JCU > Research Portfolio > A/Prof Richard Franklin

About

Richard Franklin PhD, FPHAA, FARL , MSocSc (Health), BSc, GCertAustRurLeadership, MACTM, has worked in Public Health with a focus on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion since 1996. He has worked on projects in the areas of general injury prevention, farm safety, rural safety, OHS, health promotion, alcohol and aquatic safety. He has a PhD from the University of Sydney which explored injuries sustained due to farming and possible prevention strategies, a Master of Social Science (Health), his thesis explored pre-hospital coronary care and Bachelor of Science from the University of Queensland.

He has previously worked for the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety (a centre of the School of Public Health, University of Sydney) and the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia. He has worked on a range of community projects translating evidence into practice aimed at preventing rural, farm, road, aquatic, child and older people related injuries.

His research interests are wide ranging and have included epidemiological, translational, program evaluation, product evaluation, surveillance and pure research.

He is the current convenor of the Injury Prevention Special Interest Group of the Public Health Association, a member of the International Life Saving Federation Research Committee, a former President of the Australian Injury Prevention Network, and is involved in a range of Australian and international organisations.

He was the first National Manager for Research and Health Promotion with the Royal Life Saving Society Australia and through his role with Royal Life Saving has appeared numerous times on television and radio talking about drowning and water safety. Also during this time he developed for the society a new course aimed at older Australians called the Grey Medallion, a course to train home pool inspectors, and programs targeting parents to ensure the safety of their children around aquatic locations. He has been the facilitator of number workshops in Australia and Internationally.

Teaching

TM3402: Health, Policy and Planning (Level 3; TSV)
TM4401: Health, Policy and Planning (Level 4; TSV)
TM5502: Tropical Public Health (Level 5; TSV)
TM5513: Public Health Management (Level 5; TSV)
TM5540: Public Health and the Workplace (Level 5; TSV)
TM5571: Public Health Placement (Level 5; TSV)

Interests

Professional

Public Health Association of Australia: - Member 1998-; - Board Member SIG Rep 2012-14; - Board Member VP Finance 2014-; - Special Interest Group Convenor Injury Prevention SIG 2006 -
Farmsafe Queensland - Board member 2011-
Farmsafe Australia - Committee Member 2012-
AusChem - Board member 2014-
Australian Injury Prevention Network: - Member 1997-; - President 2000-2004
Member of: Australasian Epidemiological Association; Australian Health Promotion Association; American Society for Agricultural and Biological Engineers; International Life Saving Federation – Research Committee; International Epidemiological Association; The Australasian College of Tropical Medicine; Member of the World Safety Organization; Australian College of Road Safety; International Society for Travel Medicine; International Society of Agricultural Safety and Health
Australasian College of Tropical Medicine Member 2011- Honorary Treasurer 2015-

Research

Drowning prevention and water safety ; Farm safety; Public Health; Health Promotion; Bicycle safety; Dog bites; Child Safety; First Aid and resuscitation; Disasters; Falls; Quad bikes; Motorcycles; Human health and behaviour; Occupational Health and Safety; Aeromedical research

Teaching

James Cook University Academic Board 2012 -13
Injury Prevention; Workplace health and safety; management; and public health.

Experience

2011 to present - Associate Professor, James Cook University (Townsville)
2011 to present - Senior Research Fellow, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia
2011 to present - Director, World Safety Organization - Collaborating Centre for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion (Townsville)
2002 to 2011 - National Manager Research and Health Promotion, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (Sydney)
1996 to 2002 - Director, Farm Injury Research, Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety (Moree)
1996 to 2002 - Manager, National Farm Injury Data Centre, University of Sydney (Moree)
1995 to 1996 - Project Officer, Queensland Ambulance Service (Brisbane)

Research Disciplines

Socio-Economic Objectives

Honours

Awards

2016 - HRH Prince Michael of Kent 125th Anniversary Certificate of Merit
2015 - Sustained Achievement and Contributions to the Field of Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion – Australian Injury Prevention Network
2015 - Royal Life Saving Society - Australia - Australian Long Service Order
2014 - World Safety Organisation - Educational Award
2013 - AIPN Peoples Choice Poster Award, 11th Australasian Injury Prevention & Safety Promotion Conference, 11-13 Nov 2013, Freemantle WA. 'I like dogs that don't bite'
2007 - Best Poster World Water Safety Conference and Exhibition –2007 Porto, Portugal 27-29 September 2007. Awarded best poster for: Franklin R, Mathieu E (2007). Understanding older persons water safety needs – research and development.

