Heterogeneity of rural consumer perceptions of health service access across four regions of Victoria
- Terry, Daniel, Crouch, Alan, Ervin, Kaye, Glenister, Kristen, Bourke, Lisa
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Crouch, Alan , Ervin, Kaye , Glenister, Kristen , Bourke, Lisa
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Rural Social Sciences Vol. 32, no. 2 (2017), p. 125-145
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- Description: Access to a range of services, including healthcare, ranks among the key determinants of health and wellbeing. It varies with both health system supply factors and consumer demand characteristics. For rural populations, access to health services can be...
Heterogeneity of rural consumer perceptions of health service access across four regions of Victoria
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Crouch, Alan , Ervin, Kaye , Glenister, Kristen , Bourke, Lisa
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Rural Social Sciences Vol. 32, no. 2 (2017), p. 125-145
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Access to a range of services, including healthcare, ranks among the key determinants of health and wellbeing. It varies with both health system supply factors and consumer demand characteristics. For rural populations, access to health services can be...
Is prior aspirin use associated with reduced severity in patients with acute pancreatitis?
- Lim, Alvin, Iyengar, Vasudha, Terry, Daniel, Islam, Rafiqul
- Authors: Lim, Alvin , Iyengar, Vasudha , Terry, Daniel , Islam, Rafiqul
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 5, no. 4 (2017), p. 151-156
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- Description: Clinical severity of Acute Pancreatitis (AP) following the use of Aspirin is inconclusive in previous studies. This study investigated predicting the severity of AP using Ranson criteria at admission and at 48 hours and, the length of hospital stay by prior aspirin use. Medical records of first-presentation AP patients during the five years between 2010 and 2015 were examined in the Goulburn Valley Base Hospital, Victoria, Australia. Uses of aspirin at admission with some co-morbidity, Ranson criteria at admission and at 48 hours, duration of hospital stay including other information were collected. A total of 245 AP medical records were reviewed, of them, 178 used and 67 did not use aspirin prior attending to the hospital. In simple regression analysis, Ranson score was 60% higher at admission (P< 0.001) and 64% higher at 48 hours (P <0.01) among aspirin users compared to non-aspirin users. These findings remained statistically significant after adjusting for other potential indicators. Aspirin use was also found associated with a longer hospital stay both in the unadjusted and adjusted analysis (P<0.01). Further studies using revised Atlanta classification instead of Ranson scoring for the diagnosis of AP severity in aspirin users are critical for clinical guidance.
- Authors: Lim, Alvin , Iyengar, Vasudha , Terry, Daniel , Islam, Rafiqul
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 5, no. 4 (2017), p. 151-156
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Clinical severity of Acute Pancreatitis (AP) following the use of Aspirin is inconclusive in previous studies. This study investigated predicting the severity of AP using Ranson criteria at admission and at 48 hours and, the length of hospital stay by prior aspirin use. Medical records of first-presentation AP patients during the five years between 2010 and 2015 were examined in the Goulburn Valley Base Hospital, Victoria, Australia. Uses of aspirin at admission with some co-morbidity, Ranson criteria at admission and at 48 hours, duration of hospital stay including other information were collected. A total of 245 AP medical records were reviewed, of them, 178 used and 67 did not use aspirin prior attending to the hospital. In simple regression analysis, Ranson score was 60% higher at admission (P< 0.001) and 64% higher at 48 hours (P <0.01) among aspirin users compared to non-aspirin users. These findings remained statistically significant after adjusting for other potential indicators. Aspirin use was also found associated with a longer hospital stay both in the unadjusted and adjusted analysis (P<0.01). Further studies using revised Atlanta classification instead of Ranson scoring for the diagnosis of AP severity in aspirin users are critical for clinical guidance.
Perspectives of aboriginal issues among non-aboriginal residents of rural Victorian communities
- Bourke, Lisa, Malatzky, Christina, Terry, Daniel, Nixon, Raelene, Ferguson, Karyn, Ferguson, Peter
- Authors: Bourke, Lisa , Malatzky, Christina , Terry, Daniel , Nixon, Raelene , Ferguson, Karyn , Ferguson, Peter
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Social Issues Vol. 52, no. 3 (2017), p. 278-293
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- Description: Racism, in various forms, remains a dominant feature in Australian society. Aboriginal Australians are commonly targets of racial discrimination. However, understanding racism is difficult given that racial attitudes vary towards particular groups of people, across place and time and are difficult to measure. This paper presents responses of residents across four rural shires in Victoria to questions about attitudes towards Aboriginal people/issues. Responses indicated that attitudes towards Aboriginal people were diverse and that individuals varied in their attitudes on specific items. There were subtle differences between the four sites and association between demographic characteristics and some items in particular sites. This suggests that respondents are inconsistent in their attitudes relating to Aboriginal people/issues and that there are place-based influences on these attitudes. We conclude that the many varied understandings of racism and Aboriginal Australians allow the discourses of exclusion, disempowerment and othering to be maintained. © 2017 Australian Social Policy Association.
- Authors: Bourke, Lisa , Malatzky, Christina , Terry, Daniel , Nixon, Raelene , Ferguson, Karyn , Ferguson, Peter
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Social Issues Vol. 52, no. 3 (2017), p. 278-293
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Racism, in various forms, remains a dominant feature in Australian society. Aboriginal Australians are commonly targets of racial discrimination. However, understanding racism is difficult given that racial attitudes vary towards particular groups of people, across place and time and are difficult to measure. This paper presents responses of residents across four rural shires in Victoria to questions about attitudes towards Aboriginal people/issues. Responses indicated that attitudes towards Aboriginal people were diverse and that individuals varied in their attitudes on specific items. There were subtle differences between the four sites and association between demographic characteristics and some items in particular sites. This suggests that respondents are inconsistent in their attitudes relating to Aboriginal people/issues and that there are place-based influences on these attitudes. We conclude that the many varied understandings of racism and Aboriginal Australians allow the discourses of exclusion, disempowerment and othering to be maintained. © 2017 Australian Social Policy Association.
