Michael Falster

My research uses population-level data and advanced analytics to measure quality, use and outcomes of care across the Australian health system. I am an Associate Professor and Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellow in the Medicines Intelligence Research Program at the School of Population Health UNSW, where I lead the Cardiometabolic Medicines Research Stream. I am also Deputy Director of Research, School of Population Health. I lead an NHMRC and Heart Foundation funded program using population-level linked hospital, pharmaceutical, Medicare and mortality data to investigate variation in quality, use and outcomes of care – particularly around health technologies for cardiovascular disease. My work has shaped national reporting of leading health performance indicators, informed new national models of primary care, and supported development of enduring national linked data assets that bridge hospital and community care. I partner with academics, clinicians and policymakers to identify evidence-practice gaps across the continuum of hospital and community care. I have high-level technical expertise in 'big data' analytics, (pharmaco-)epidemiology and biostatistics, I have specialised capabilities in translating complex real-world evidence to policy and practice. My aim is to improve access to quality care for all Australians. Examples of my research interests include: optimising treatment among people with complex cardiovascular, metabolic and renal health conditions; improving uptake of best-practice cardio-renal medicines within high-risk populations; identifying disparities in care between public and privately funded patients; evaluating models of chronic disease care to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. biostatistics, health services research, big data for health, health policy, epidemiology, multilevel modeling, pharmacoepidemiology, primary care, health systems, cardiovascular