Fellowships

2013 - Fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (FARLF)
2012 - Fellow of the Public Health Association of Australia (FPHAA)
2002 - Churchill Fellowship

Other

2013 to 2014 - Ambassador Kidsafe Queensland

Publications

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU. Hover over Altmetrics badges to see social impact.

Journal Articles

Franklin R, Pearn J and Peden A (in press) Drowning fatalities in childhood: the role of pre-existing medical conditions. Archives of Disease in Childhood, pp. 1-6
GBD 2015 Healthcare Access and Quality Collaborators (2017) Healthcare access and quality index based on mortality from causes amenable to personal health care in 195 countries and territories, 1990–2015: a novel analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. Lancet, 390 (10091). pp. 231-266
GBD Child and Asolescent Health Collaboration (2017) Child and adolescent health from 1990 to 2015 - findings from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors 2015 Study. JAMA Pediatrics, 171 (6). pp. 573-592
Harrison H, Birks M, Franklin R and Mills J (2017) Case study research: foundations and methodological orientations. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung, 18 (1). pp. 1-17
Mahony A, Peden A, Franklin R, Pearn J and Scarr J (2017) Fatal, unintentional drowning in older people: an assessment of the role of preexisting medical conditions. Healthy Aging Research, 6. pp. 1-8
Nepal S, Thomas S, Franklin R, Taylor K and Massey P (in press) Systematic literature review to identify methods for treating and preventing bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, pp. 1-7
Peden A, Franklin R and Pearn J (in press) Unintentional fatal child drowning in the bath: a 12-year Australian review (2002-2014). Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, pp. 1-7
Peden A, Franklin R, Leggat P and Aitken P (2017) Causal pathways of flood related river drowning deaths in Australia. PLoS Currents Disasters, 1. pp. 1-24
Peden A, Franklin R and Queiroga A (in press) Epidemiology, risk factors and strategies for the prevention of global unintentional fatal drowning in people aged 50 years and older: a systematic review. Injury Prevention, pp. 1-8
Peden A, Franklin R and Leggat P (2017) Alcohol and its contributory role in fatal drowning in Australian rivers, 2002–2012. Accidents Analysis and Prevention, 98. pp. 259-265
Rathbone J, Franklin R, Gibbs C and Williams D (2017) Role of magnesium sulphate in the management of Irukandji syndrome: a systematic review. Emergency Medicine Australasia, 29. pp. 9-17
Daufanamae B, Franklin R and Eagers J (2016) Unintentional injury prevention and the role of occupational therapy in the Solomon Islands: an integrative review. Rural and Remote Health, 16. pp. 1-18

More: ResearchOnline@JCU stores 102+ research outputs authored by A/Prof Richard Franklin from 2005 onwards.

Current Funding

Current and recent Research Funding to JCU is shown by funding source and project.

Surf Life Saving Australia - Research Grant

Improving Bystander Coastal Rescue Capability

Indicative Funding: $3,600 (administered by UNSW)
Summary: The primary aim of this project is to establish the first evidence-based understanding of the occurrence and effectiveness of coastal bystander rescues and their impact on drowning deaths. To achieve this aim the specific research objectives are to: 1. Deliver New Knowledge of Coastal Bystander Rescues A mixed methods social science approach will be used to compile the first comprehensive database, profile and understanding of coastal bystander rescues. 2. Assess the Efficacy of Different Bystander Rescue Competencies. Novel ocean-based field tests will be conducted to examine the efficacy of these critical aspects of bystander rescues that require entry into coastal waters.
Investigators: Rob Brander, Richard Franklin and Wendy Shaw (The University of New South Wales, College of Public Health and Medical & Vet Sciences)
Keywords: Drowning; Rescue; Water; Safety; Prevention