The nursing community apgar questionnaire in rural Australia : an evidence based approach to recruiting and retaining nurses
- Prengaman, Molly, Terry, Daniel, Schmitz, David, Baker, Ed
- Authors: Prengaman, Molly , Terry, Daniel , Schmitz, David , Baker, Ed
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Online Journal of Rural Nursing & Health Care Vol. 17, no. 2 (2017), p. 148
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- Description: Purpose: To date, the Nursing Community Apgar Questionnaire (NCAQ) has been effectively utilized to quantify resources and capabilities of a rural Idaho communities to recruit and retain nurses. As such, the NCAQ was used in a rural Australian context to examine its efficacy as an evidence-based tool to better inform nursing recruitment and retention. Sample: The sample included nursing administrators, senior nurses and other nurses from six health facilities who were familiar with the community and knowledgeable with health facility recruitment and retention history. Participants were registered nurses and/or directly involved in nursing recruitment. Method: The 50 factor NCAQ was administered online. Data were cleaned, checked, and analyzed by assigning quantitative values to the four-point scale of community advantages or challenges for each factor and then weighted according to the participant's perceived importance to create a community asset and capability measure. Higher scores represented more developed community assets and capabilities relating to nursing recruitment and retention. Findings: The findings demonstrate that lifestyle, emphasis on patient safety and high quality care, availability of necessary materials and equipment, perception of quality were among the highest scoring factors and considered to have the most impact on recruiting and retaining nurses. The lowest factors impacting recruitment and retention included spousal satisfaction, access to larger communities, and opportunities for social networking within communities. Conclusions: The implementation of the NCAQ has the capacity to offer health facilities and managers to examine what is appealing about the health service and community, while highlighting key challenges impacting recruitment and retention. The NCAQ assists health services to develop strategic plans tailored specifically to enhance recruitment and retention of nursing staff. Its use has the capacity to provide health services with greater evidence as they seek to address site specific or regional recruitment and retention issues. Keywords: Rural, nursing, Workforce, Recruitment, Retention, Community apgar
- Authors: Prengaman, Molly , Terry, Daniel , Schmitz, David , Baker, Ed
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Online Journal of Rural Nursing & Health Care Vol. 17, no. 2 (2017), p. 148
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: To date, the Nursing Community Apgar Questionnaire (NCAQ) has been effectively utilized to quantify resources and capabilities of a rural Idaho communities to recruit and retain nurses. As such, the NCAQ was used in a rural Australian context to examine its efficacy as an evidence-based tool to better inform nursing recruitment and retention. Sample: The sample included nursing administrators, senior nurses and other nurses from six health facilities who were familiar with the community and knowledgeable with health facility recruitment and retention history. Participants were registered nurses and/or directly involved in nursing recruitment. Method: The 50 factor NCAQ was administered online. Data were cleaned, checked, and analyzed by assigning quantitative values to the four-point scale of community advantages or challenges for each factor and then weighted according to the participant's perceived importance to create a community asset and capability measure. Higher scores represented more developed community assets and capabilities relating to nursing recruitment and retention. Findings: The findings demonstrate that lifestyle, emphasis on patient safety and high quality care, availability of necessary materials and equipment, perception of quality were among the highest scoring factors and considered to have the most impact on recruiting and retaining nurses. The lowest factors impacting recruitment and retention included spousal satisfaction, access to larger communities, and opportunities for social networking within communities. Conclusions: The implementation of the NCAQ has the capacity to offer health facilities and managers to examine what is appealing about the health service and community, while highlighting key challenges impacting recruitment and retention. The NCAQ assists health services to develop strategic plans tailored specifically to enhance recruitment and retention of nursing staff. Its use has the capacity to provide health services with greater evidence as they seek to address site specific or regional recruitment and retention issues. Keywords: Rural, nursing, Workforce, Recruitment, Retention, Community apgar
The urban-rural divide : hypertensive disease hospitalisations in Victoria 2010–2015
- Robins, Shalley, Gardiner, Samantha, Terry, Daniel
- Authors: Robins, Shalley , Gardiner, Samantha , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Medical Journal Vol. 10, no. 11 (2017), p. 953-963
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- Description: Background Hypertension is present in 23–32 per cent of Australians, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the country. It is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Australia and it affects rural populations at a higher rate than urban residents. Aims The aims of this study were to investigate the differences in hypertensive disease hospitalisations across rural and urban Victoria, and to determine predicting variables. Methods Hospital admission data from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015 were obtained through the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset and other organisations. Data included various patient demographics for each hospital admission entry. The rates of hospitalisation for each Local Government Area were analysed. Further regression analysis was undertaken to examine the association between hypertensive disease hospitalisation and various predictor variables. Results From 2010–2015 11,205 hypertensive disease hospital admissions were recorded of which 64.8 per cent were female, 74.7 per cent admissions were at urban hospitals, and 65.0 per cent were public patients. Hospitalisation rates were consistently higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and rural residents on average stayed in hospital for longer. Significant predictor variables for hypertensive disease hospitalisation included various indicators of socioeconomic disadvantage, GPs per 1,000 population and GP attendance per 1,000 population. Conclusion Hypertensive disease hospitalisation in Victoria continues to rise and rates of hospitalisation of rural Victorians continue to be higher than their urban counterparts. Females were hospitalised almost twice as often as males. Further research is required to identify the specific factors that impede access to health services, particularly in the identified high-risk populations. © 2017, Australasian Medical Journal Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Robins, Shalley , Gardiner, Samantha , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Medical Journal Vol. 10, no. 11 (2017), p. 953-963
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background Hypertension is present in 23–32 per cent of Australians, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the country. It is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Australia and it affects rural populations at a higher rate than urban residents. Aims The aims of this study were to investigate the differences in hypertensive disease hospitalisations across rural and urban Victoria, and to determine predicting variables. Methods Hospital admission data from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015 were obtained through the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset and other organisations. Data included various patient demographics for each hospital admission entry. The rates of hospitalisation for each Local Government Area were analysed. Further regression analysis was undertaken to examine the association between hypertensive disease hospitalisation and various predictor variables. Results From 2010–2015 11,205 hypertensive disease hospital admissions were recorded of which 64.8 per cent were female, 74.7 per cent admissions were at urban hospitals, and 65.0 per cent were public patients. Hospitalisation rates were consistently higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and rural residents on average stayed in hospital for longer. Significant predictor variables for hypertensive disease hospitalisation included various indicators of socioeconomic disadvantage, GPs per 1,000 population and GP attendance per 1,000 population. Conclusion Hypertensive disease hospitalisation in Victoria continues to rise and rates of hospitalisation of rural Victorians continue to be higher than their urban counterparts. Females were hospitalised almost twice as often as males. Further research is required to identify the specific factors that impede access to health services, particularly in the identified high-risk populations. © 2017, Australasian Medical Journal Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
Misconceptions of the deaf : giving voice to the voiceless
- Terry, Daniel, Le, Quynh, Nguyen, Hoang, Malatzky, Christina
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Le, Quynh , Nguyen, Hoang , Malatzky, Christina
- Date: 2016-2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health, culture and society (Pittsburgh, Pa.) Vol. 9-10, no. (2016-2017), p. 47-61
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- Description: The Deaf usually do not see themselves as having a disability however, discourses and social stereotyping continue to portray the Deaf rather negatively. These discourses may lead to misconceptions, prejudice and possibly discrimination. A study was conducted to identify the challenges members of the Deaf community experience accessing quality health care in a small Island state of Australia. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with service providers and the Deaf community. Audist discourses of deafness as deficiency, disability and disease remain dominant in contemporary society and are inconsistency with the Deaf community’s own perception of their reality. Despite the dominant constructions of deafness and their affect on the Deaf’s experience of health service provision, many Deaf have developed skills, confidence and resilience to live in the hearing world. The Deaf were pushing back on discourses that construct deafness...
