About

Dr Sarah Larkins is an academic general practitioner and Professor of Health Systems Strengthening in the College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, and Director of Research Development, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine.  Sarah has particular skills and experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and health services and workforce research and is an internationally recognised expert in social accountability in health professional education. Sarah is also Co-Director of the Anton Breinl Research Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, a centre of the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine.

To date, Sarah has over 130 published peer-reviewed journal articles and several book chapters, with an h-index of 29, more than 2600 citations and well over $90m in grant funding.  This includes five current NHMRC grants as a CI (2 as CI A), investigating participatory strategies to strengthen quality improvement in Indigenous primary health care centres and a DFAT grant on strengthening implementation research capacity for surveillance and response in the Pacific. She currently supervises 13 students at HDR level with 12 completions. Other recent funding is from the CRC-NA and the Commonwealth Department of Health. 

Sarah's particular focus is on collaborating to improve equity in health care services for underserved populations, particularly rural, remote, Indigenous and tropical populations, and on training a health workforce with appropriate knowledge, attitudes and skills for this purpose.  She is a past Director, Townsville Mackay Medicare Local and past member of the World Health Organisation Technical Working Group on Health Workforce Education Assessment Tools and the National Technical Advisory Group for Health Workforce Australia. 

She currently serves as the Convenor, Clinical Leadership Group for the NHMRC-recognised Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre, and Co-Chair of the Primary and Chronic Care Panel and Guideline Leadership Group Member of the Living Evidence Guidelines for COVID-19.  

Teaching
  • MD1020: Introduction to Integrated Medical Studies Part 2 of 2 (Level 1; TSV)
  • MD2011: Integrated Human System Pathophysiology Part 1 of 2 (Level 2; TSV)
  • MD4011: Integrated Pathology and Clinical Medicine Part 1 of 3 (Level 4; TSV)
  • MD4012: Integrated Pathology and Clinical Medicine Part 2 of 3 (Level 4; TSV)
  • MD4013: Integrated Pathology and Clinical Medicine Part 3 of 3 (Level 4; TSV)
  • MD5010: Integrated Clinical Practice Part 1 of 3 (Level 5; TSV)
  • MD5020: Integrated Clinical Practice Part 2 of 3 (Level 5; TSV)
  • MD5030: Integrated Clinical Practice Part 3 of 3 (Level 5; TSV)
  • MD6010: Advanced Clinical Medicine Part 1 of 3 (Level 6; TSV)
  • MD6020: Advanced Clinical Medicine Part 2 of 3 (Level 6; TSV)
  • MD6030: Advanced Clinical Medicine Part 3 of 3 (Level 6; TSV)
  • MD8001: Foundations of Rural and Remote Medicine (Level 8; TSV)
Interests
Research
  • Health systems strengthening
  • Rural health workforce
  • Socially accountable health professional education
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
  • Primary health care
  • Maternal and child health
Teaching
  • Research methods
  • General Practice
  • Sociology of health care and social determinants of health
Experience
  • 2019 to 2021 - General Practitioner, Gidgee Healing (Mt Isa)
  • 2014 to 2019 - Associate Dean, Research, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University (Townsville)
  • 2007 to 2019 - General Practitioner, Health and Wellbeing North Ward (Townsville)
  • 2011 to 2015 - Associate Professor, James Cook University (Townsville)
  • 2012 to 2014 - Director of Research and Postgraduate Education, School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University (Townsville)
  • 2010 to 2012 - School of Medicine and Dentistry Honours coordinator, James Cook University (Townsville)
  • 2008 to 2010 - Senior Lecturer, James Cook University (Townsville)
  • 1998 to 2007 - General Practitioner, Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Services (Townsville)
Research Disciplines
Honours
Awards
  • 2013 - Office of Learning and Teaching National Program Award. JCU MBBS Program in the category "Widening Participation"
  • 2012 - Finalist, Ron Harden Innovation in Medical Education International Award – Presented for THEnet on development and piloting of the common evaluation framework
  • 2011 - Co-author of Australian Family Physician best research paper for 2011. Cheffins T, Spillman M, Larkins S Heal C (2011) “Recommending vaccination: General practice intervention with new parents” Australian Family Physician 40 (6) 437-439
  • 2003 - Royal Australian College of General Practitioners National Registrar Research Prize
  • 2003 - MBBS (Dean's Honour List)
  • 1989 - Bachelor of Medical Science Prize, University of Melbourne, BMedSci
  • 2009 to 2011 - 2009 Brisbane Initiative – 8 emerging Primary Health Care Research Leaders selected from around the world for 3 year program of mentoring and support with residential periods in Oxford, UK.
  • 2003 to 2007 - National Health and Medical Research Council Public Health Postgraduate PhD Scholarship
Fellowships
  • 2012 - Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors course
  • 2004 - FARGP
  • 2004 - Fellow, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Memberships
  • 2013 - Queensland Representative , Australian Association of Academic Primary Care Executive
  • 2012 - Health Workforce Australia, National Technical Advisory Group
  • 2003 to 2005 - National Research Advisory Board, Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute
Other
  • 2013 - "Strength of Mind: 125 years of women in medicine". Invited to be one of 60 women graduates of University of Melbourne Medical School over the last 125 years featured in exhibition and book.
  • 2011 - Board Member, Townsville Mackay Medicare Local
  • 2008 - PhD
  • 2000 - MPH&TM
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
More

