Overview
Background
Ruth E. Hubbard is a Consultant Geriatrician at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and in October 2020 was appointed as the Masonic Chair of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Queensland.
She qualified from St Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London and trained in general internal medicine and geriatric medicine in Cardiff, Wales. As a clinical academic, she has always combined hospital practice with research and teaching. She has completed an MSc in Medical Education, an MD on pathophysiological changes in frail older people and a post-doctoral fellowship in Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia with Professor Ken Rockwood. Here, she was able to test hypotheses regarding the determinants and manifestations of frailty through the interrogation of large datasets. She has published widely on the inflammatory aetiology of frailty, the difficulties of measuring frailty in clinical practice and the relationships between frailty and obesity, smoking, socioeconomic status and exercise. Based on the impact of her publications, she is currently ranked number 4 in a list of frailty experts worldwide (http://expertscape.com/ex/frail+elderly).
In the last 5 years, she has generated $24.5M in grant income including as CIA on the following: MRFF Dementia Ageing and Aged Care Mission ($5M), a Centre for Research Excellence in Frailty ($2.5M), an Ideas Grant ($1.6M) and the NHMRC Targeted Call for Frailty Research ($1.5M). As Founder and Director of the Australia Frailty Network (AFN), she has established a team of consumer partners, multidisciplinary clinical academics, behavioural psychologists and statisticians answering critical questions relating to the measurement and management of frailty.
Availability
- Professor Ruth Hubbard is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Medicine Surgery, Imperial College
- Masters (Coursework) of Science, Cardiff University
- Doctoral Diploma of Medicine, Cardiff University
- Bachelor of Science, Imperial College
Research interests
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The Australian Frailty Network
The Australian Frailty Network (AFN) was established in 2023 to address frailty across the Australian population. This pioneering initiative integrates research, education, policy advocacy, and practice into a cohesive strategy to improve health outcomes for people living with frailty. This research is funded by an MRFF Dementia Ageing and Aged Care Grant ($5M) Funding period: 2022 - 2027 Role: Lead, Chief Investigator A
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FITTEST Trial
The AFN’s flagship clinical trial FITTEST will test if a multi-domain approach to the care of mildly frail older adults will be better than a self-directed program in attenuating the progress of frailty. The trial aims to recruit 390 participants from geriatric medicine clinics across Australia. Ethics approval was obtained in early November, with the first participant expected to be randomised in July 2024.
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Derivation, Validation and Implementation of a Digital Frailty Index for Acute Care Settings in Queensland
Older people in hospital are at high risk of adverse outcomes, a vulnerability commonly referred to as frailty. In community-dwelling older people, frailty status can be measured precisely with a Frailty Index score. We are currently leading a research programme to develop a Frailty Index from hospital electronic medical records. This would assist clinicians to identify vulnerable older inpatients, improving their care in the acute setting. This research is funded by an NHMRC Partnership Grant ($1.5M) with Queensland Health Funding period: 2024 - 2029 Role: Lead, Chief Investigator A
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The ReFIT Study: Reversing Frailty through Transplantation
This program will provide new insights into the causes of frailty by comparing biological data in older people who are frail, with younger people before and after a kidney transplant. The study is a collaboration between several clinical units at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) and aims to recruit 100 transplant candidates from the PAH Kidney Transplant Service, and 50 older participants from PAH outpatient clinics. This research is funded by an NHMRC Ideas Grant ($1.6M) Funding period: 2023 - 2026 Role: Lead, Chief Investigator A
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Frailty ADD: Improving Hospital Outcomes for Frail Patients Across Different Disciplines
