PhD Opportunity: The Implementation and Evaluation of a State-Wide Network for Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy
Seeking Expressions of interest for a PhD Opportunity at Curtin University in collaboration with the Kids Rehab WA, Perth Children’s Hospital Child and Adolescent Health Service on early detection of cerebral palsy.
🧠 Project Title: “The Implementation and Evaluation of a State-Wide Network for Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy.”
📍 Background: Kids Rehab WA at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) has successfully reduced the average age of cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis within the Perth metropolitan area using international clinical guidelines. However, 1 in 3 children with CP live in rural and remote areas, where access to equitable, standardised surveillance for the early detection of CP is limited. As a result, vulnerable babies are falling through the gaps in the health system and missing critical support in their first 1000 days.
🌟About CONNECT-CP: CONNECT-CP, funded by the PCH Foundation, aims to reduce the age of CP detection equitably across WA and improve the health and wellbeing of children with CP and their families.
To achieve this, CONNECT-CP is working to establish a state-wide clinical research network that aims to provide:
- Digital Tools to allow remote assessments through secure video capture and analysis.
- Specialist Education and Training on early CP detection to healthcare providers and families.
- Clear Referral Pathways so families get faster access to support.
🎯 PhD Focus: This PhD will support the implementation and evaluation of the CONNECT-CP program, helping to build a system that connects infants at high risk of CP to the care they need – regardless of location. This will ensure equitable access to early detection and therapy services as well as improve the health and wellbeing of children with CP and their families.
👩🎓 Ideal Candidate 👨🎓
The team is seeking a mature and self-motivated individual with a passion for:
- Child health, allied health, or public health
- Experience in health research, digital health, and/or implementation science (preferred)
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Eligibility to enrol in a PhD program at Curtin University
Learn More & Apply:
Search “Cerebral Palsy” on the Curtin University research scholarships portal for project details, scholarship information, eligibility criteria, and contact information.
For questions, please contact: sian.williams@curtin.edu.au Or nofar.benitzhak@thekids.org.au