ResearchOnline@JCU stores 140+ research outputs authored by Prof Sarah Larkins from 1990 onwards.

Current Funding

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

National Health & Medical Research Council - Boosting Dementia Research Grant

Reducing Dementia Risk in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

Indicative Funding
$1,515,145 over 6 years
Summary
The aim of the project is to address these issues through the development of a range of interventions to specifically target the high rates of dementia in Indigenous communities. This project will use a Participatory Action Research approach to enable communities to identify and prioritise dementia risk reduction strategies/potential risk and protective factors. Using a Continuous Quality Improvement Framework, primary health care centries will address modifiable dementia risk factors to change practice and systems through the development of culturally appropriate interventions. The outcome will be a culturally appropriate framework that incorporates evidence-based best-practice guidelines for delivering community specific interventions for risk reduction and prevention of dementia.
Investigators
Edward Strivens, Sarah G Russell, Rachel Quigley, Sarah Larkins, Robyn McDermott, Venessa Curnow, Kate Smith, Prabha Lakhan and Veronica Matthews in collaboration with Alan Cass, Yvonne Hornby-Turner, Desley Harvey, Leon Flicker, Dina LoGiudice, Frankie Clive, Gavin Miller, Dallas McKeown and Gail Garvey (College of Medicine & Dentistry, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, Queensland Health, The University of Western Australia, The University of Sydney, Menzies School of Health Research, The University of Queensland, The University of Melbourne and North Queensland Primary Health Network)
Keywords
Indgenous Health; Healthy Ageing; Dementia; Chronic Disease

National Health & Medical Research Council - Targeted Call for Research into Healthy Ageing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

A framework for healthy ageing in the Torres Strait

Indicative Funding
$1,100,540 over 6 years
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop a culturally appropriate framework of healthy ageing for Torres Strait Comjmunities to enable older persons to remain living well at hme and on Country for as long as possible. Participatory Action Research (PAR) within a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) framework will be the overarching lmethodology for this project. The scope of the framework will be guided by the World Health organisation Framework of Healthy Ageing encompassing both intrinsic capacity and environmental characteristics that influence health outcomes.
Investigators
Edward Strivens, Sarah G Russell, Leon Flicker, Dina LoGiudice, Kate Smith, Rachel Quigley, Robyn McDermott, Sean Taylor, Venessa Curnow and Sarah Larkins in collaboration with Betty Sagigi, Desley Harvey, Dympna Leonard, Elizabeth Beattie, Gavin Miller, Jennifer Mann, Nancy Pachana and Yvonne Hornby-Turner (College of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Australia, Melbourne Health, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences, Cairns & Hinterland Health Service District, Queensland Health, Queensland University of Technology and The University of Queensland)
Keywords
Indigenous Health; Chronic Disease; healthy ageing; Dementia