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Le, Quynh , Nguyen, Hoang , Malatzky, Christina
- Date: 2016-2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health, culture and society (Pittsburgh, Pa.) Vol. 9-10, no. (2016-2017), p. 47-61
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Deaf usually do not see themselves as having a disability however, discourses and social stereotyping continue to portray the Deaf rather negatively. These discourses may lead to misconceptions, prejudice and possibly discrimination. A study was conducted to identify the challenges members of the Deaf community experience accessing quality health care in a small Island state of Australia. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with service providers and the Deaf community. Audist discourses of deafness as deficiency, disability and disease remain dominant in contemporary society and are inconsistency with the Deaf community’s own perception of their reality. Despite the dominant constructions of deafness and their affect on the Deaf’s experience of health service provision, many Deaf have developed skills, confidence and resilience to live in the hearing world. The Deaf were pushing back on discourses that construct deafness...
Community assets and capabilities to recruit and retain GPs : the community apgar questionnaire in rural Victoria
- Terry, Daniel, Baker, Ed, Schmitz, David
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Baker, Ed , Schmitz, David
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural and Remote Health Vol. 16, no. 4 (2016), p.
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- Description: Introduction: Rural communities continue to experience significant challenges recruiting and retaining physicians. The Community Apgar Questionnaire (CAQ) was developed in Idaho in the USA to comprehensively assess the characteristics associated with successful recruitment and retention of rural physicians. The CAQ has been utilised and validated across the USA; however, its value in rural Australia has not been examined. The objective of this study was to use the CAQ in rural Australia to examine its utility and develop a greater understanding of the community factors that impact general practitioner (GP) recruitment and retention. Method: The project conducted structured face-to-face interviews with hospital chief executive officers (CEOs) and directors of clinical services (DCSs) from 14 of the 21 (76%) health services that agreed to participate in rural north-eastern Victoria, Australia. The interviews were undertaken to complete the CAQ, which contains 50 questions centred on factors that influence physician recruitment and retention. Once completed, CAQs were scored by assigning quantitative values to a community's strengths and challenges including the level of importance placed on each factor. As such, the most important factors in physician recruitment, whether they are advantages or challenges for that community, were then weighed for their relative importance. Scores were then combined to create a CAQ score. To ensure reliability and validity of the results, three additional CAQs were purposefully administered to key general practices within the region. Results: The 14 rural communities exhibited cumulative CAQ scores ranging from a high of 387 to a low score of 61. This suggests the tool was sensitive enough to differentiate between communities that were high and low performers in terms of physician recruitment. The groups of factors that had the greatest impact on recruitment and retention were ranked highest to lowest and included medical support, hospital/community support, economic, scope of practice and geographic factors. Overall, the highest individual factors to impact recruitment and retention were perception of quality, hospital leadership, nursing workforce and transfer arrangements. Conversely, the lowest factors and challenges to recruitment and retention were family related, specifically spousal satisfaction and access to schools. Conclusions: Hume, in rural Victoria, was the first international site to implement the CAQ to differentially diagnose a community's relative strengths and challenges in recruiting and retaining GPs, while supporting health facilities to prioritise achievable goals to improve long-term retention strategies. It provided each community with a tailored gap analysis, while confidentially sharing best practices of other health facilities. Within Hume, open communication and trust between GPs and health facility leadership and nursing staff ensures that GPs can feel valued and supported. Possible solutions for GP recruitment and retention must consider the social, employment and educational opportunities that are available for spouses and children. Participation in the program was useful as it helped health facilities ascertain how they were performing while highlighting areas for improvement. © James Cook University 2016.
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Baker, Ed , Schmitz, David
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural and Remote Health Vol. 16, no. 4 (2016), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Rural communities continue to experience significant challenges recruiting and retaining physicians. The Community Apgar Questionnaire (CAQ) was developed in Idaho in the USA to comprehensively assess the characteristics associated with successful recruitment and retention of rural physicians. The CAQ has been utilised and validated across the USA; however, its value in rural Australia has not been examined. The objective of this study was to use the CAQ in rural Australia to examine its utility and develop a greater understanding of the community factors that impact general practitioner (GP) recruitment and retention. Method: The project conducted structured face-to-face interviews with hospital chief executive officers (CEOs) and directors of clinical services (DCSs) from 14 of the 21 (76%) health services that agreed to participate in rural north-eastern Victoria, Australia. The interviews were undertaken to complete the CAQ, which contains 50 questions centred on factors that influence physician recruitment and retention. Once completed, CAQs were scored by assigning quantitative values to a community's strengths and challenges including the level of importance placed on each factor. As such, the most important factors in physician recruitment, whether they are advantages or challenges for that community, were then weighed for their relative importance. Scores were then combined to create a CAQ score. To ensure reliability and validity of the results, three additional CAQs were purposefully administered to key general practices within the region. Results: The 14 rural communities exhibited cumulative CAQ scores ranging from a high of 387 to a low score of 61. This suggests the tool was sensitive enough to differentiate between communities that were high and low performers in terms of physician recruitment. The groups of factors that had the greatest impact on recruitment and retention were ranked highest to lowest and included medical support, hospital/community support, economic, scope of practice and geographic factors. Overall, the highest individual factors to impact recruitment and retention were perception of quality, hospital leadership, nursing workforce and transfer arrangements. Conversely, the lowest factors and challenges to recruitment and retention were family related, specifically spousal satisfaction and access to schools. Conclusions: Hume, in rural Victoria, was the first international site to implement the CAQ to differentially diagnose a community's relative strengths and challenges in recruiting and retaining GPs, while supporting health facilities to prioritise achievable goals to improve long-term retention strategies. It provided each community with a tailored gap analysis, while confidentially sharing best practices of other health facilities. Within Hume, open communication and trust between GPs and health facility leadership and nursing staff ensures that GPs can feel valued and supported. Possible solutions for GP recruitment and retention must consider the social, employment and educational opportunities that are available for spouses and children. Participation in the program was useful as it helped health facilities ascertain how they were performing while highlighting areas for improvement. © James Cook University 2016.
