How the HCF Research Foundation is shaping the future of health

Published August 2025 | 5 min read
Words by Trudie McConnochie

For 25 years, the HCF Research Foundation has backed Australia’s leading researchers to improve health outcomes and drive meaningful change in healthcare.

Australians can expect to live longer, healthier lives than ever before, and that’s due in no small part to medical advancements. But with an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic disease, ongoing investment into medical research is crucial to supporting good health into the future. 

Since 2000, the HCF Research Foundation has invested over $36 million into health services research to help reshape the healthcare landscape in Australia. To celebrate the Foundation’s 25th anniversary, here are 25 impactful ways the not-for-profit organisation is helping to improve health outcomes for the community.

1. Preventing chronic disease

In 2020, nearly half of all Australians (47%) had at least one chronic condition – many of which are preventable. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than a third (36%) of Australia’s total disease burden in 2024 could have been prevented by addressing common risk factors like poor diet, physical inactivity and smoking. As one of the original funding partners of The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre – a national collaboration to help prevent chronic health problems – the Foundation has supported research and initiatives that aim to reduce preventable disease and improve long-term health.

2. Transforming chronic disease management

Living with chronic diseases can be challenging, but new digital tools can make a big difference by empowering patients. One tool, Gro Health, has been shown to help people with type 2 diabetes around the world make healthy lifestyle changes, and the Foundation is currently funding a trial to determine if it can be effective in Australia.

3. Supporting mental health care initiatives

Around 15 to 20% of Australian women experience perinatal depression or anxiety. However, a study funded by the Foundation found online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant and postpartum women. This research ultimately led to the development of This Way Up’s pregnancy and postnatal mental health programs, which may be covered for HCF members on eligible extras cover^*.

4. Advancing cancer prevention

For those at higher risk of developing bowel cancer (including people with a family history), a surveillance colonoscopy is one of the best ways to monitor their health. In 2022, the Foundation funded a Monash University study to improve surveillance colonoscopy practices and ultimately improve health outcomes for those at high risk of the disease.

5. Empowering women in breast cancer treatment decisions

Navigating treatment options can be an overwhelming experience for people with breast cancer. With support from the Foundation, Australian researchers developed a tool to help patients considering neoadjuvant therapy (a treatment administered before surgery to shrink cancer cells) feel more informed and involved in the decision-making process.

6. Exploring under-studied areas of women’s health

Until recently, heavy menstrual bleeding was poorly researched. A two-decade-long study of around 10,000 Aussie women has uncovered important insights, including that women who regularly experienced heavy menstrual bleeding had a lower quality of life and highly variable care. The Foundation is supporting researchers as they investigate this and develop decision aids for women and their clinicians to improve the quality and consistency of care.

7. Improving postnatal recovery

Between 2004 and 2022, the number of women whose first birth was by caesarean section increased from one in four to around one in three. To better support their recovery, a study funded by the Foundation found that shorter hospital stays, combined with at-home care and follow-up visits from a midwife, improved women’s experiences.

8. Enhancing end-of-life care

GPs play a key role in supporting cancer patients from their initial diagnosis to final treatments. A large study supported by the Foundation showed around 88% of cancer patients saw their GP in the last six months of life, and highlighted ways GPs can improve end-of-life care.

9. Improving nutrition for hospital patients

Malnutrition is a common condition in hospital patients and lowers their chances of a good recovery. The Foundation funded a Melbourne study to test enhanced nutrition practices in hospitals and increase early interventions for people at risk of nutritional decline.

10. Reducing preventable hospitalisations

Frailty, a condition where physical and cognitive health declines with old age, increases vulnerability to illness and the risk of hospitalisation. A Queensland study is investigating ways to help GPs identify frailty early and take steps to prevent hospitalisations.

11. Better surgical outcomes for older patients

Funding from the Foundation is also being put towards helping older Australians recover better after surgery. The BOOST trial, for example, resulted in shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, lower healthcare costs and enhanced recovery for older people after emergency and elective surgery. Support from the Foundation will help expand this protocol to urology and vascular surgery.

12. Personalised hospital care for dementia patients

With dementia set to become the leading cause of death for Australians, supporting those diagnosed with this condition is becoming increasingly important. The Foundation funded a study testing the TOP 5 program, which helps improve and personalise hospital care for people with dementia.

