HMinfo undertakes research projects on Home Modification policy and practice, to address the need for evidence-based home modification knowledge. Research projects are initiated through consultation with internal and external stakeholders and disseminated. HMinfo has five distinct research publication types to meet the differing information needs of consumers, industry and researchers.
Before publication, HMinfo research documents are reviewed by Specialist Review Panels. Depending on the type of research document, the Panels may comprise: academic peer reviewers; expert practitioners in the fields of design, architecture, building, and occupational therapy; and consumer representatives for older people, people with disability, and carers.
HMinfo Evidence Based Practice Reviews investigate the existing research evidence for the effectiveness of particular home modification design and building practices. Following a systematic review methodology, published literature on the design or building practice is examined. The literature search includes: databases of research studies in books and academic journals; legislation, building codes and standards; government, industry and consumer group websites; the HMinfo library collection of home modification publications and materials; grey literature documents, including industry guides and manufacturers’ specifications; and anecdotal evidence from online forums, consumer peak bodies and service providers. Through evaluation of this published evidence, strategies most likely to achieve best practice home modification outcomes can be identified.
HMinfo Consumer Factsheets translate research evidence for home modification design and building practices into concise information for consumers. Most Consumer Factsheets are based on Home Modification Evidence Based Practice Reviews, Occasional Papers or Summary Bulletins. Other Consumer Factsheets are developed in direct response to the need for a concise guide to arranging home modifications or undertaking a particular type of modification.
HMinfo Industry Factsheets and Checklists translate research evidence for home modification design and building practices into information that will assist home modification prescribers and practitioners. Industry Factsheets and Checklists are based on Home Modification Evidence Based Practice Reviews, Occasional Papers, and Summary Bulletins, or developed when concise guidance on a particular type of home modification is needed by industry.
HMinfo Occasional Research Papers are produced for individually commissioned research projects on existing or emerging issues in home design and home modifications for older people, people with disability, and carers. These policy and practice issues are identified by government, industry and consumer stakeholders.
These commissioned research projects include a variety of research methodologies, such as a systematic review of literature on the Home Modification issue, and examination of the policy impact and practice concerns. Many research projects involve original research studies undertaken in response to the Home Modification issue. Types of study include design analyses, cost-benefit analyses, and consumer and industry surveys and co-design.
HMinfo Summary Bulletins provide a concise overview of the important issues relating to a particular home modification topic. These home modification topics are selected in response to an industry-identified concern or risk in home modification practices.
Summary Bulletins identify the applicable regulations, Standards, and industry and fair-trading specifications and guidelines, for the home modification topic. A range of home modification approaches are then reviewed, with a comparison of their advantages and disadvantages for various housing and personal circumstances.