Factors influencing community nursing roles and health service provision in rural areas : a review of literature
- Barrett, Annette, Terry, Daniel, Lê, Quynh, Hoang, Ha
- Authors: Barrett, Annette , Terry, Daniel , Lê, Quynh , Hoang, Ha
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Contemporary Nurse Vol. 52, no. 1 (2016), p. 119-135
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- Description: Aims: This review sought to better understand the issues and challenges experienced by community nurses working in rural areas and how these factors shape their role. Methods: Databases were searched to identify relevant studies, published between 1990 and 2015, that focussed on issues and challenges experienced by rural community nurses. Generic and grey literature relating to the subject was also searched. The search was systematically conducted multiple times to assure accuracy. Results: A total of 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. This critical review identified common issues impacting community nursing and included role definition, organisational change, human resource, workplace and geographic challenges. Conclusion: Community nurses are flexible, autonomous, able to adapt care to the service delivery setting, and have a diversity of knowledge and skills. Considerably more research is essential to identify factors that impact rural community nursing practice. In addition, greater advocacy is required to develop the role. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Authors: Barrett, Annette , Terry, Daniel , Lê, Quynh , Hoang, Ha
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Contemporary Nurse Vol. 52, no. 1 (2016), p. 119-135
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims: This review sought to better understand the issues and challenges experienced by community nurses working in rural areas and how these factors shape their role. Methods: Databases were searched to identify relevant studies, published between 1990 and 2015, that focussed on issues and challenges experienced by rural community nurses. Generic and grey literature relating to the subject was also searched. The search was systematically conducted multiple times to assure accuracy. Results: A total of 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. This critical review identified common issues impacting community nursing and included role definition, organisational change, human resource, workplace and geographic challenges. Conclusion: Community nurses are flexible, autonomous, able to adapt care to the service delivery setting, and have a diversity of knowledge and skills. Considerably more research is essential to identify factors that impact rural community nursing practice. In addition, greater advocacy is required to develop the role. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Integrated and consumer-directed care : a necessary paradigm shift for rural chronic ill health
- Ranson, Nicole, Terry, Daniel, Glenister, Kristen, Adam, Bill, Wright, Julian
- Authors: Ranson, Nicole , Terry, Daniel , Glenister, Kristen , Adam, Bill , Wright, Julian
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Australian Journal of Primary Health Vol. 22, no. 3 (2016), p. 176-180
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- Description: Chronic ill health has recently emerged as the most important health issue on a global scale. Rural communities are disproportionally affected by chronic ill health. Many health systems are centred on the management of acute conditions and are often poorly equipped to deal with chronic ill health. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most prominent chronic ill health conditions and the principal cause of mortality worldwide. In this paper, CVD is used as an example to demonstrate the disparity between rural and urban experience of chronic ill health, access to medical care and clinical outcomes. Advances have been made to address chronic ill health through improving self-management strategies, health literacy and access to medical services. However, given the higher incidence of chronic health conditions and poorer clinical outcomes in rural communities, it is imperative that integrated health care emphasises greater collaboration between services. It is also vital that rural GPs are better supported to work with their patients, and that they use consumer-directed approaches to empower patients to direct and coordinate their own care. © La Trobe University 2016.
- Authors: Ranson, Nicole , Terry, Daniel , Glenister, Kristen , Adam, Bill , Wright, Julian
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Australian Journal of Primary Health Vol. 22, no. 3 (2016), p. 176-180
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Chronic ill health has recently emerged as the most important health issue on a global scale. Rural communities are disproportionally affected by chronic ill health. Many health systems are centred on the management of acute conditions and are often poorly equipped to deal with chronic ill health. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most prominent chronic ill health conditions and the principal cause of mortality worldwide. In this paper, CVD is used as an example to demonstrate the disparity between rural and urban experience of chronic ill health, access to medical care and clinical outcomes. Advances have been made to address chronic ill health through improving self-management strategies, health literacy and access to medical services. However, given the higher incidence of chronic health conditions and poorer clinical outcomes in rural communities, it is imperative that integrated health care emphasises greater collaboration between services. It is also vital that rural GPs are better supported to work with their patients, and that they use consumer-directed approaches to empower patients to direct and coordinate their own care. © La Trobe University 2016.
Moving forward with dignity : exploring health awareness in an isolated deaf community of Australia
- Terry, Daniel, Lê, Quynh, Nguyen, Hoang
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Lê, Quynh , Nguyen, Hoang
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Disability and Health Journal Vol. 9, no. 2 (2016), p. 281-288
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background Those within the Deaf community are disadvantaged in a number of aspects of day-to-day life including their access to health care. At times, they may encounter barriers to health care even before they reach the consultation room. As a consequence, they may receive insufficient and inappropriate health care which may lead to poorer health outcomes. Objective A study was conducted to explore health awareness and access to health information and services of Deaf people living in Tasmania, Australia and identify ways of enhancing the interaction between the Deaf and the wider community. Methods A questionnaire was administered, including a number of demographic, health awareness and health service usage questions. In addition, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with service providers and the Deaf community between March and August 2014. An interpreter was present to translate the questions into Auslan and who then translated the Deaf participant's discussion into English for the researcher. Data were then analyzed using research software SPSS v20.0 and NVivo 10.0. Results Health as a concept was poorly understood, including mental health, sexual health and health concerning alcohol and drug abuse. Regarding health care resources, due to a sense of security, trust and confidence, the family physician or general practitioner was the single most important health care provider among the Deaf. Conclusions The Deaf remain underserved by the current health care system; however, through resourcefulness and life experiences, the Deaf have developed coping and management strategies to move forward with dignity in education, meaningful employment and health access. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Lê, Quynh , Nguyen, Hoang
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Disability and Health Journal Vol. 9, no. 2 (2016), p. 281-288
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background Those within the Deaf community are disadvantaged in a number of aspects of day-to-day life including their access to health care. At times, they may encounter barriers to health care even before they reach the consultation room. As a consequence, they may receive insufficient and inappropriate health care which may lead to poorer health outcomes. Objective A study was conducted to explore health awareness and access to health information and services of Deaf people living in Tasmania, Australia and identify ways of enhancing the interaction between the Deaf and the wider community. Methods A questionnaire was administered, including a number of demographic, health awareness and health service usage questions. In addition, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with service providers and the Deaf community between March and August 2014. An interpreter was present to translate the questions into Auslan and who then translated the Deaf participant's discussion into English for the researcher. Data were then analyzed using research software SPSS v20.0 and NVivo 10.0. Results Health as a concept was poorly understood, including mental health, sexual health and health concerning alcohol and drug abuse. Regarding health care resources, due to a sense of security, trust and confidence, the family physician or general practitioner was the single most important health care provider among the Deaf. Conclusions The Deaf remain underserved by the current health care system; however, through resourcefulness and life experiences, the Deaf have developed coping and management strategies to move forward with dignity in education, meaningful employment and health access. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Strategic english learning and proficiency among vietnamese tertiary learners : beyond passive stereotypes
- Nguyen, Hoang, Terry, Daniel, Jang, Sun
- Authors: Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel , Jang, Sun
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Learning in Higher Education Vol. 24, no. 1 (2016), p. 19-34
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- Description: Practitioners and researchers worldwide have enthusiastically undertaken research on language learning strategies (LLS) since the early 1970s. They have since established solid evidence on LLS as an influential factor in determining success in second/foreign language learning. However, in the context of Vietnam, there is a dearth of evidence regarding LLS and successful second/foreign language learning. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency and pattern of LLS use among Vietnamese students undertaking English as a foreign language (EFL) at the tertiary (university) level. Secondly, it sought to investigate the relationship between LLS use and self-rated English proficiency. Quantitative data were collected from 564 students through a researcher-generated questionnaire, the English Language Learning Strategy Questionnaire (ELLSQ), which had been pretested to ensure validity and reliability. Findings revealed that the students were moderate users of learning strategies, and frequency of strategy use was positively correlated with self-reported English proficiency. © Common Ground Research Networks, Rungnapha Khamung, Basanti Majumdar, Rana Pongruengphant, All Rights Reserved.
