COVID-19 Research
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been designated by the WHO as a global pandemic. Many countries, including Australia, have put in place an unprecedented range of interventions that aim to slow the spread of the virus and prepare their health systems. Important research questions have emerged and it is crucial that a coordinated and efficient approach is taken to providing answers.
The Barwon Health and Deakin University Coronavirus Research Task Force has been formed to harness our collective talents and resources to contribute to these key research questions.
Key Research Questions
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What is the clinical range of Coronavirus infections in the Barwon population?
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What proportion of people infected with Coronavirus in the Barwon population:
- Are admitted to hospital?
- Are admitted to the Intensive Care Unit?
- Receive mechanical ventilation?
- Receive life support?
- Survive?
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What are the risk factors for more severe disease with Coronavirus? These may include:
- Age
- Sex
- Comorbidities
- Medications
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What is the immune response to Coronavirus infection that:
- Predicts or is associated with severe disease?
- Predicts or is associated with recovery from severe disease?
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How does the immune response to Coronavirus infection vary between children and adults?
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Are differences in the virus or the presence of other disease-causing organisms important?
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Current Research Study
To seek answers to these research questions and more, we need to collect relevant health information and laboratory/pathology samples as part of your routine care to enable us to conduct this research.
If you attend a Barwon Health site due to suspected Coronavirus, we will include your results and health information in this research. If you do not wish to participate in this research, you can choose to opt-out. Choosing to opt-out will not affect the quality of the care you receive in any way.
Barwon Health researchers may collect and use the following for Coronavirus research:
- Your health information
- Your nasal swab sample, if collected as part of Coronavirus testing
- An additional blood sample, if a blood test is collected
- Data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to clarify which medications you have been prescribed
- Your contact details, as you may be recontacted in relation to future Coronavirus research projects
Study Design
Find out more
Download the Patient Information Brochure
Contact the Project Coordinator on 0428 498 702 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Opt-out
If you choose to opt-out, your health information and samples will not be available to researchers. Choosing to opt-out will not affect the quality of the care you receive in any way.
To opt-out, you will need to provide your full name, address and date of birth to the research team quoting “HREC 20/56” via one of the following mechanisms:
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Phone: (03) 4215 3389
- Mail: Director of Research
Barwon Health
PO Box 281
Geelong Vic 3220 Australia