CRC for Developing Northern Australia Scheme - Projects

Integrating Health Care Planning for Health and Prosperity in North Queensland

Indicative Funding
$750,000 over 3 years, in partnership with Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre Limited ($330,000)
Summary
Improving health and prosperity across Northern Australia is constrained by planning silos and limited creativity in models-of-care. North Queensland (NQ) has a unique opportunity to unite health industry partners and improve efficiencies and effectiveness in service delivery. Building on findings from our Health Situational Analysis we will co-create integrated systems for mapping population need, health services and workforce, prioritising areas for action. This work brings together key public and private health system partners across North Queensland, including Hospital and Health Services, Primary Health Networks and the Community Controlled Health Sector to take a regional approach to strengthening the integration of care and place-based planning of workforce and service implementation in North Queensland. The organizational recognition of the Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre (TAAHC) streamlines these relationships. We will work with all TAAHC partners, plus QAIHC and WQPHN to take a regional approach in NQ, whilst working with expert technical reference group members from NT and WA to ensure shared learning across the north. Then, working closely with service providers and consumers we will facilitate place-based planning and design, implement and evaluate new models-of-care that will optimise health and economic outcomes, consumer and workforce satisfaction.
Investigators
Sarah Larkins, Stephanie Topp, Alex Edelman, Nishila Moodley, Edward Strivens and Maxine Whittaker (College of Medicine & Dentistry, College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences and Cairns & Hinterland Health Service District)
Keywords
place -based planning; Rural Health Services; Health Workforce; integrated care; rural and remote; Health Equity

National Health & Medical Research Council - Centres of Research Excellence

STRengthening Systems for Indigenous Health Equity (CRE-STRIDE)

Indicative Funding
$115,197 over 5 years (administered by University of Sydney)
Summary
Growing international evidence places community-led comprehensive primary health care (PHC) systems as a central driver in improving health equity, and intersectoral action to address the social and cultural determinants of health (SCDH) mostly responsible for health inequities including racism and social exclusion, connection to family, community and culture, education and housing. Participatory Quality Improvement (QI) methods have led to substantial progress in many aspects of Indigenous PHC. Yet some of the most significant areas for improvement cannot be adequately addressed solely through the current strong clinical focus of QI. Indigenous health systems are characterised by fragmentation and detached from the priorities and leadership of communities. Further, performance between PHCs and different aspects of clinical care continues to be variable. The CRE-STRIDE co-produces novel research with Indigenous community and other PHC stakeholders to address these gaps by further embedding QI knowledge into policy and practice; enhancing the involvement of Indigenous communities in QI, and expanding QI processes to address the SCDH. Our specific strategies include: i) Indigenous research leadership and two-way mentoring and learning; ii) strengthening QI processes within PHC systems and enhancing community linkages; and iii) extending QI processes and collaborations across sectors to promote health and strengthen determinants of wellbeing.
Investigators
Veronica Matthews, Ross Bailie, Roxanne Bainbridge, Sarah Larkins, Megan Passey, Janya McCalman, Megan Williams, Nikki Percival, Catrina Felton-Busch and Yvonne Cadet-James (The University of Sydney, Central Queensland University, College of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Technology, Sydney, Mt Isa Centre for Rural & Remote Health and Indigenous Education & Research Centre)
Keywords
Indigenous Health; Primary Health Care; Quality improvement; Participatory Action Research; Health Equity

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) - ASEAN-Pacific Infectious Disease Detection and Response (APIDDaR) Program

Securing the frontline for health secure communities

Indicative Funding
$795,776 over 3 years (administered by Red Cross Australia)
Summary
The aim is to build capacity to detect/respond to infectious disease outbreaks through frontline public health (human and animal) workforce which includes community members, volunteers, community health workers, environmental health workers, biosecurity and environmental officers and primary health care staff. This will be achieved through: Strengthened capability at community/primary care levels to anticipate outbreaks; Improved response at early stages of potential outbreaks; A quality timely and thorough response to outbreaks at the frontline level ; An operational learning and feedback process for continued improvement and currency of detection of and response to infectious diseases outbreaks.
Investigators
Maxine Whittaker, Lisa Natoli, Allen Ross, Effie Espino, Lars Henning, Sarah Larkins, Sarah-Jane Wilson, Sandra Downing, Tammy Allen, Mahmudur Rahman, Sayera Banu, Nadia Ali Rima, Asharul Islam, Sukanta Chowdhury, Syed Moinuddin Satter and Veronica Bell (College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences, Red Cross Australia, Icddr,b, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine & Dentistry and Australian Research Centre for Medical Engineering (UWA))
Keywords
Health security; Infectious Diseases; Surveillance Systems; Community Engagement; One Health; Health workforce development

National Health & Medical Research Council - Project Grant

Women's Action for Mums and Bubs (WOMB): A pragmatic trial of participatory women's groups to improve Indigenous maternal and child health

