Seeta Durvasula

Senior Research Fellow

Seeta Durvasula (MBBS, MPH, PhD) is a Senior Research Fellow with the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN). She is working in the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care Intellectual Disability Health Curriculum Development Project, as well as other educational initiatives of 3DN.

Seeta is a medical practitioner with over 30 years of clinical experience in specialised, comprehensive health assessments for people with intellectual disability and complex health conditions. She has previously worked at the Centre for Disability Studies, University of Sydney as a Senior Lecturer, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate medical and allied health students in intellectual disability health. Seeta was also a Clinical Director for two specialised multidisciplinary health services for people with intellectual disabilities.

Seeta’s clinical, teaching and research interests include ageing, frailty, preventive health, health inequalities and health outcomes in people with intellectual disability.  

Publications

Peer Reviewed Publications
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  1. Wiese MY, Stancliffe RJ, Durvasula S, Piepers DW, Wilson NJ (2023). Analysis of an Australian death database of people with intellectual disability living out of the family home: Place of death and associated variables. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities. doi.org/10.1177/17446295231175541
  2. Trollor JN, Eagleson C, Ruffell B, Tracy J, Torr JT, Durvasula S, Iacono T, Cvejic RC, Lennox, N (2020). Has teaching about intellectual disability healthcare in Australian medical schools improved? A 20-year comparison of curricula audits. BMC Medical Education 20:321 doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-02235-w
  3. Wilson NJ, Riches VC, Riches T, Durvasula S, Rodrigues R, Sonali P (2020). Complex support needs profile of an adult cohort with intellectual disability transitioning from state-based service provision to NDIS-funded residential support. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability. doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2020.1717069
  4. Trollor JN, Eagleson C, Turner B, Tracy J, Torr JJ, Durvasula S, Iacono T, Cvejic R, Lennox N. (2018). Intellectual disability content within tertiary medical curriculum: How is it taught and by whom?  BMC Medical Education 18:182 doi.org/10.1186/s12909-018-1286-z
  5. Osborn R, Girgis M, Morse S, Sladakovic J, Kneebone I, Shires A, Durvasula S, Roberts L. (2018).  Mindfulness-Integrated CBT (MiCBT) for reducing distress in parents of children with intellectual disability (ID): a Case Series. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities 30:559-568 doi.org/10.1007/s10882-018-9602-4
  6. Trollor  N, Ruffell B, Tracy J, Torr JJ, Durvasula S, Iacono T, Eagleson C, Lennox N (2016). Intellectual disability health content within medical curriculum: an audit of what our future doctors are taught. BMC Medical Education 16:105 DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s12909-016-0625-1
  7. Davis S, Durvasula S, Merhi D, Young P, Traini D, Bosnic-Anticevich S (2016) Knowledge that people with intellectual disability have of their inhaled asthma medications-messages for pharmacists.  International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy 38(1):135-43. doi: doi.org/10.1007/s11096-015-0217-x. Epub 2015 Nov 11
  8. Davis S, Durvasula S, Merhi D, Young P, Traini D, Bosnic-Anticevich S (2015). The ability of people with intellectual disability to use inhalers – an exploratory mixed methods study. Journal of Asthma dx.doi.org/10.3109/02770903.2015.1065423
  9. Davis S, Durvasula S, Merhi D, Young P, Traini D, Bosnic-Anticevich S (2015). The role of direct support professionals in asthma management. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 40(4): 342-353. doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2015.1041100
  10. Durvasula S, Mason R, Kok C, Macara M, Parmenter TR, Cameron ID (2015). Outdoor areas of Australian residential aged care facilities do not facilitate appropriate sun exposure. Australian Health Review dx.doi.org/10.1071/AH14035
  11. Durvasula S, Gies P, Mason R, Chen JS, Henderson S, Seibel M, Sambrook P, March L, Lord S, Kok C, Macara M, Parmenter TR, Cameron I. (2014). Vitamin D response of older people in residential aged care to sunlight-derived ultraviolet radiation. Arch Osteoporos 9:197 DOI doi.org/10.1007/s11657-014-0197-9
  12. Davis SR, Durvasula S, Merhi D, Young PM, Traini D & Bosnic-Anticevich (Published online May 2013).  Respiratory medication use in an Australian developmental disability clinic population: messages for health care professionals. Australian Journal of Primary Health. dx.doi.org/10.1071/PY12153
  13. Cahill S, Stancliffe RJ, Clemson L, & Durvasula, S. (Epublication 4/2/13). Reconstructing the fall: Individual, behavioural and contextual factors associated with falls in individuals with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jir.12015
  14. Durvasula S, Sambrook PN & Cameron ID. (2011) Factors influencing adherence with therapeutic sunlight exposure in older people in intermediate care facilities. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2011.08.009.           
  15. Sambrook P, Cameron I Chen JS, Cumming R, Durvasula S, Hermann, M, Kok C, Lord S, Macara M, March L, Mason R, Seibel M, Wilson N & Simpson J. (2011)   Does Increased Sunlight Exposure Work as a Strategy to Improve Vitamin D Status in the Elderly: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial.  Osteoporosis International.  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00198-011-1590-5.
  16. Lennox N, Lantman H, Davis R, Durvasula S, Small J, Kyrkou M (2011). The Health of People with Intellectual Disability (Editorial).  International Journal of Family Medicine, doi:doi.org/10.1155/2011/134571
  17. Cox C, Clemson L, Stancliffe RJ, Durvasula S, Sherrington C. (2010). Incidence of and risk factors for falls among adults with an intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 4(12):1045-1057. doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2010.01333.x
  18. Durvasula S, Kok, C, Sambrook PN, Cumming, RG, Lord, SR, March LM, Mason RS, Seibel, MJ, Simpson, JM, Cameron ID (2010).  Sunlight and health: Attitudes of older people living in intermediate care facilities in southern Australia. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2010.01.008
  19. Vanlint M, Nugent M, Durvasula S, Downs J, Leonard H. (2008) Vitamin D and people with intellectual disability Australian Family Physician 37(5): 348 -351
  20. Vanlint M, Nugent M, Durvasula S, Downs J, Leonard H (2008).  A guide for the assessment and management of vitamin D status in people with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability 33(2):184-188
  21. Emerson E, Durvasula S (2005) Health inequalities and people with intellectual disabilities: an introduction to the special issue (Editorial). JARID 18(2):95-6
  22. Durvasula S, Beange H & Baker W. (2002) Mortality of people with intellectual disability in Northern Sydney.  Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability 27(4):255-264 
  23. Durvasula S, Beange H. (2001) Health inequalities in people with intellectual disability: strategies for improvement.  Health Promotion Journal of Australia  11(1):27-31 
  24. Einfeld SL, Smith A, Durvasula S, Florio T, Tonge B. (1999) Behavioural and emotional disturbance in Prader-Willi Syndrome. American Journal of Medical Genetics  82:123-27