- Authors: Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel , Jang, Sun
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Learning in Higher Education Vol. 24, no. 1 (2016), p. 19-34
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Practitioners and researchers worldwide have enthusiastically undertaken research on language learning strategies (LLS) since the early 1970s. They have since established solid evidence on LLS as an influential factor in determining success in second/foreign language learning. However, in the context of Vietnam, there is a dearth of evidence regarding LLS and successful second/foreign language learning. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency and pattern of LLS use among Vietnamese students undertaking English as a foreign language (EFL) at the tertiary (university) level. Secondly, it sought to investigate the relationship between LLS use and self-rated English proficiency. Quantitative data were collected from 564 students through a researcher-generated questionnaire, the English Language Learning Strategy Questionnaire (ELLSQ), which had been pretested to ensure validity and reliability. Findings revealed that the students were moderate users of learning strategies, and frequency of strategy use was positively correlated with self-reported English proficiency. © Common Ground Research Networks, Rungnapha Khamung, Basanti Majumdar, Rana Pongruengphant, All Rights Reserved.
A descriptive study of health, lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics and their relationship to known dementia risk factors in rural Victorian communities
- Ervin, Kaye, Pallant, Julie, Terry, Daniel, Bourke, Lisa, Pierce, David, Glenister, Kristen
- Authors: Ervin, Kaye , Pallant, Julie , Terry, Daniel , Bourke, Lisa , Pierce, David , Glenister, Kristen
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aims Medical Science Vol. 2, no. 3 (2015), p. 246-260
- Full Text:
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- Description: It is essential to determine the key health risk factors among populations to specifically plan future services and explore interventions that modify risk factors for communities. This aims to reduce risks and delay the onset of chronic conditions, which frequently results in dementia, particularly for small rural communities which experience health workforce shortages, a higher proportion of those in the chronic conditions age group, and reduced access to care. The aim of the study was to determine existing rates of chronic disease, and current lifestyle and sociodemographic factors which may predispose the population to higher risk of dementia. Residents from three shires in rural Victoria, Australia were recruited by random and non-random sampling techniques to complete a survey regarding health perceptions, pre-existing illnesses, health behaviors and social activity in their community. A total of 1474 people completed the survey. Positive factors reported were social participation and low rates of smoking. Negative factors included low rates of physical activity, high rates of obesity and high rates of chronic conditions that indicate significant risk factors for dementia in these communities. Although some factors are modifiable, these communities also have a large population of older residents. This study suggests that community interventions could modify lifestyle risk factors in these rural communities. These lifestyle factors, age of residents and the current chronic conditions are also important for rural service planning to increase preventive actions, and warn of the likely increase in the number of people developing chronic conditions with predispositon to dementia.
- Authors: Ervin, Kaye , Pallant, Julie , Terry, Daniel , Bourke, Lisa , Pierce, David , Glenister, Kristen
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aims Medical Science Vol. 2, no. 3 (2015), p. 246-260
- Full Text:
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- Description: It is essential to determine the key health risk factors among populations to specifically plan future services and explore interventions that modify risk factors for communities. This aims to reduce risks and delay the onset of chronic conditions, which frequently results in dementia, particularly for small rural communities which experience health workforce shortages, a higher proportion of those in the chronic conditions age group, and reduced access to care. The aim of the study was to determine existing rates of chronic disease, and current lifestyle and sociodemographic factors which may predispose the population to higher risk of dementia. Residents from three shires in rural Victoria, Australia were recruited by random and non-random sampling techniques to complete a survey regarding health perceptions, pre-existing illnesses, health behaviors and social activity in their community. A total of 1474 people completed the survey. Positive factors reported were social participation and low rates of smoking. Negative factors included low rates of physical activity, high rates of obesity and high rates of chronic conditions that indicate significant risk factors for dementia in these communities. Although some factors are modifiable, these communities also have a large population of older residents. This study suggests that community interventions could modify lifestyle risk factors in these rural communities. These lifestyle factors, age of residents and the current chronic conditions are also important for rural service planning to increase preventive actions, and warn of the likely increase in the number of people developing chronic conditions with predispositon to dementia.
