Researcher Spotlight: Eloise Hummell
Q&A with Dr Eloise Hummell, AusHSI Research Fellow – Implementation Science
Q: What expertise do you bring to AusHSI and what has been a highlight of your career so far?
A: My research experience has been in the fields of sociology, anthropology, identity construction, and disability policy. I approach qualitative research with a deep sense of curiosity and an understanding that people’s lives are inherently complex and multifaceted. I believe that there is always more than meets the eye, and it is crucial to ask the right questions and seek diverse ways to understand and engage with individuals.
A highlight of my career has been the opportunity to travel both within Australia and internationally, embracing the privilege of stepping out of my comfort zone and deepening my understanding of diverse ways of living and being.
Q: What does health services innovation mean to you?
A: To me, health services innovation is not about change for the sake of change, but about striving for improvement and achieving better outcomes for people within the constraints of available resources. It involves being creative with designs, approaches and implementation, whether that means using and implementing existing tools and technologies in new ways or developing entirely new approaches. It also means gaining a deeper understanding of needs to better align patients, staff, and services, ultimately providing better value. At its core, health services innovation is about committing to and prioritizing change for a healthier community by imagining and implementing ways to do things better.
Q: What inspires you most in your research?
A: What inspires my research is a profound appreciation I have for people who courageously share their experiences, especially when societal structures and systems create disadvantages and exacerbate vulnerabilities. My work is driven by the belief that through thoughtful and empathetic inquiry, we can gain valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals and groups, and contribute to a more inclusive, just and equitable society.
Q: Why is health services research important?
A: Health services research is essential for creating a more effective, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system. Health services research has great potential to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives by implementing new treatments, improving healthcare delivery, and making care more accessible. Importantly, this research also focuses on engaging with groups and areas often excluded or overlooked, ensuring that those who may not typically be included are considered, thereby promoting equity in healthcare.
Q: What do you see as the main challenges facing Australia’s health system?
A: One of the major challenges of the health system is siloing, both within the health system itself and across other systems. Issues are often viewed as solely health-related problems, but many are broader and require cross-system attention and responses. For example, mental health and disability are interconnected areas that desperately need integrated approaches rather than isolated solutions.