13. Investigating alternative models of care

In 2023, a study supported by the Foundation found that telehealth care improved clinical outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis – a life-limiting condition affecting the lungs and digestion. While the study took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth remains a good option for people with cystic fibrosis, as it allows better access to specialists and lowers the risk of cross-infections.

14. Improving preparation for joint replacement surgery

Total knee replacement is major surgery, yet one in five people aren’t completely satisfied with the results. A study funded by the Foundation tested the SMART Choice tool, which helps people predict how much improvement a knee replacement might provide, so they can make more informed choices about the procedure.

15. Reducing the system cost of joint replacement surgery

In 2019, a study found the number of people needing hip and knee replacement surgery is predicted to rise by up to 276% by 2030, costing the healthcare system more than $5 billion. Research funded by the Foundation found that short-stay programs for joint replacement surgery could bring substantial healthcare savings.

16. Enhancing heart failure care for rural Australians

Mortality rates for heart failure are 16% higher in rural and regional areas compared to metropolitan areas – but better adherence to clinical guidelines could help bridge the gap. The ‘I-HEART: Implementation of Heart Failure Guidelines in Regional Australia’ initiative, funded by the Foundation, uses telehealth and nurse-led clinics to help rural Australians better manage the condition and ensure they receive the right treatments.

17. Improving recovery after a cardiac event

For people who have experienced a cardiac event like heart failure, lifestyle changes and emotional wellbeing are key to their long-term recovery. Back on Track – an online program covering exercise, diet and mental health – was found to be effective in supporting people after a cardiac event, according to a study funded by the Foundation.

18. Supporting healthy ageing

Helping older people stay physically healthy, socially connected and independent in their own homes can reduce premature admission to aged care facilities. The Foundation funded a study testing the Wellness 2 Age program for rural Australians, finding improved cognitive, social and physical health outcomes for participants.

19. Developing digital treatment platforms

Coronary heart disease puts people at higher risk of heart attack, angina and heart failure, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential. Research supported by the Foundation has revealed mobile health technologies can be an effective tool to help people better manage coronary heart disease and stay healthy.

20. Supporting addiction recovery models

People who’ve experienced drug and alcohol addiction are uniquely placed to support others recovering from addiction, and a new digital platform is enhancing this collaborative approach. Called REC-CAP, it facilitates peer support during the high-risk, post-withdrawal period of addiction. The Foundation is funding a trial to see how effective it is in improving care.

21. Improving glaucoma treatment decisions

New surgical options for glaucoma – an eye condition that causes irreversible vision loss – have become available in recent years, but until now, there hasn’t been an effective way to track their safety and efficacy. The Foundation funded a web-based tool for collecting glaucoma treatment data, to inform specialists’ decisions on treatments.

22. Innovations in pain management

Chronic back pain can significantly affect quality of life and costs the Australian health system around $4.8 billion every year. A trial funded by the Foundation is investigating an at-home device that manipulates nerves to help prevent acute back pain from becoming a chronic, long-term problem.

23. Reducing the strain on emergency departments

Australian emergency departments (ED) are constantly under pressure, but a tool developed by researchers could help ease the load. Funded by the Foundation, this project helps GPs identify patients at risk of an ED visit, intervene early and reduce the strain on emergency services.

24. Developing new models of care for children

Appendicitis is the most common reason kids need emergency surgery, but it’s difficult to diagnose – and a delayed diagnosis can have major consequences. With funding from the Foundation, a team of Sydney doctors has developed a framework to help assess appendicitis in children and prioritise based on risk.

25. Supporting aged care residents

A project funded by the Foundation is testing whether care by a nurse practitioner could help aged care residents better manage their health as they age. After a successful pilot program, the project is now being rolled out across more aged care homes.

Innovation through research

For 25 years, the HCF Research Foundation has worked to improve health outcomes and expand access to affordable, high-quality care – when and where it’s needed most. Through ongoing work, the Foundation continues to drive meaningful change, helping ensure all Australians receive the right treatment, at the right time, in the right setting.

Read more about the history and vision of the HCF Research Foundation.