Effective strategies adopted by migrants to improve food security in Tasmania
- Terry, Daniel, Yeoh, Joanne Sin Wei, Le, Quynh, McManamey, Rosa
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Yeoh, Joanne Sin Wei , Le, Quynh , McManamey, Rosa
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Food Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal Vol. 4, no. 3-4 (2015), p. 1-13
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- Description: Accessibility, affordability, availability, and sustainability of food are vital for all to achieve food security. Specifically, attention should be given to people of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities such as migrants who settle in a new country. When migrants first reach the host country, they may encounter different food security challenges. Thus, various strategies are required to promote greater food security among migrants. This study aims to investigate the acculturation strategies adopted by migrants to improve their food security in Tasmania. A mixed methods approach using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews was used to gather data from 301 questionnaire participants and 33 interviewees. The data indicated that 42.2% of migrants replaced cultural ingredients with other locally sourced items and 25.8% of migrants went without, while, 46.0% of the participants received ongoing support from friends in terms of food access. These were three strategies that were utilised by many migrants in this study. Loglinear analysis and chi-square tests showed that region of origin and length of stay in Tasmania were factors that influenced migrants’ attitudes in coping with food security issues. Interview data revealed six main acculturation strategies: access from other places; adaptation; home gardening; equipping self with food knowledge; support from social networks; and access to technology. In addition, social and cultural capital was also vital in improving migrants’ food security. Overall, migrants employed different strategies for food security while acculturating into the new environment. These strategies employed may guide policy among various government or private sector organisations that seek to address food security issues and enhance migrants’ food security.
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Yeoh, Joanne Sin Wei , Le, Quynh , McManamey, Rosa
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Food Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal Vol. 4, no. 3-4 (2015), p. 1-13
- Full Text:
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- Description: Accessibility, affordability, availability, and sustainability of food are vital for all to achieve food security. Specifically, attention should be given to people of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities such as migrants who settle in a new country. When migrants first reach the host country, they may encounter different food security challenges. Thus, various strategies are required to promote greater food security among migrants. This study aims to investigate the acculturation strategies adopted by migrants to improve their food security in Tasmania. A mixed methods approach using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews was used to gather data from 301 questionnaire participants and 33 interviewees. The data indicated that 42.2% of migrants replaced cultural ingredients with other locally sourced items and 25.8% of migrants went without, while, 46.0% of the participants received ongoing support from friends in terms of food access. These were three strategies that were utilised by many migrants in this study. Loglinear analysis and chi-square tests showed that region of origin and length of stay in Tasmania were factors that influenced migrants’ attitudes in coping with food security issues. Interview data revealed six main acculturation strategies: access from other places; adaptation; home gardening; equipping self with food knowledge; support from social networks; and access to technology. In addition, social and cultural capital was also vital in improving migrants’ food security. Overall, migrants employed different strategies for food security while acculturating into the new environment. These strategies employed may guide policy among various government or private sector organisations that seek to address food security issues and enhance migrants’ food security.
Glycaemic control among rural health consumers : a retrospective study of a diabetes center
- Terry, Daniel, Glenister, Kristen, Kilmartin, John, Kilmartin, Gloria, Sands, Rob, Fowler, Jeremy, Wright, Julian
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Glenister, Kristen , Kilmartin, John , Kilmartin, Gloria , Sands, Rob , Fowler, Jeremy , Wright, Julian
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Advances in Diabetes and Metabolism Vol. 3, no. 2 (2015), p. 11-15
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- Description: Aim: The aim of this paper is to highlight the successes of and challenges faced by a publically funded diabetes center in a regional area. Methods: Demographic and laboratory cross sectional data were collected from electronic patient records. Data from a patient’s very first test undertaken when attending the hospital and the latest test undertaken at the dabetes center were noted and included age, sex, residential postcode and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Results: A third of patients reached the therapeutic guideline of ‘very good control’ for HbA1c levels. Females had lower Hb1Ac levels, while males and those that lived further away from the diabetes center had higher levels of HbA1c. However, a significant improvement in glycaemic control among men and those who lived ‘out of town’ was noted, while the corresponding pattern for women was not evident. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that there was an overall improvement in diabetes control among health consumers who attend the regional diabetes center, however, female patients residing in town showed a negligible change over time. At risk’ patient groups may need further targeting for intensive intervention to achieve optimal diabetes control, even within the diabetes center.
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Glenister, Kristen , Kilmartin, John , Kilmartin, Gloria , Sands, Rob , Fowler, Jeremy , Wright, Julian
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Advances in Diabetes and Metabolism Vol. 3, no. 2 (2015), p. 11-15
- Full Text:
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- Description: Aim: The aim of this paper is to highlight the successes of and challenges faced by a publically funded diabetes center in a regional area. Methods: Demographic and laboratory cross sectional data were collected from electronic patient records. Data from a patient’s very first test undertaken when attending the hospital and the latest test undertaken at the dabetes center were noted and included age, sex, residential postcode and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Results: A third of patients reached the therapeutic guideline of ‘very good control’ for HbA1c levels. Females had lower Hb1Ac levels, while males and those that lived further away from the diabetes center had higher levels of HbA1c. However, a significant improvement in glycaemic control among men and those who lived ‘out of town’ was noted, while the corresponding pattern for women was not evident. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that there was an overall improvement in diabetes control among health consumers who attend the regional diabetes center, however, female patients residing in town showed a negligible change over time. At risk’ patient groups may need further targeting for intensive intervention to achieve optimal diabetes control, even within the diabetes center.
Quantifying and visualizing access to healthy food in a rural area of Australia : a spatial analysis
- Lê, Quynh, Nguyen, Hoang, Terry, Daniel, Dieters, Stefan, Auckland, Stuart, Long, Gretchen
- Authors: Lê, Quynh , Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel , Dieters, Stefan , Auckland, Stuart , Long, Gretchen
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Food Security Vol. 7, no. 5 (2015), p. 1017-1029
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- Description: A Geographical Information System (GIS) using ArcGIS tools was adopted to implement three types of spatial analysis: coverage, density and proximity, to evaluate the geographical access to healthy food of the populations in Dorset Municipality, Tasmania, Australia. Data on food outlets, the aggregated socioeconomic disadvantage index, locations, income and population were collected using the Tasmanian Food Outlet Audit and Tasmanian Healthy Food Basket tools. Spatial autocorrelation was conducted where appropriate to examine the relationship between locations and food access. Healthy food outlets were concentrated in the central areas, areas in proximity to the national road and areas of dense population. Their locations also favored the more socio-economically deprived or disadvantaged areas (Moran’s Index = 0.924, z-score = 5.187, p-value = 0.00 < 0.05). Spatial identification of food deserts in Dorset has been a pioneering attempt to visualize areas with the highest demand for improvement in healthy food access and may be applicable to other areas with similar characteristics. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht and International Society for Plant Pathology.