Book chapters
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  1. Durvasula S. Aged Care. In: Therapeutic Guidelines [digital]: Developmental Disability. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; 2021 Mar. www.tg.org.au
  2. Durvasula S. Nutrition Disorders. In: Therapeutic Guidelines [digital]: Developmental Disability. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; 2021 Mar. www.tg.org.au
  3. Stancliffe, R. J., Durvasula, S., Wilson, N. J., & Lewis, P. (2020). Treatment engagement and people with intellectual disability. In A. Hadler, S. Sutton & L. Osterberg (Eds.), The Wiley handbook of healthcare treatment engagement: Theory, research, and clinical practice (pp. 381-398). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley-& Sons Ltd. doi.org/10.1002/9781119129530.ch21 ISBN: 978111912949-3 (Hardback), ISBN: 9781119129516 (epub) 
  4. Durvasula S (2012). Nutritional Disorders. In Management Guidelines: Developmental Disability (version 3). Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd.    
  5. Durvasula S, Stewart L & Hemsley B. (2005). Nutritional Disorders. In Lennox N. (Ed.) Management Guidelines: Developmental Disability (v.2 - pp163-172). Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd.
  6. Durvasula S, Hemsley B, Stewart L. (2005). Dysphagia. In Lennox N. (Ed.) Management Guidelines: Developmental Disability (v.2 - pp173-178). Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd.

