Mapping Inequities in Medication Use: Geospatial Modelling of Medication Utilisation for Stroke Prevention in Australia

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Australia, with rural and remote communities experiencing significantly worse outcomes due to disparities in healthcare access. Despite the proven effectiveness of stroke prevention medications—such as antihypertensives, antithrombotics, and lipid-lowering agents—geographical barriers may limit their timely and consistent use. Geospatial modelling offers a powerful tool to quantify these disparities, identify healthcare gaps, and inform targeted interventions to improve medication access in underserved regions. This project will leverage advanced geospatial analytics and population-based data assets to evaluate patterns of medication prescribing and adherence across urban, regional, and remote areas of Australia. The findings will generate real-world evidence to drive policy change and ensure equitable stroke prevention nationwide. Project Phases: The student will be part of the Big Data, Epidemiology, and Prevention Division within the Stroke and Ageing Research (STAR) group at Monash University, working on the following: Phase 1: Conduct a systematic review to determine existing geographical disparities in access to stroke prevention medications. Phase 2: Utilise national health and prescription datasets to map geographic variations in stroke prevention medication use across Australia. Phase 3: Apply geospatial modelling techniques—such as spatial autocorrelation, cluster analysis, and accessibility mapping—to identify hotspots of poor medication access and evaluate rural-urban disparities. Phase 4: Develop policy recommendations and healthcare system interventions to enhance medication availability and adherence in underserved regions. What the Student Will Gain: With strong mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration, the student will independently lead this impactful research program while developing expertise in: ✅ Geospatial Modelling & Health Equity – Applying advanced spatial analysis to quantify and address disparities in medication access. ✅ Big Data & Pharmacoepidemiology – Analysing large-scale linked healthcare datasets to generate real-world evidence. ✅ Health Policy & Rural Medicine – Translating research into actionable strategies to improve healthcare access in remote communities. ✅ Scientific Communication & Publication – Publishing high-impact research and contributing to national stroke prevention policy. Research Training & Impact: Each phase will involve securing ethics approval (as required), refining research protocols with iterative feedback, collecting and analysing data, and disseminating findings through high-impact publications. Upon successful completion of annual milestone reviews, the student will submit a PhD thesis by publication. This project presents a unique opportunity to bridge the healthcare gap between urban and rural Australia, ensuring that all patients—regardless of location—have access to life-saving stroke prevention therapies.