This Centre of Research Excellence unites four nodes (in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth) where Australia's strongest academic geriatricians have partnered with discipline experts to build clinical and research programs. lt will investigate the relationship between frailty, medication utilisation and global health outcomes and develop a core outcome set of patient-important outcomes that can be used for all frailty research in any discipline. This new knowledge will be transferred to policy and practice by championing practice change initiatives, piloting implementation studies across different disciplines that will be nested in our Frailty Research and Translation Framework and providing frailty education and training for health care professionals. The CRE will establish a cutting-edge capacity building scaffold to train the next generation of health and medical researchers with the potential to become leaders in their fields. This research is funded by an NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence ($2.5M) with additional strategic funding from UQ ($500k) Funding period: 2022 - 2027 Role: Lead, Chief Investigator A
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The GOAL Trial
This cluster randomised controlled trial will test whether Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment by a geriatrician can help frail older patients with CKD improve their health and wellbeing and achieve their own goals. Uniting geriatricians and nephrologists in a cross-disciplinary collaboration for the first time at 15 hospital sites across Australia, the last participant was recruited mid-2023. Follow up is for 12 months and results will be reported in 2025. This research is funded by an NHMRC Targeted Call for Research ($1.6M) Funding period: 2020 - 2025 Role: Lead, Chief Investigator A
Works
Search Professor Ruth Hubbard’s works on UQ eSpace
2017
Journal Article
Frailty and chronic kidney disease: a systematic review
Chowdhury, Rakin, Peel, Nancye M., Krosch, Mitchell and Hubbard, Ruth E. (2017). Frailty and chronic kidney disease: a systematic review. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 68 (3), 135-142. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2016.10.007
2017
Conference Publication
The male-female health-survival paradox in hospitalised older adults
Gordon, E., Peel, N. and Hubbard, R. (2017). The male-female health-survival paradox in hospitalised older adults. The Australian & New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting “Older People's Care through Community, Collaboration & Communication”, Rotorua, New Zealand, 10-12 May 2017. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley-Blackwell.
2017
Conference Publication
The Frailty Index of cumulative health deficits: Derivation from the interRAI acute care instrument
Hubbard, Ruth E., Peel, Nancye M., Samanta, Mayukh, Gray, Leonard C., Fries, Brant E., Mitnitski, Arnold and Rockwood, Kenneth (2017). The Frailty Index of cumulative health deficits: Derivation from the interRAI acute care instrument. First Australia and New Zealand Conference on Sarcopenia and Frailty Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 11-12 November 2016. Richmond, VIC Australia: John Wiley & Sons.
2017
Conference Publication
Health assets in frail older patients
Gregorevic, Kate, Peel, Nancye M., Lim, W. K., Tacey, Mark and Hubbard, Ruth E. (2017). Health assets in frail older patients. First Australia and New Zealand Conference on Sarcopenia and Frailty Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 11-12 November 2016. Richmond, VIC Australia: John Wiley & Sons.
2017
Book Chapter
Frailty and comorbidities: frailty in women
Navarro-Pardo, Esperanza, Villacampa-Fernández, Patricia, Hubbard, Ruth E. and Gordon, Emily (2017). Frailty and comorbidities: frailty in women. Menopause: a comprehensive approach. (pp. 303-315) edited by Antonio Cano. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-59318-0_19
2017
Conference Publication
Feasibility and validity of frailty measurement in geriatric rehabilitation
Arjunan, A., Peel, N. and Hubbard, R. (2017). Feasibility and validity of frailty measurement in geriatric rehabilitation. The Australian & New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting “Older People's Care through Community, Collaboration & Communication”, Rotorua, New Zealand, 10–12 May 2017. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley.
2017
Conference Publication
The association between gait speed and cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older people: a systematic review
Alapatt, L. J., Hubbard, R. and Peel, N. (2017). The association between gait speed and cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older people: a systematic review. The Australian & New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting “Older People's Care through Community, Collaboration & Communication”, Rotorua, New Zealand, 10–12 May 2017. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley.
