Andrea Baker
Visiting Scientist
CAREER HISTORY
Andrea Baker is a clinical nurse consultant, a visiting scientist at QIMR Berghofer MRI and the Research Manager for the Clinical Support Unit at The Park Centre for Mental Health. She has completed her Masters in Mental Health and a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Health. Andrea has worked in health for 27 years, gaining clinical expertise in a variety of areas including mental health.
Since 2009 Andrea has developed clinical expertise in coordinating clinical trials and large scale surveys. For example in 2010 she coordinated the high profile Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP), a national schizophrenia research study under the supervision of Professor John McGrath. Andrea is now recognised as one of Queensland’s leading clinical trial co-ordinators in mental health .
CURRENT APPOINTMENTS
- Research Manager The Park Centre for Mental Health (Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research)
- Visiting Scientist QIMR Berghofer
PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS
- CNC Ipswich Emergency department
- CNC Team Leader CYMHS West Moreton Health
- CN Crisis Assessment Team West Moreton Health
- CN Community Health West Moreton Health
- CN Mental Health inpatient Unit Metro South HHS
CURRENT AREA OF RESEARCH
Investigator initiated multisite clinical trials and research projects in mental health, in particular early psychosis and schizophrenia. Studies currently being undertaken are as follows:
- Trialling a novel interventional product (sodium benzoate) with the aim of identifying the correct dose in reducing positive and negative symptoms in those people who suffer from psychosis.
- Validating a set of criteria for anti-neuronal antibody testing for higher risk patients in clinical services with early psychosis and persistent psychosis.
- A feasibility study on the effectiveness and adherence of iron supplementation in children and adolescents with Tourette’s syndrome.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Successful completion of three large multisite clinical trials of interventions for people living with psychosis
Educating and training staff in research measures for clinical trials and other investigator initiated research projects. Assisting new to research investigators in the process of Protocol writing, Ethics and Governance and Good clinical Practice. Promoting research among the nursing sector in mental health.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Australian College of Mental Health Nurses
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
- Master of Mental Health Nursing University of Southern Queensland – 2012
- Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Community Health) The University of New England – 2002
- Psychiatric Nursing Wolston Park Hospital – 1997
- Midwifery Nursing Ipswich Hospital – 1998
- Registered Nurse Ipswich General Hospital – 1991