List of Titles

Adolescents with chronic illnesses : School absenteeism, perceived peer aggression, and loneliness

- Shute, Rosalyn, Walsh, Christine

Authors: Shute, Rosalyn , Walsh, Christine
Date: 2005
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: The Scientific World Journal Vol. 5, no. (2005), p. 535-544
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Description: Frequent school absence is often cited as a risk factor for peer relationship problems in youngsters with chronic illnesses, but this assumption has not been subjected to quantitative empirical examination. This issue was examined in the present study by exploring the relationship between school absenteeism, peer aggression, and loneliness in adolescents with chronic illnesses. Forty-one adolescents with chronic illnesses completed a modified version of the Direct and Indirect Aggression Scale and the Asher Loneliness Scale. Details of school absences and hospitalizations were obtained from parents and school and hospital records. No evidence was found to support the notion that peer aggression and loneliness are related to absenteeism, but social aggression (for both boys and girls) and verbal aggression (more markedly for girls) were associated with loneliness. Of the group, 19% reported experiencing verbal aggression and 12% social aggression at least weekly; informal qualitative data suggesting that such aggression is often related to limited sporting ability and appearance. Interventions at both the individual and school community level are warranted.
Description: C1
Description: 2003001251

Managing panic disorder in general practice

- Austin, David, Blashki, Grant, Barton, David, Klein, Britt

Authors: Austin, David , Blashki, Grant , Barton, David , Klein, Britt
Date: 2005
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Australian Family Physician Vol. 34, no. 7 (2005), p. 563-571
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Description: BACKGROUND: Panic disorder (PD) is common in the community and contributes to significant distress and decreased quality of life for people who suffer from it. Most people with PD will present in the first instance to their general practitioner or hospital emergency department for assistance, often with a focus on somatic symptoms and concerns. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to assist the GP to manage this group of patients by providing an outline of aetiology, approaches to assessment, and common management strategies. DISCUSSION Although GPs have an important role to play in ruling out any causal organic basis for panic symptoms, the diagnosis of PD can usually be made as a positive diagnosis on the basis of careful history taking. Thorough and empathic education is a vital step in management. The prognosis for PD can be improved by lifestyle changes, specific psychological techniques, and the judicious use of pharmacotherapy.

Rural nursing unit managers : Education and support for the role

- Paliadelis, Penny

Authors: Paliadelis, Penny
Date: 2005
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Rural and remote health Vol. 5, no. 1 (January 2005), p. 325
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Description: INTRODUCTION: Nursing unit managers (NUMs) occupy the often unenviable position of first-line management in many health services in Australia. As such, their role is complex and multifaceted requiring an intertwining of their clinical and managerial responsibilities. While there is an abundance of studies that explore and describe the various management roles in many professions and industries, little is known about the experiences of nurses as managers, particularly in rural settings. This article focuses on the education and support needs of rural nursing unit managers. METHODS: A qualitative study design was used to explore the stories of a number of nursing unit managers in rural New South Wales, Australia. Data was collected using semi-structured individual interviews. Data was analysed using a voice-relational method as a framework for more clearly hearing the voices of participants. This method of data analysis is particularly useful for hearing from those who do not usually have a 'strong' voice, for gaining an understanding of the context of the interviews, and for acknowledging the role of the researcher in the research process. All NUMs employed in a single regional health authority in rural Australia were invited to participate. RESULTS: Out of 42 NUMs in the region, 20 agreed to be interviewed. Nursing unit managers were asked to reflect on their experiences prior to and during the early days within the position. In summary, all the NUMs: believed they were promoted because of their clinical expertise; felt unprepared for the managerial and administrative aspects of their role; continued to identify as nurses rather than as managers; found the role isolated them from their former peer group. Those employed in small facilities had limited opportunities for education and peer support. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the NUMs' experiences and suggestions, the following information would have helped them to cope with the demands of their new role: information and discussions about the role expectations of first-line manager, from both an employee and employer perspective; human resource and financial management skill development; leadership skills; negotiation and conflict resolution; a clear and realistic role description.

Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of squash venue operators relating to use of protective eyewear

- Eime, Rochelle, Finch, Caroline, Owen, Neville, Gifford, Sandra, Vear, Paul

Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Finch, Caroline , Owen, Neville , Gifford, Sandra , Vear, Paul
Date: 2004
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion Vol. 11, no. 1 (2004), p. 47-53
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Description: Sports venues are in a position to potentially influence the safety practices of their patrons. This study examined the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of venue operators that could influence the use of protective eyewear by squash players. A 50% random sample of all private and public squash venues affiliated with the Victorian Squash Federation in metropolitan Melbourne was selected. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 squash venue operators during August 2001. Interviews were transcribed and content and thematic analyses were performed. The content of the interviews covered five topics: (1) overall injury risk perception, (2) eye injury occurrence, (3) knowledge, behaviors, attitudes and beliefs associated with protective eyewear, (4) compulsory protective eyewear and (5) availability of protective eyewear at venues. Venue operators were mainly concerned with the severe nature of eye injuries, rather than the relatively low incidence of these injuries. Some venue operators believed that players should wear any eyewear, rather than none at all, and believed that more players should use protective eyewear. Generally, they did not believe that players with higher levels of experience and expertise needed to wear protective eyewear when playing. Only six venues had at least one type of eyewear available for players to hire or borrow or to purchase. Operators expressed a desire to be informed about correct protective eyewear. Appropriate protective eyewear is not readily available at squash venues. Better-informed venue operators may be more likely to provide suitable protective eyewear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Injury Control & Safety Promotion is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Description: 2003001113

What works for therapists conducting family meetings : Treatment integrity in family-focused grief therapy during palliative care and bereavement

- Chan, Eunice, O'Neill, Imogen, McKenzie, Maria, Love, Anthony, Kissane, David

Authors: Chan, Eunice , O'Neill, Imogen , McKenzie, Maria , Love, Anthony , Kissane, David
Date: 2004
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management Vol. 27, no. 6 (2004), p. 502-512
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Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment integrity of Family-focused Grief Therapy (FFGT), a preventive intervention designed for families at high risk of poor functioning during palliative care and bereavement. From the 81 families participating in a randomized controlled trial (53 assigned to therapy), 28 were randomly selected for this study of treatment fidelity using the ITGT integrity measure. A total of 109 family sessions were appraised. This represented a review of 62 % of treated families, 38 % of total therapy sessions, and 87% of the 15 participating therapists. Weighted mean percentage occurences therapist behaviors permitted trends in therapy application to be observed. Inter-rater reliability using the FFGT integrity measure was satisfactory, with 88 % overall agreement. Eighty-six percent of therapists adhered faithfully to core elements of the model. Therapist competence was evidenced by a strong therapeutic alliance (94 %), affirmation of family strengths in over 90%, and focus on agreed themes in 76 % of sessions. Therapists averaged 10 grief-related questions per session, 7 on communication-related issues during assessment, 7 on conflict late in therapy, and 4 on cohesiveness across the course of therapy. Consistent application of FFGT, with attention to its low-key themes of family communication, cohesiveness, conflict resolution, and shared grief has been demonstrated. The model is generalizable when applied by family therapists. (C) 2004 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A critical evaluation of the Australian accident classification standard

- Viner, D., Harvey, Jack, Borys, David

Authors: Viner, D. , Harvey, Jack , Borys, David
Date: 2003
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Safety in Australia Vol. 25, no. 2 (2003), p. 27-39
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Description: The researchers undertook a study involving post-graduate occupational health and safety students at the University of Ballarat designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Australian standard for classifying accidents. The results showed that the classification scheme has significant limitations which may impact upon the setting of prevention priorities at the national, state, industry and organisational levels of the system for risk control.
Description: C3
Description: 2003002690

An exploration of the role that expert knowledge plays in the assessment of undergraduate clinical competence: registered nurses' experiences