2016
Journal Article
Are health assets associated with improved outcomes for hospitalised older adults? A systematic review
Gregorevic, Kate J., Lim, Wen Kwang, Peel, Nancye M., Martin, Ruth S. and Hubbard, Ruth E. (2016). Are health assets associated with improved outcomes for hospitalised older adults? A systematic review. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 67, 14-20. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2016.06.016
2016
Journal Article
Algorithm of medication review in frail older people: focus on minimizing the use of high-risk medications
Poudel, Arjun, Ballokova, Anna, Hubbard, Ruth E., Gray, Leonard C., Mitchell, Charles A., Nissen, Lisa M. and Scott, Ian A. (2016). Algorithm of medication review in frail older people: focus on minimizing the use of high-risk medications. Geriatrics and Gerontology International, 16 (9), 1002-1013. doi: 10.1111/ggi.12589
2016
Journal Article
Frailty and post-operative outcomes in older surgical patients: a systematic review
Lin, Hui-Shan, Watts, J. N., Peel, N. M. and Hubbard, R. E. (2016). Frailty and post-operative outcomes in older surgical patients: a systematic review. BMC Geriatrics, 16 (1) 157, 157. doi: 10.1186/s12877-016-0329-8
2016
Journal Article
Adverse outcomes in relation to polypharmacy in robust and frail older hospital patients
Poudel, Arjun, Peel, Nancye M., Nissen, Lisa M., Mitchell, Charles A., Gray, Leonard C. and Hubbard, Ruth E. (2016). Adverse outcomes in relation to polypharmacy in robust and frail older hospital patients. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 17 (8) 767000000000, 767.e9-767.e13. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.05.017
2016
Journal Article
Associations of guideline recommended medications for acute coronary syndromes with fall-related hospitalizations and cardiovascular events in older women with ischemic heart disease
Peeters, Geeske, Tett, Susan E., Hollingworth, Samantha A., Gnjidic, Danijela, Hilmer, Sarah N., Dobson, Annette J. and Hubbard, Ruth E. (2016). Associations of guideline recommended medications for acute coronary syndromes with fall-related hospitalizations and cardiovascular events in older women with ischemic heart disease. Journals of Gerontology - Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 72 (2), 259-265. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glw111
2016
Journal Article
The clinical frailty scale predicts functional decline and mortality when used by junior medical staff: a prospective cohort study
Gregorevic, Kate J., Hubbard, Ruth E., Katz, Benny and Lim, Wen K. (2016). The clinical frailty scale predicts functional decline and mortality when used by junior medical staff: a prospective cohort study. Bmc Geriatrics, 16 (1) 117, 117. doi: 10.1186/s12877-016-0292-4
2016
Conference Publication
Dignity and older inpatients: the photo-next-to-the-bed study
Shum, D., Bak, M., Peel, N. M. and Hubbard, R. E. (2016). Dignity and older inpatients: the photo-next-to-the-bed study. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.
2016
Conference Publication
Derivation and validation of a frailty index from the interRAI home care instrument
Bum, R., Peel, N., Abbey, R., Heppenstall, C., Hubbard, R., Schluter, P. and Jamieson, H. (2016). Derivation and validation of a frailty index from the interRAI home care instrument. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting 2016, “The AGEnder Paradox”, Cairns, QLD, Australia, 1–3 June 2016. Richmond, VIC, Australia: John Wiley and Sons. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12339
2016
Journal Article
The increase in healthcare costs associated with frailty in older people discharged to a post-acute transition care program
Comans, Tracy A., Peel, Nancye M., Hubbard, Ruth E., Mulligan, Andrew D., Gray, Leonard C. and Scuffham, Paul A. (2016). The increase in healthcare costs associated with frailty in older people discharged to a post-acute transition care program. Age and Ageing, 45 (2) afv196, 317-320. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afv196
2016
Conference Publication
The utility of the frailty index in clinical decision making
Khatry, K., Peel, N. M., Gray, L. C. and Hubbard, R. E. (2016). The utility of the frailty index in clinical decision making. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting 2016, “The AGEnder Paradox”, Cairns, Queensland, Australia, 1–3 June, 2016. Richmond, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12337
2016
Conference Publication
Health assets improve outcomes for hospitalised older adults
Gregorevic, K., Peel, N. M., Lim, W. K. and Hubbard, R. E. (2016). Health assets improve outcomes for hospitalised older adults. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting 2016, “The AGEnder Paradox”, Cairns, Queensland, Australia, 1–3 June, 2016. Richmond, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12339
2016
Conference Publication
Frailty Index (Fi) Predicts Chemotherapy Outcomes in Patients with Solid Tumors Aged >= 65 Years: Prospective, Longitudinal Study
McCarthy, Alexandra, Hubbard, Ruth, Peel, Nancye, Gillespie, Kerri, Berry, Robyn, Yates, Patsy and Walpole, Euan (2016). Frailty Index (Fi) Predicts Chemotherapy Outcomes in Patients with Solid Tumors Aged >= 65 Years: Prospective, Longitudinal Study. COSA's 43rd and ANZBCTG's 38th Annual Scientific Meetings, Gold Coast Queensland, 15–17 November 2016. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley.
