This study, led by Cabrini principal investigators Clara Officer (Nurse Manager, Children’s Centre) and Kelly Sherman (Clinical Nurse Specialist), was awarded the Cabrini Institute 20th Anniversary Clinical Research Grant of $30,000 in May 2016.

The study brought together a multidisciplinary team of researchers and experts hailing from Deakin University, Monash University, and the University of Melbourne as well as the Royal Childrens Hospital and Victoria’s peak body for people on the autism spectrum and their families, Amaze. All shared the goal of informing recommendations for the development of an Autism-Friendly Children’s Centre at Cabrini Hospital.

The project design included a literature review, consumer interviews, a survey of staff and an audit of the hospital environment and processes.

Learn more about the study as well as the emerging key recommendations here.