Indicative Funding
$1,786,415 over 6 years
Summary
There is strong evidence elsewhere that involving community women in decision-making about strategies to improve the health of mothers and babies is a cheap and effective way of improving health. The WOMB study tests whether community women's groups improve the quality of maternal and child health care and outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the cost-effectiveness and mechanism of action.
Investigators
Sarah Larkins, Catrina Felton-Busch, Yvonne Cadet-James, Ross Baille, Jane Farmer, N Passey, Judy Taylor, V Matthews, Emily Callander and Rebecca Evans in collaboration with Priscilla Page, J Kelly, Adrian Esterman, Merrick Zwarenstein, Robyn Preston, Karen Carlisle, Lynore Geia, Elaine Williams and N Turner (College of Medicine & Dentistry, Mt Isa Centre for Rural & Remote Health, Indigenous Education & Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Swinburne University of Technology, Monash University, University of Adelaide, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, College of Healthcare Sciences, NT Department of Health & Community Services and Menzies School of Health Research)
Keywords
Aboriginal Health; Torres Strait Islander health; Maternal & Child Health; Primary Health Care; Quality Improvement; Participatory women's groups; Community Participation

National Health & Medical Research Council - Partnership Projects

Implementation of quality improvement in Indigenous primary health care: Leveraging Effective Ambulatory Practices (LEAP)

Indicative Funding
$1,144,570 over 4 years, in partnership with North Queensland Primary Health Network ($315,000); Northern Territory Department of Health, Top End Health ($20,000); Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NTPHN) ($38,700) and Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) ($210,000)
Summary
Despite increased policy attention and funding, not all primary healthcare (PHC) services for Indigenous Australians show the desired improvements in quality of care. Practices which provide PHC services are complex systems and emerging evidence indicates many things affect quality improvement. There remains a knowledge gap regarding what is required for Indigenous PHCs to succeed in improving the quality of their services and, subsequently, health outcomes for their patients. This project will capitalise on emerging research and existing strong partnerships to provide a solid evidence base for interventions to improve quality of priority health services in Indigenous PHC settings.
Investigators
Sarah Larkins, Ross Baille, Catrina Felton-Busch, Paul Burgess, Emma McBryde, Kerry Copley, Rebecca Evans, V Matthews and Karen Carlisle in collaboration with Judy Taylor, Karla Canuto, Donald Whaleboat, S Thompson, Christine Connors and Roderick Wright (College of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Sydney, Mt Isa Centre for Rural & Remote Health, Department of Health (NT), Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, Aboriginal Medical Service, Apunipima Cape York Health Council, The University of Western Australia and Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council)
Keywords
Learning community; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander; Primary Health Care; Quality Improvement

Department of Health and Ageing - Contract Research

National Research Project on Remote Radiology Assessment Service Delivery

Indicative Funding
$378,906 over 3 years
Summary
This project will investigate outcomes of the BreastScreen Australia remote radiology assessment trial at sites through9out Australia. Engaging a remote radiologist may assist with overcoming many challenges associated with providing health services in a regional, rural or remote location. This project seeks to ensure that the alternative model of service delivery is appropriate for consumers, evidence-based and safe. Specifically, this project will assess how the new remote radiology model affects: - Patient safety - Patient acceptability - Staff acceptability of new model of service provision - The safe, efficient organisation of BreastScreen services
Investigators
Sarah Larkins, Rebecca Evans, Robyn Preston, Emily Callander, Sabe Sabesan, Leila Murison, Karen Johnston and Nicole Bates (College of Medicine & Dentistry, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine and Townsville Hospital and Health Service)
Keywords
rural health services; breast cancer screening; Telehealth; Radiology; Health Workforce

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) - Tropical Disease Research Regional Collaboration Initiative

Tropical partnerships to strengthen health systems responses to infectious diseases threats

Indicative Funding
$2,000,000 over 2 years
Summary
The Asia Pacific Region is facing frequent threats from emerging and existing infectious diseases. The capacity to mount a timely effective response is compromised in poorly functioning health systems seen in parts of the region. The resulting vulnerability affects the whole region, including Australia. Strengthening capacity to prepare and respond to these threats is thus a shared responsibility. This proposal aims to tackle the problem through collaboration with institutions, researchers and policy makers across the region, building on long held partnerships.
Investigators
Emma McBryde, Sarah Larkins, Archie Clements, Barend (Ben) Marais, Peter Siba, Maxine Whittaker, Tom Burkot, David MacLaren, George Milne and Richard Speare (Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, College of Medicine & Dentistry, Australian National University, The University of Sydney, Institute of Medical Research (PNG), College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences and The University of Western Australia)
Keywords
Health system strengthening; Infectious Diseases; Epidemiology; Disease Surveillance