Travel Health Advisory Group - ACTM Research Grant

Travel Health - Deaths, antimalarial prescriptions and Website

Indicative Funding: $35,630 over 2 years
Summary: On average each year 300 international travellers die while in Australia. This study aims to update (2006-2012) the previous research (1997-2000 and 2001-2003) on traveller deaths in Australia. There is also a dearth of information about deaths of children travellers and trauma related travellers deaths. Information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) cause of death information will be utilised to describe travellers deaths 2006-2012. Malaria continues to represent a significant risk for some travellers from Australia and malaria chemoprophylaxis has remained an important countermeasure. Trends in antimalarial use may be influenced by a number of factors, including the availability of antimalarials, increasing resistance, the issuing of updated guidelines for malaria chemoprophylaxis, and continuing education. The aim of this study is to investigate the trends in prescription of antimalarial drugs, particularly those recommended for chemoprophylaxis in Australia, from 2009 to 2013 and to update the last study covering the period 2005 to 2009.
Investigators: Richard Franklin and Peter Leggat (College of Public Health and Medical & Vet Sciences)
Keywords: Travel Medicine; Death; Malaria; Travel Health; Antimalarials

Emergency Medicine Foundation - Research Grant

Feasibillity of linked data from aeromedical retrieval and transport in Central Queensland

Indicative Funding: $50,000 over 2 years
Summary: Aeromedical retrievals are a vital part of an advanced emergency system. Rural communities rely on the service for equitable access to healthcare. Currently, there is limited understanding of the aeromedical patient journey and outcomes. This first of its kind study seeks to take the next step in patient-centred outcomes research by linking together existing, but independent ED, aeromedical, hospital and deaths databases. The aims of the study are: 1. To develop linked data infrastructure 2. Describe aeromedical patient outcomes 3. Identify steps in the patient journey e.g. trauma, multi-hospital, back transfer and patients that require frequent flights.
Investigators: Richard Franklin, Kristin Edwards, Melissa Edwards, Peter Aitken and Mark Elcock (College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences and Queensland Health)
Keywords: Aeromedical Retrieval; Rural Health; Rockhampton; Air Ambulance; Patient Outcomes; Queensland

North Queensland Primary Healthcare Network - Grants Program

Active Transport in the Tropics - Establishing an Agenda

Indicative Funding: $18,960
Summary: This project will progress the vision and work of the newly formed Active Transport in the Tropics Network - a multidisciplinary academic, technical and community stakeholder group that aims to make Townsville the safest, most active, eco-friendly transport city in Australia and the tropics by 2030. We are planning a scoping study to identify current evidence and gaps in knowledge around physical activity and active transport in Townsville. This project will also involve understanding the impact of the social determinants of health on active transport. Based on this review the Network will develop a participatory action research agenda to achieve the vision with downstream, mid-stream and upstream initiatives.
Investigators: Richard Franklin, Julie Parison and Sue Devine in collaboration with Anne Swinbourne, Kayla Morris, Adam Connell, Anthony Leicht, Glenn Dawes, Yetta Gurtner and Robyn Preston (College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences, College of Healthcare Sciences, Estate, College of Science & Engineering and College of Medicine & Dentistry)
Keywords: Safety; Wellbeing; Obesity; Active transport; Sustainability; Infrastructure

Ridley AgriProducts Pty Ltd - Donation

Symposium to address anxiety and depression in the workplace

Indicative Funding: $5,000
Summary: This project would raise awareness of depression and anxiety in the workplace and rural communities via the following mechanisms: ? A Townsville Symposium to be held at JCU which would: Discuss the issues around depression and anxiety in the workplace and rural communities; Discuss current research and challenges faced in addressing the issues around depression and anxiety in the workplace and rural communities; Discuss how depression and anxiety in workplaces can be addressed; Discuss how depression and anxiety in rural communities can be addressed. ? A media release about the event would developed and distributed to local media ? A statement from the symposium would be produced providing guidance to employers about recognizing the signs of depression and anxiety in their workplace and strategies to address them. This would be distributed to local media, placed in the JCU website and included in JCU newsletters. ? This Symposium would also be used to developed research questions for future work in the area.
Investigators: Richard Franklin (College of Public Health and Medical & Vet Sciences)
Keywords: Workplace Health & Safety; Anxiety; Prevention; Health And Wellbeing; Depression