Quantifying and visualizing access to healthy food in a rural area of Australia : a spatial analysis
- Authors: Lê, Quynh , Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel , Dieters, Stefan , Auckland, Stuart , Long, Gretchen
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Food Security Vol. 7, no. 5 (2015), p. 1017-1029
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A Geographical Information System (GIS) using ArcGIS tools was adopted to implement three types of spatial analysis: coverage, density and proximity, to evaluate the geographical access to healthy food of the populations in Dorset Municipality, Tasmania, Australia. Data on food outlets, the aggregated socioeconomic disadvantage index, locations, income and population were collected using the Tasmanian Food Outlet Audit and Tasmanian Healthy Food Basket tools. Spatial autocorrelation was conducted where appropriate to examine the relationship between locations and food access. Healthy food outlets were concentrated in the central areas, areas in proximity to the national road and areas of dense population. Their locations also favored the more socio-economically deprived or disadvantaged areas (Moran’s Index = 0.924, z-score = 5.187, p-value = 0.00 < 0.05). Spatial identification of food deserts in Dorset has been a pioneering attempt to visualize areas with the highest demand for improvement in healthy food access and may be applicable to other areas with similar characteristics. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht and International Society for Plant Pathology.
Questionnaire development for strategic english learning : processes and outcomes
- Nguyen, Hoang, Terry, Daniel, Fan, Si
- Authors: Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel , Fan, Si
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of English Language Education Vol. 4, no. 1 (2015), p. 138
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- Description: This paper reports on the four-stage construction of the English Language Learning Strategy Questionnaire (ELLSQ), employed in a research study on language learning strategies (LLSs) among Vietnamese tertiary students. Firstly, a needs analysis for the questionnaire development is provided. Secondly, various steps in the adaptation and initial development of the ELLSQ are described in detail, including the review of relevant literature, consultation with survey experts, and focus group discussions with target learners. Thirdly, the refinement of the ELLSQ is addressed through the conduction of informal expert reviews; and finally, its validation through field pre-tests is reported. The reliability and validity of the ELLSQ was undertaken through a pilot test with participation of 97 students, who were part of the target population of the formal study. The main purpose of this pilot test was to ensure the workability of the instrument and to establish reliability, face and content validity of the questionnaire. Practical implications for future attempts are embedded regarding the construction of reliable and valid questionnaires in a new research discourse.
- Authors: Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel , Fan, Si
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of English Language Education Vol. 4, no. 1 (2015), p. 138
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper reports on the four-stage construction of the English Language Learning Strategy Questionnaire (ELLSQ), employed in a research study on language learning strategies (LLSs) among Vietnamese tertiary students. Firstly, a needs analysis for the questionnaire development is provided. Secondly, various steps in the adaptation and initial development of the ELLSQ are described in detail, including the review of relevant literature, consultation with survey experts, and focus group discussions with target learners. Thirdly, the refinement of the ELLSQ is addressed through the conduction of informal expert reviews; and finally, its validation through field pre-tests is reported. The reliability and validity of the ELLSQ was undertaken through a pilot test with participation of 97 students, who were part of the target population of the formal study. The main purpose of this pilot test was to ensure the workability of the instrument and to establish reliability, face and content validity of the questionnaire. Practical implications for future attempts are embedded regarding the construction of reliable and valid questionnaires in a new research discourse.
Rural community nurses : insights into health workforce and health service needs in Tasmania
- Terry, Daniel, Lê, Quynh, Hoang, Ha, Barrett, Annette
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Lê, Quynh , Hoang, Ha , Barrett, Annette
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society Vol. 5, no. 3 (2015), p. 109-120
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- Description: Abstract: Community nurses often work in isolation, particularly in rural areas where many other non-government adjunct health services are absent. At times, they feel overwhelmed, stressed and undervalued while undertaking diverse responsibilities. The study aimed to examine the benefits and challenges community nurses experience when working in rural and remote areas of Tasmania, Australia while determining the specialty skills and practices to meet rural health needs. An explorative research design using a phenomenological approach was adopted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a convenient sample of 15 community nurses from the North and North-west areas of Tasmania. This yielded insight into the rural workforce challenges, gaps in services and the community nurses' lived experience of providing adequate health services to these communities. The results indicated significant variations in the structure and type of community nursing services and a number of key challenges were identified within the profession. Despite these challenges community nurses interviewed indicated high levels of job satisfaction and long term employment. Given the diversity in both community nursing roles and factors impacting on the role further research is required to examine the exact roles and levels of integration between specialist and generalist community nursing roles while exploring and more clearly defining the role of the contemporary community nurse in Australia. Consideration should also be given to embracing community nursing diversity which is an important aspect of best practice for future community nursing.
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Lê, Quynh , Hoang, Ha , Barrett, Annette
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society Vol. 5, no. 3 (2015), p. 109-120
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Abstract: Community nurses often work in isolation, particularly in rural areas where many other non-government adjunct health services are absent. At times, they feel overwhelmed, stressed and undervalued while undertaking diverse responsibilities. The study aimed to examine the benefits and challenges community nurses experience when working in rural and remote areas of Tasmania, Australia while determining the specialty skills and practices to meet rural health needs. An explorative research design using a phenomenological approach was adopted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a convenient sample of 15 community nurses from the North and North-west areas of Tasmania. This yielded insight into the rural workforce challenges, gaps in services and the community nurses' lived experience of providing adequate health services to these communities. The results indicated significant variations in the structure and type of community nursing services and a number of key challenges were identified within the profession. Despite these challenges community nurses interviewed indicated high levels of job satisfaction and long term employment. Given the diversity in both community nursing roles and factors impacting on the role further research is required to examine the exact roles and levels of integration between specialist and generalist community nursing roles while exploring and more clearly defining the role of the contemporary community nurse in Australia. Consideration should also be given to embracing community nursing diversity which is an important aspect of best practice for future community nursing.