Western Queensland Primary Care Collaborative Limited - Contract Research

Diabetes Collaborative Evaluation Project

Indicative Funding
$28,860 over 1 year
Summary
The diabetes collaborative is a Continuous quality Improvement (CQI) approach to change that aims to improve health outcomes for patients diagnosed with Diabetes. It involves the introduction of a team-based, sustainable approach to learning whilst providing a sound understanding and application of quality improvement methodology and skills. This project aims to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of the WQPHN diabetes collaborative. Expected outcomes of the equation will be a greater understanding of the process of implementation and any changes within participant health services as a result of the collaborative. Evaluation of the program in the rural and remote context of WQPHN will inform on feasibility and effectiveness of this approach.
Investigators
Sarah Larkins, Karen Carlisle, Sabina Knight, Rebecca Evans, Robyn Preston and Karen Johnston (College of Medicine & Dentistry, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine and Mt Isa Centre for Rural & Remote Health)
Keywords
Quality Improvement Approach; Primary Health Care; Diabetes

Cancer Council NSW - Strategic Research Partnership Grant

Identifying the Out of Pocket costs of cancer care and the impact on healthcare access and patient outcomes - STREP Ca-CindaA

Indicative Funding
$121,160 over 1 year (administered by Menzies School of Health Research)
Summary
AIM 1: Quantify the out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure of individuals who are diagnosed with cancer and compare it with their clinical outcomes. This will be done by building Australia?s first model of the out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure of cancer patients using administrative data. AIM 2: Identify the impact of out-of-pocket costs on decisions about health care utilisation. This qualitative research component will be undertaken, which aims to explore and explain how out-of-pocket costs (both anticipated and unanticipated) affect the health seeking decisions and behaviours of cancer patients and their families.
Investigators
Sabe Sabesan, Emily Callander, Sarah Larkins and Stephanie Topp (College of Medicine & Dentistry, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, College of Public Health and Medical & Vet Sciences)
Keywords
Health Economics; Patient costs; Cancer; Indigenous; Rural Health; Access
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
  • Healthy Ageing in the Torres Strait: Developing and Implementing a Framework for Best-Practice Aged Care within Primary Health Care Centres (PhD , Advisor Mentor)
  • An investigation of health system capacity to provide medical male circumcision for HIV prevention in high burden settings in Papua New Guinea;; (PhD , Advisor Mentor)
  • Implementation and evaluation of referral pathways for people with Ling Cancer in Townsville Health Service District (PhD , Advisor Mentor)
  • ‘Making of a Strong Woman’: A Constructivist Grounded Theory on Young Women’s Experiences at Menarche in Papua New Guinea (PhD , Advisor Mentor)
  • International Approaches to Rural Medical Generalism (PhD , Advisor Mentor)
  • An exploration of the academic and early career professional practice for James Cook University medical students who have experienced academic difficulty (PhD , Advisor Mentor)
  • Birthing on Mornington Island: Culture, Identity and our Aspirations for the Future. (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM/Adv)
  • Experiences of dementia in Fiji: perspectives of people with dementia, caregivers, community and service providers (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM/Adv)
  • Development and Implementation of a Breast Cancer Care Pathway in Townsville Region - A Study Looking into Feasibility, Governance, Patient Centred Outcomes and Economics (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM/Adv)
  • Is There a Role for L-Arginine Supplementation in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in a North Queensland Community Diabetics Clinic? (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM/Adv)
  • The role of Academic Health Centres in improving population health: a multiple-case study in Australia and England;; (PhD , Secondary Advisor/AM)
  • What is the economic and social impacts of Monash University, School of Rural Health - Bairnsdale, on the East Gippsland Community - Victoria (PhD , Secondary Advisor/AM)
  • Developing Local Models to Strengthen and Improve Capacity in Health Research in Melanesia (PhD , Secondary Advisor/AM)
  • Enhancing Current International Human Research Ethics Guidelines by Including Indigenous Principles of Human Research Ethics. The Cases of the Pacific Island Nations of Fiji and Tonga. (PhD , Secondary Advisor/AM)
  • Family planning service provision in Solomon Islands: A Case Study Approach (PhD , Secondary Advisor/AM)
Completed
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.

  • 5+ collaborations
  • 4 collaborations
  • 3 collaborations
  • 2 collaborations
  • 1 collaboration
  • Indicates the Tropics (Torrid Zone)

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Email
Phone
Location
  • 39.216, Medical 1 (Townsville campus)
Advisory Accreditation
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