- Paliadelis, Penny, Cruickshank, Mary

Authors: Paliadelis, Penny , Cruickshank, Mary
Date: 2003
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Rural and remote health Vol. 3, no. 2 (2003 2003), p. 191-191
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Description: INTRODUCTION: This phenomenological study, conducted in rural Australia, explored the experiences of registered nurses (RNs) responsible for assessing the clinical competence of undergraduate nursing students. The purpose of the study was to gain insight into the experiences of a group of registered nurses who assess student competence by exploring how they perform the assessment process. A key assumption on which this study was based is that the participants are 'expert nurses', as defined by Benner. METHOD: Participants were recruited using purposive sampling from a population of registered nurses who assessed the clinical performance of undergraduate nursing students studying at a rural university in New South Wales, Australia. Individual unstructured interviews were conducted and audiotaped with the participants' permission. The analysed data were given to all participants to check for accuracy and validation and a thematic analysis of the data was conducted. RESULTS: Four themes were identified; the major theme, described in this article, was identified in all the narratives. The participants all acknowledged that they use their expert nursing knowledge to assist them when assessing the clinical competence of nursing students. The participants used a variety of terms to describe this type of knowledge such as intuition, instinct, gut feeling and 'just knowing'. CONCLUSION: While the findings of this study confirmed that experienced nurses unconsciously use their expert nursing knowledge when making decisions about students' competence, the findings also indicated a lack of awareness or underestimation of the value of expert clinical knowledge. These findings reinforce the need for further investigation to determine the role of expert nursing knowledge in the clinical competency assessment process. This is particularly significant for rural registered nurses employed in small health-care facilities, who often assume the role of assessors of student clinical competence.

Arsenic contamination in Bangladesh groundwater : A major environmental and social disaster

- Alam, M. G. M., Allinson, Graeme, Stagnitti, Frank, Tanaka, A., Westbrooke, Martin

Authors: Alam, M. G. M. , Allinson, Graeme , Stagnitti, Frank , Tanaka, A. , Westbrooke, Martin
Date: 2002
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: International Journal of Environmental Health Research Vol. 12, no. 3 (2002), p. 236-253
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Description: In attempting to eliminate disease caused by drinking polluted surface water, millions of shallow surface wells were drilled into the Ganges delta alluvium in Bangladesh. The latest statistics indicate that 80% of Bangladesh and an estimated 40 million people are at risk of arsenic poisoning-related diseases because the ground water in these wells is contaminated with arsenic. The clinical manifestations of arsenic poisoning are myriad, and the correct diagnosis depends largely on awareness of the problem. Patients with melanosis, leuco-melanosis, keratosis, hyperkeratosis, dorsum, non-petting edema, gangrene and skin cancer have been identified. The present article reviews the current arsenic contamination of ground water, hydrological systems, groundwater potential and utilization and environmental pollution in Bangladesh. This paper concludes by clarifying the main actions required to ensure the sustainable development of water resources in Bangladesh.
Description: 2003000124

Reducing the energy cost of dragging sheep during sheep shearing

- Payne, Warren, Culvenor, John, Lawrance, Michael, Harvey, Jack, Cowley, Stephen, Stuart, David, Williams, Robyn

Authors: Payne, Warren , Culvenor, John , Lawrance, Michael , Harvey, Jack , Cowley, Stephen , Stuart, David , Williams, Robyn
Date: 2002
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand Vol. 18, no. 2 (2002), p. 173-179
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Description: The task of dragging sheep into position for shearing has been reported by shearers as the most physically demanding and one of the highest injury risk aspects of shearing, particularly with regard to back injury. This study aimed to identify which of the currently used drag paths induced the lowest energy consumption and risk of injury. The drag path with the lowest work economy (oxygen cost per sheep dragged per minute) and highest injury risk is used by left-handed shearers who are shearing from a workstation which is designed for right-handed shearers. Importantly, there were no significant differences in the work economy of the two drag paths which were used most frequently and which involved the lowest injury risk. These data have been used in advocating the adoption of simple shearing shed design solutions to assist in the control of injury risk and energy expenditure in the wool industry.
Description: 2003000247

A dispersed refuge model for women escaping domestic violence : A regional case study

