DrLayla Edwards

Dr Layla Edwards is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health. Her research applies a public health lens to improve outcomes for people with serious illness, with a particular focus on delirium prevention, detection, care and health equity.

Drawing on expertise in epidemiology, public health, health services research, and multi-methods research, Dr Edwards investigates how social, cultural, environmental, and health-system factors shape healthcare experiences and outcomes. Her work spans larged, linked data studies, clinical trials, qualitative research, evidence synthesis, and policy analysis across cancer, palliative care, aged care, and community settings.

Dr Edwards is particularly interested in reframing delirium as a public health issue and identifying opportunities for early intervention and improved models of care. Her research examines how health and social systems can better support people at risk of delirium and those recovering from its effects, while reducing inequities in care and outcomes.

A central focus across her work is improving health equity for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Through consumer and community engagement, co-design, and partnerships with patients, families, clinicians, policymakers, and community organisations, she seeks to develop evidence-informed, culturally responsive approaches that improve access to care, strengthen participation in research, and support person-centred health systems.