Selected published peer reviewed conference abstracts
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  1. Durvasula S, Sun C, Arnold S, Stack R, Cameron I. (2019) Identifying frailty in an intellectual disability clinic population. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. 63:803. (IASSID World Congress).
  2. Wiese, MY, Stancliffe RJ, Durvasula S, Wilson NJ, Piepers DW, & Kaszonyi S. (2019).  The place of death and associated variables for clients in out-of-home care in New South Wales Australia. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 63(7) 648.
  3. Cahill S, Stancliffe R, Clemson L, Durvasula S (2012) Reconstructing the fall: Individual and Contextual Factors Associated with Falls in Individuals with Intellectual Disability.  Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 56 (7-8): 669 (14th IASSID World Congress)
  4. Durvasula S (2012) Framework for Health Services for People with Intellectual Disability in NSW, Australia.  Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 56 (7-8): 756. (14th IASSID World Congress)
  5. Durvasula S, Silove N, Lord B, Chenoweth B & Leitner R (2012).  Specialised Clinical Service Pilots for People with Intellectual Disability in NSW, Australia.  Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 56 (7-8): 756. (14th IASSID World Congress)
  6. Durvasula S, Stancliffe RJ, Clemson C, Sherrington C, Mackenzie L (2009).  Falls and associated risk factors in adults with intellectual disability: A chart review of a clinic population.  Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities. 6(2): 103-4. (2nd IASSID Asia-Pacific Regional Conference)
  7. Durvasula S, Beange H, Baker W, Bell D. (2004) Mortality of people with intellectual disability in northern Sydney: Associated factors.  Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 48(4,5):432 (12th IASSID World Congress)

Guidelines
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  1. Durvasula S, Klause J. (2006). Health care in people with intellectual disability: Guidelines for General Practitioners –published by Centre for Developmental Disability Studies - Commissioned by NSW Health.
  2. Durvasula S, Buzio A, Novak I. (2003). Preventative Women’s Health Care for Women with Disabilities: Guidelines for General Practitioners - published by Centre for Developmental Disability Studies in conjunction with the NSW Cervical Screening Program. Commissioned by NSW Cervical Screening Program
  3. Hemsley B, Durvasula S. (2002).  Nutrition Practice Guidelines for DADHC Disability Services Clinical Staff working with people with intellectual disability who have special nutritional needs due to swallowing difficulty, mealtime behaviours, or obesity.  Centre for Developmental Disability Studies - Commissioned by NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. 

Reports
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  1. Riches VC, Durvasula S, Wilson N, Riches TN, Taylor D, Rodrigues R, Müller A, Hogan, L, Stack R, Sowerby-Campbell L. (2019). Clinical Review- Final Report. Prepared for Achieve Australia. Sydney: Centre for Disability Studies, An affiliate of The University of Sydney.
  2. Wiese MY, Stancliffe RJ, Piepers DW, Durvasula S, Wilson N.J. (2018). Analysis of the Client Death Notification (CDN) database: Report to NSW Family & Community Services. Western Sydney University and University of Sydney, Australia.
  3. Riches V, Durvasula S, Riches T, O’Brien P, Stack R, Sowerby-Campbell L (2017-18). Review of FACS Assessment Procedures for Identifying Residents That Need Specialist Nursing Support in Group Homes. Report prepared for NSW Department of Family & Community Services (FACS) Ageing Disability and Home Care (ADHC). Sydney: Centre for Disability Studies, an affiliate of the University of Sydney.
  4. Durvasula S, Yazbeck M. (May 2009). Evaluation of Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care’s “Ensuring Good Nutrition” Policy. Centre for Disability Studies - Commissioned by ADHC.
  5. Durvasula S, Merhi D. (2007).  Measuring the impact of the DADHC “Client Health Policy” on clients in DADHC funded services – Centre for Developmental Disability Studies - Evaluation for the NSW Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care.
  6. Durvasula S, Townsend V. (2004).  Palliative care needs of children and adults with intellectual disability.  Centre for Developmental Disability Studies - Literature review and report with recommendations for NSW Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care.
  7. Durvasula S, Townsend V. (2004).  Sudden death in epilepsy and management of acute seizures in people with intellectual disability.  Centre for Developmental Disability Studies - Literature review and report with recommendations for NSW Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care.
  8. Klaus J, Durvasula S. (2004). Promoting physical activity in people with developmental disability: Practice guidelines for staff and carers. Centre for Developmental Disability Studies - Commissioned by the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. 
  9. Durvasula S, Buzio A, Yazbeck M. (2002-3). Increasing the sensitivity of the public hospitals to the needs of people with disabilities during hospitalisation - development of a training package for hospital staff. Centre for Developmental Disability Studies - Commissioned by NSW Health. 
  10. Hemsley B, Durvasula S, Parmenter T, Caithness T, Buzio A, Green V & Novak I. (2001).  Informed Decision Making for the management of dysphagia in people with developmental disability. Centre for Developmental Disability Studies - Commissioned by the NSW Department of Health and NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
  11. Alexander B, Atkinson N, Balandin S, Dew A, Durvasula S, Griffin T, Parmenter T.  (1999). A review of health services in NSW for adults with intellectual and related developmental disabilities.  Centre for Developmental Disability Studies -  Commissioned by the NSW Department of Aging and Disability.