2016
Conference Publication
Frailty index in chronic kidney disease (FI-CKD) study
Chowdhury, R., Peel, N. M., Saweirs, W., Johnson, D., Krosch, M., Senff, S., Basev, A. and Hubbard, R. E. (2016). Frailty index in chronic kidney disease (FI-CKD) study. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting 2016, “The AGEnder Paradox”, Cairns, Queensland, Australia, 1–3 June, 2016. Richmond, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12339
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Ruth Hubbard is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Addressing frailty in older people with haematological malignancies
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Mollee, Associate Professor Emily Gordon, Dr Natasha Reid
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Doctor Philosophy
Engaging consumers in frailty and ageing research
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Adrienne Young, Dr Natasha Reid
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Doctor Philosophy
Addressing Frailty in Older Adults with Solid Organ Malignancies
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natasha Reid
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Doctor Philosophy
Organ transplantation and frailty
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Emily Gordon, Professor Mark Morrison
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Doctor Philosophy
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment: How does it work and what are the key active ingredients?
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Monika Janda
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Doctor Philosophy
A life course approach to frailty: its biopsychosocial determinants and impact on dementia and other ageing-related outcomes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Emily Gordon, Dr David Ward
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Master Philosophy
Bridging Frailty and Dementia: A Causal Exploration of Risk Pathways and Life Course Dynamics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Ward
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Doctor Philosophy
Improving emergency care for older people
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Frederick Graham
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Doctor Philosophy
Core outcomes in frail inpatients.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Emily Gordon, Dr Kristiana Ludlow
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Doctor Philosophy
Organ transplantation as a model for reversible frailty (ReFIT): robustness and resilience.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ross Francis, Professor Mark Midwinter, Associate Professor Emily Gordon
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Doctor Philosophy
CHAMP: a co-creation of a comprehensive health assessment and management plan for younger people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Emily Gordon, Dr Kristiana Ludlow
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Master Philosophy
Pharyngolaryngectomies: reconstructive options, short and long-term patient outcomes, and the impact of pre-operative frailty
Associate Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Sleepless in the GARU?
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Adrienne Young, Associate Professor Claire Ellender
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Doctor Philosophy
Transitions from mild cognitive impairment to dementia: sex and gender differences in risk factors and health information needs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natasha Reid, Dr David Ward, Associate Professor Emily Gordon
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Doctor Philosophy
The development, validation and implementation of an electronic frailty index (eFI)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Ward
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Frailty and goals of care in older people living with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Andrea Viecelli
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Increasing Adherence for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Usage in Vulnerable Australian Populations with Sleep Apnoea.
Principal Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Sex differences in frailty: The Frailty Index and the male-female health-survival paradox.
Principal Advisor
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2019
Master Philosophy
Gait speed and frailty status in relation to adverse outcomes in geriatric rehabilitation
Principal Advisor
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2018
Master Philosophy
Frailty Index and Peri-operative Outcome
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Len Gray
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Analysis of Microcirculatory Health Measures and Frailty in Potential Renal Transplant Recipients: A Machine Learning Approach
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Emily Gordon, Professor Mark Midwinter
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Optimising prescribing in frail older people
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lisa Nissen
Media
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