Help improve heatwave support

Very hot days can be dangerous, particularly for those living with chronic health conditions and for older adults. 

Heat can cause illness and lead to hospital visits. Most heat warnings are general and may not always be clear or helpful. 

This summer, the Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University is testing a new text message system. The study looks at how text messages can help people stay safe during very hot weather. 

The messages share clear and timely information about: 

• Health risks during extreme heat 

• Simple actions to stay safe. 

Macquarie University researchers want to see if these messages help people: 

• Stay safe during heatwaves 

• Take steps to protect their health 

• Reduce the need to visit hospitals during very hot days. 

Who can get involved? 

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you are:  

• 18 years and older  

• Live in Australia 

• Have one of the following chronic health conditions: heart problems (e.g. ischaemic heart disease, history of heart attack, angina, heart failure, arrhythmia), lung problems (e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), kidney problems (e.g. chronic kidney diseases), diabetes (high blood sugar), or high blood pressure 

• Possess a smart mobile phone with internet and an Australian number 

• Able to read text messages and speak in English, and 

• NOT residing in nursing homes or aged care facilities. 

What’s involved?  

If you join the study: 

• You will be placed into one of two groups by chance 

  • One group receives usual heat warning texts 

  • One group receives study text messages 

• You will complete: 

  • One short online survey at the start (under 10 minutes) 

  • Two very short online surveys after a heatwave (under 5 minutes each) 

• You will receive 4 text messages during the heatwave season (October 2026 – March 2027) with tips to stay healthy in the heat, sent based on your local weather forecast: 

  • One after joining 

  • One before a heatwave  

  • One at the start of a heatwave 

  • One after the heatwave ends 

The surveys will ask about: 

• Your health and any symptoms you experienced during the heat 

• What you did to stay cool 

• Whether you used healthcare services. 

Enter the draw for a chance to win one of three gift vouchers valued at $200, $150 or $100.

Want to know more? 

If you are interested and think you might be eligible, you can:

• Complete a screening survey and access the study information form here.

If you have questions: 

• Email the researchers at mqheattrial@mq.edu.au

Call the researchers: Kalissa-Brooke-Cowden (02) 9850 6051 or Anastasia Chan (02) 9850 1635.