The anglo-celtic construction of national identity in Australia and the acculturation of the ‘other’ doctors
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Lê, Quynh
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Innovative Interdisciplinary Research Vol. 2, no. (2015), p. 63 - 76
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- Description: International Medical Graduates (IMG) remain integral to the Australian health workforce, particularly in rural areas. Stakeholders who recruit, support and acts as educators assist IMGs in their transition into and through the Australian health care setting. A study was conducted to examine IMGs and their acculturation in rural Tasmania. Twenty-three IMG stakeholders were interviewed regarding the challenges facing IMGs who live and work in rural Tasmania. Critical Discourse Analysis was used to determine if social power, dominance, and inequality are enacted and reproduced through the text and talk of stakeholders. The results indicate dominant views and practices were both intentionally and unintentionally produced within the Tasmanian health care setting. These issues were reported to be contributing to the marginalisation of IMGs in Tasmania, thus impacting on their retention. However, the participants were positive and respectful in their vocalisation of IMGs and their contribution to the Tasmanian health system and community
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Lê, Quynh
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Innovative Interdisciplinary Research Vol. 2, no. (2015), p. 63 - 76
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: International Medical Graduates (IMG) remain integral to the Australian health workforce, particularly in rural areas. Stakeholders who recruit, support and acts as educators assist IMGs in their transition into and through the Australian health care setting. A study was conducted to examine IMGs and their acculturation in rural Tasmania. Twenty-three IMG stakeholders were interviewed regarding the challenges facing IMGs who live and work in rural Tasmania. Critical Discourse Analysis was used to determine if social power, dominance, and inequality are enacted and reproduced through the text and talk of stakeholders. The results indicate dominant views and practices were both intentionally and unintentionally produced within the Tasmanian health care setting. These issues were reported to be contributing to the marginalisation of IMGs in Tasmania, thus impacting on their retention. However, the participants were positive and respectful in their vocalisation of IMGs and their contribution to the Tasmanian health system and community
The perceptions of community change through promoting positive sexual health : a teenage pregnancy program evaluation
- Lê, Quynh, Auckland, Stuart, Nguyen, Hoang, Terry, Daniel
- Authors: Lê, Quynh , Auckland, Stuart , Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 3, no. 2 (2015), p. 55-64
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- Description: Teenage pregnancy is associated with adverse social, economic and health outcomes for both mother and child. The factors frequently associated with teenage pregnancy or related sexual health issues include teenagers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about sex and other social-economic factors such as levels of poverty, academic success or failure, and parents' education. This paper reports on the evaluation of a teenage pregnancy program conducted in the Southern and North Western regions of Tasmania to address the high levels of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STIs) in these regions. The aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of the Teenage Pregnancy Programs by examining any evidence for a community change in attitudes and behaviours, and any changes in youth awareness about sexual health. The study adopted a qualitative approach and data were collected from a total of 25 participants (17 who were interviewed and eight who participated in focus groups) residing in the target regions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis using Nvivo 9.0. The study results indicated that the program was well managed and delivered. There were reported changes in the awareness, attitudes and behaviours regarding sexual health within the target communities, which were considered necessary for young people to make well informed choices. The evaluation of the program provides valuable knowledge regarding the processes and outcomes that may have application in future community based sexual health initiatives may be delivered into regional communities.
- Authors: Lê, Quynh , Auckland, Stuart , Nguyen, Hoang , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 3, no. 2 (2015), p. 55-64
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Teenage pregnancy is associated with adverse social, economic and health outcomes for both mother and child. The factors frequently associated with teenage pregnancy or related sexual health issues include teenagers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about sex and other social-economic factors such as levels of poverty, academic success or failure, and parents' education. This paper reports on the evaluation of a teenage pregnancy program conducted in the Southern and North Western regions of Tasmania to address the high levels of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STIs) in these regions. The aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of the Teenage Pregnancy Programs by examining any evidence for a community change in attitudes and behaviours, and any changes in youth awareness about sexual health. The study adopted a qualitative approach and data were collected from a total of 25 participants (17 who were interviewed and eight who participated in focus groups) residing in the target regions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis using Nvivo 9.0. The study results indicated that the program was well managed and delivered. There were reported changes in the awareness, attitudes and behaviours regarding sexual health within the target communities, which were considered necessary for young people to make well informed choices. The evaluation of the program provides valuable knowledge regarding the processes and outcomes that may have application in future community based sexual health initiatives may be delivered into regional communities.
The socio-economic and physical contributors to food insecurity in a rural community
- Lê, Quynh, Auckland, Stuart, Nguyen, Hoang, Murray, Sandra, Long, Gretchen, Terry, Daniel
- Authors: Lê, Quynh , Auckland, Stuart , Nguyen, Hoang , Murray, Sandra , Long, Gretchen , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: SAGE Open Vol. 5, no. 1 (2015), p.
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- Description: Australia is considered a highly food-secure nation; however, this is not always the case for every individual, household, and community. This article examines the physical and financial access to food of the population of Dorset, a rural municipality in North East Tasmania (Australia); the impact that socio-economic factors have on their food security; and the coping strategies they use when food shortages occur. A mixed-methods approach was used: Quantitative data were collected through the Tasmanian Household Food Security Survey and qualitative data through nine community focus groups conducted throughout the Dorset municipality. A total of 364 respondents (response rate 63%) completed the survey. Two main themes were identified within the data: food availability and food access. Food availability considered food origin, sustainability, and food production, whereas food access considered physical access, financial access, and other access issues such as awareness, skills, cultural preferences, and social support. The data revealed the wide-ranging effects of the importation of cheaper food alternatives, which had long-term implications not only on individuals' health but also on the economic health of the community. A number of respondents indicated they were at times unable to buy nutritious foods due to limited finances, which led some to go without food or use other strategies to feed themselves. This study highlights the inappropriateness of the continuation of individual behavior change as a policy focus, as many of the problems facing communities are beyond individual abilities. Thus, the implications for policy from this study are centered on providing further support for strategies that focus on ensuring equity and food security for all, particularly the rural inhabitants of many food-secure nations. © The Author(s) 2015.
- Authors: Lê, Quynh , Auckland, Stuart , Nguyen, Hoang , Murray, Sandra , Long, Gretchen , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: SAGE Open Vol. 5, no. 1 (2015), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Australia is considered a highly food-secure nation; however, this is not always the case for every individual, household, and community. This article examines the physical and financial access to food of the population of Dorset, a rural municipality in North East Tasmania (Australia); the impact that socio-economic factors have on their food security; and the coping strategies they use when food shortages occur. A mixed-methods approach was used: Quantitative data were collected through the Tasmanian Household Food Security Survey and qualitative data through nine community focus groups conducted throughout the Dorset municipality. A total of 364 respondents (response rate 63%) completed the survey. Two main themes were identified within the data: food availability and food access. Food availability considered food origin, sustainability, and food production, whereas food access considered physical access, financial access, and other access issues such as awareness, skills, cultural preferences, and social support. The data revealed the wide-ranging effects of the importation of cheaper food alternatives, which had long-term implications not only on individuals' health but also on the economic health of the community. A number of respondents indicated they were at times unable to buy nutritious foods due to limited finances, which led some to go without food or use other strategies to feed themselves. This study highlights the inappropriateness of the continuation of individual behavior change as a policy focus, as many of the problems facing communities are beyond individual abilities. Thus, the implications for policy from this study are centered on providing further support for strategies that focus on ensuring equity and food security for all, particularly the rural inhabitants of many food-secure nations. © The Author(s) 2015.