Emergency Medicine Foundation - Capacity Building Grant

Capacity Building Grant The Townsville Hospital

Indicative Funding: $210,000 over 3 years
Summary: 1)Development of a research culture within the ED which includes research education, develops research outcomes, fosters research support and creates a visible research profile. 2) Development of a research infrastructure and research identify of TTH ED within both TTH and broader health community, that enables a clear point of a contact for collaborative research and impetus for doing so. 3) Development of research outcomes and outputs that establish a 'track record' enabling future funding success to occur ensuring long term success of the program.
Investigators: Jeremy Furyk, Richard Franklin, Peter Aitken, Peter Leggat and Richard Speare in collaboration with Ben Close, Colin Banks, Denise Blake and Carl O'Kane (Townsville General Hospital, College of Public Health and Medical & Vet Sciences)
Keywords: Medicine; Clinical; Emergency Department; Prevention

Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation - Research Grant

Quantifying modifiable public health infrastructure risks and how this can reduce the impact of disasters on people with non-communicable disease.

Indicative Funding: $3,000
Summary: This project will quantify modifiable public health infrastructure risks based on how they can reduce the impact of disasters on people with non-communicable diseases. The findings will inform a framework for reducing the impact of disasters on the health and well-being of people with NCDs.
Investigators: Benjamin Ryan, Richard Franklin, Kerrianne Watt, Erin Smith, Peter Aitken, Peter Leggat and Frederick Burkle (College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences, Edith Cowan University and Harvard University)
Keywords: Chronic Disease; Disasters; floods; cyclonic storms

Supervision

Advisory Accreditation: I can be on your Advisory Panel as a Primary or Secondary Advisor.

These Higher Degree Research projects are either current or by students who have completed their studies within the past 5 years at JCU. Linked titles show theses available within ResearchOnline@JCU.

Current

Resuscitation Strategies for Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) and Improving Patient Outcomes. (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
Assessing Severe Obstetric Morbidity in Resource Poor and Developed World Setting (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
Reducing drowning deaths of people in rivers in Australia: Understanding the underlying epidemiology, risk factors and strategies for prevention. (PhD , Primary Advisor)
Study into the disposal of deceased persons as a result of violent crime (PhD , Primary Advisor)
A Qualitative Study on the Factors Influencing Pre-retirement Planning of Hong Kong People and the Role of Occupational Therapist in Pre-retirement Planning and Intervention (PhD , Primary Advisor)
Understanding the Aeromedical Patient journey and Outcomes in Central Queensland: A Linked Data Study (PhD , Primary Advisor)
Investigation of Factors That Contribute to Suboptimal Dose Delivery From Mechanical Infusion Pumps in Warmer Climates. (PhD , Associate Advisor)
Ethical conceptions and framework for Police during disaster events and the preservation of public order, safety, health, and welfare of the community during operations (PhD , Primary Advisor)
Promoting health and well-being during the work-to-retirement transition process: An occupational perspective (PhD , Primary Advisor)
Addressing the Impact of Disasters on Public Health Infrastructure and Non Communicable Diseases (PhD , Primary Advisor)
Exploring the Effectiveness and Sustainability, of a Systems Approach to Whole of Organisation Quality Management. (PhD , Primary Advisor)
Review of Communication and Support Systems for People From Rural and Remote N. Queensland who have been Recently Hospitalised with Cardiac Disease and Development, Piloting and Evaluation of a Revised Model of Care (PhD , Primary Advisor)
The Effectiveness of School-based Leprosy Screening and Education Programmes on Increasing the Early Detection of Leprosy in Timor-Leste’s Oecusse Enclave. (PhD , Primary Advisor)

Collaboration

The map shows research collaborations by institution from the past 7 years.
Note: Map points are indicative of the countries or states that institutions are associated with.