- McDonald, John, Green, Rosemary

Authors: McDonald, John , Green, Rosemary
Date: 2001
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Australian Journal of Primary Health Vol. 7, no. 1 (2001), p. 85-89
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Description: Refuges for women escaping domestic violence have traditionally been communal residences located in metropolitan areas. More recently, alternative service models have been funded to provide for clients with multiple and complex needs. This paper evaluates the first year of operation of an innovative refuge model for women and their children. "Marg's Place" is a statewide, high security, dispersed accommodation support model located in a regional setting. Evaluation methods included interviews, surveys, and analysis of client databases and program documents. Thirty-five women and 42 children used the service for an average stay of 20 days during the first 12 months. The main findings were that the dispersed model can cater for a wide range of service users, including those with multiple and complex needs, who would be unlikely to be successfully accommodated in a communal refuge. There was little evidence that the dispersed model contributes to feelings of isolation or loneliness for women or children. The regional setting presented both advantages and disadvantages for women wanting to resettle in the area. Women reported significantly enhanced levels of empowerment, and the high security provisions met their needs for safety. Overall, this refuge model provides an accessible, responsive and effective service.
Description: 2003004475

Evidence-based health care and community nursing : Issues and challenges

- McDonald, John, Smith, Janine

Authors: McDonald, John , Smith, Janine
Date: 2001
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association Vol. 24, no. 3 (2001), p. 133-140
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Description: This paper examines the implications of the movement towards evidence-based health care for community-based, primary health care nursing in Australia. While both aim to improve health status, we argue that they are antithetical in many respects. Community nurse practitioners draw upon primary health care principles and adopt a holistic, preventive, empowering approach to working with and in communities. By contrast, evidence-based approaches utilise systematic reviews of primarily quantitative research to inform decisions about health at three levels: public health, the health care system, and individual patients. In response to this challenge, community nurses must reiterate their philosophies and practice models. Moreover, it is imperative to produce verifiable evidence of the effectiveness of their approach while mounting a thorough critique of the evidence-based movement.
Description: 2003004331

Using global optimization to improve classification for medical diagnosis and prognosis

- Bagirov, Adil, Rubinov, Alex, Yearwood, John

Authors: Bagirov, Adil , Rubinov, Alex , Yearwood, John
Date: 2001
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Topics in health information management Vol. 22, no. 1 (2001), p. 65-74
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Description: Global optimization-based techniques are studied in order to increase the accuracy of medical diagnosis and prognosis with data from various databases. First, we discuss feature selection, the problem of determining the most informative features for classification in the databases under consideration. Then, we apply a technique based on convex and global optimization for classification in these databases. The third application of this technique is a method that calculates centers of clusters to predict when breast cancer is likely to recur in patients for which cancer has been removed. The technique achieves high accuracy with these databases. Better classifiers will lead to improved assistance in making medical diagnostic and prognostic decisions.
Description: 2003003662

Translating Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Sports-Related Concussion Into Practice

- Donaldson, Alex, Newton, Joshua, McCrory, Paul, White, Peta, Davis, Gavin, Makdissi, Michael, Finch, Caroline

Authors: Donaldson, Alex , Newton, Joshua , McCrory, Paul , White, Peta , Davis, Gavin , Makdissi, Michael , Finch, Caroline
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Volume 10, Issue 2, (2016) p.120-135
Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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Description: Sports injuries are a significant clinical and public health concern. There is a growing call to improve the translation of available evidence-based and expert-informed sports injury prevention interventions into sustained use in practice by physicians and others (eg, athletic trainers, coaches, and parents) who care for injured athletes. This article provides a brief overview of the current sport injury prevention implementation literature before focusing specifically on the translation of guidelines (including consensus and position statements) developed to assist physicians and others diagnose and manage athletes with sport-related concussion and the associated return-to-play decisions. The outcomes of more than 20 published studies indicate that physician, athletic trainer, coach, parent, and athlete knowledge, use of, and compliance with sport-related concussion guidelines are limited. More concerted, coordinated, and theory-informed efforts are required to facilitate the widespread dissemination, translation, and implementation of such guidelines. An example is provided of how implementation drivers could be used to inform the development of a comprehensive, multilevel implementation strategy targeting the individual, organizational, and system-level changes necessary to support the translation of available sport-related concussion guidelines in both the clinical and sports settings.

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