support services in other
Australian states; and
• proposed recommendations for a road trauma support
service for all Western Australians affected by road
trauma.
This project has had real, positive impact for Western
Australians – the state government announced in May 2012
that it has budgeted $750,000 for the establishment of a
road trauma support service for WA. Thus, the research has
led to a direct outcome for the WA community.