About Sax institute
The Sax Institute: Driving Better Use of Evidence for Improved Health and Wellbeing
The Sax Institute is a leading independent, not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to improving health and wellbeing by driving better use of evidence. Founded in 2002, the institute has been at the forefront of research and innovation in healthcare, working closely with policymakers, researchers, clinicians and other stakeholders to translate evidence into action.
At the heart of the Sax Institute's mission is a commitment to promoting evidence-based decision-making in healthcare. The institute recognises that there is often a gap between what we know from research and what actually happens in practice. To bridge this gap, the Sax Institute works to bring together researchers and decision-makers from across Australia's health system to collaborate on projects that address key health challenges.
One of the key ways that the Sax Institute achieves its mission is through its flagship program - The 45 and Up Study. This study involves over 250,000 people aged 45 years or older who have agreed to participate in long-term research about ageing. The study provides valuable insights into how lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and smoking impact on our health as we age.
The data collected through The 45 and Up Study has been used by researchers across Australia to inform policy decisions related to cancer screening programs, cardiovascular disease prevention strategies and more. By making this data available for analysis by qualified researchers around Australia (and internationally), the Sax Institute has helped drive better use of evidence-based practices across many areas of healthcare.
Another important initiative undertaken by the Sax Institute is its Knowledge Exchange Program (KEP). This program aims to build capacity among policymakers so they can make informed decisions based on high-quality evidence. Through KEP workshops held around Australia (and online), participants learn about best-practice approaches for using research evidence effectively.
The KEP also provides access to tools such as Rapid Reviews - which are designed specifically for busy policymakers who need quick access to the latest research evidence. By providing these resources, the Sax Institute is helping to ensure that policymakers have access to the best available evidence when making decisions about healthcare policy.
The Sax Institute also works closely with researchers and clinicians across Australia to support their work in translating research into practice. Through its Practice Improvement Program (PIP), the institute provides funding and support for projects that aim to improve health outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices in clinical settings.
One example of a successful PIP project is the 'Closing The Gap' initiative - which aims to reduce disparities in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. This project has involved working with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) around Australia, providing them with training and resources so they can implement best-practice approaches for chronic disease management.
Overall, the Sax Institute is a vital organisation that plays an important role in driving better use of evidence-based practices across Australia's healthcare system. Its commitment to promoting collaboration between researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders has helped bridge the gap between research and practice - leading to improved health outcomes for all Australians.