The Latrobe smoking support service : a quantitative study of participants in a regional area
- Porter, Joanne, Soldatenko, Daria, Borgelt, Kaye, Sewell, Lauren, Prokopiv, Valerie, Simic, Megan, James, Michelle, Reimers, Vaughan
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Soldatenko, Daria , Borgelt, Kaye , Sewell, Lauren , Prokopiv, Valerie , Simic, Megan , James, Michelle , Reimers, Vaughan
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Science Reports Vol. 7, no. 5 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background and Aims: More than 70% of current smokers in Australia have a definite plan to stop smoking and around half of them try to quit every year. Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) was commissioned by Gippsland Primary Health Network to establish Latrobe Smoking Support Service (LSSS) to break down barriers to accessing services and increase support for smoking cessation. This research aims to assess the feasibility of an ongoing smoking cessation support service and determine the effect the LSSS has on client smoking behavior. Methods: Quantitative data were collected for the LSSS situated at LCHS during the period from September 2021 to March 2022. A new client survey, a returning client survey, and a 6-week follow-up survey were conducted by Clinic staff. The consent forms were obtained from the clients. A total of 117 clients attended the LSSS at least once, and a further 315 returning client sessions were conducted. The data analysis was undertaken by means of various descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, such as multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The research findings demonstrate the strong positive effect of the LSSS in helping clients to change their smoking behavior. Results of multiple regression analysis highlight the significant role of behavioral intervention strategies in the LSSS's success. A combination of both nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and counseling was a key contributor to the project's success. Conclusion: This research proposed and tested the model of a smoking cessation support service that combines a comprehensive mix of services for smokers including free NRT, free counseling, and ongoing support of counselors or/and nurse practitioners. © 2024 The Authors. Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Soldatenko, Daria , Borgelt, Kaye , Sewell, Lauren , Prokopiv, Valerie , Simic, Megan , James, Michelle , Reimers, Vaughan
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Science Reports Vol. 7, no. 5 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background and Aims: More than 70% of current smokers in Australia have a definite plan to stop smoking and around half of them try to quit every year. Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) was commissioned by Gippsland Primary Health Network to establish Latrobe Smoking Support Service (LSSS) to break down barriers to accessing services and increase support for smoking cessation. This research aims to assess the feasibility of an ongoing smoking cessation support service and determine the effect the LSSS has on client smoking behavior. Methods: Quantitative data were collected for the LSSS situated at LCHS during the period from September 2021 to March 2022. A new client survey, a returning client survey, and a 6-week follow-up survey were conducted by Clinic staff. The consent forms were obtained from the clients. A total of 117 clients attended the LSSS at least once, and a further 315 returning client sessions were conducted. The data analysis was undertaken by means of various descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, such as multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The research findings demonstrate the strong positive effect of the LSSS in helping clients to change their smoking behavior. Results of multiple regression analysis highlight the significant role of behavioral intervention strategies in the LSSS's success. A combination of both nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and counseling was a key contributor to the project's success. Conclusion: This research proposed and tested the model of a smoking cessation support service that combines a comprehensive mix of services for smokers including free NRT, free counseling, and ongoing support of counselors or/and nurse practitioners. © 2024 The Authors. Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Early years family violence advisor project evaluation 2021-2023
- Porter, Joanne, Bailey, Carolyn, Peck, Blake, Prokopiv, Valerie, Simic, Megan, Borgelt, Kaye
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Bailey, Carolyn , Peck, Blake , Prokopiv, Valerie , Simic, Megan , Borgelt, Kaye
- Date: 2023
- Type: Report
- Full Text:
- Description: The Early Years Family Violence Advisor (EYFVA) project commenced in 2019 following recommendations arising from the Family Violence Royal Commission with the introduction of the role supported by Quantum. The EYFVA was designed to provide expertise and support for workers in the antenatal and early years sectors to identify and respond to family violence with their clients, whether they are experiencing family violence or perpetrating family violence. The Advisor role is part of a one-year Capacity Building Pilot for the South Gippsland local government area and antenatal and paediatric staff at West Gippsland Healthcare Group, which draws the majority of patients from the Baw Baw catchment area. The Advisor encourages joint practice and collaboration to assist in providing an enhanced response to family violence which promotes the benefits of a catchment-wide understanding and collaborative response to family violence. The project stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommenced with the appointment of a new Advisor in September 2021. This evaluation document is reporting the findings of the pilot program from 2021 to June 2023.
- Authors: Porter, Joanne , Bailey, Carolyn , Peck, Blake , Prokopiv, Valerie , Simic, Megan , Borgelt, Kaye
- Date: 2023
- Type: Report
- Full Text:
- Description: The Early Years Family Violence Advisor (EYFVA) project commenced in 2019 following recommendations arising from the Family Violence Royal Commission with the introduction of the role supported by Quantum. The EYFVA was designed to provide expertise and support for workers in the antenatal and early years sectors to identify and respond to family violence with their clients, whether they are experiencing family violence or perpetrating family violence. The Advisor role is part of a one-year Capacity Building Pilot for the South Gippsland local government area and antenatal and paediatric staff at West Gippsland Healthcare Group, which draws the majority of patients from the Baw Baw catchment area. The Advisor encourages joint practice and collaboration to assist in providing an enhanced response to family violence which promotes the benefits of a catchment-wide understanding and collaborative response to family violence. The project stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommenced with the appointment of a new Advisor in September 2021. This evaluation document is reporting the findings of the pilot program from 2021 to June 2023.
Student-led pop-up health check clinics : innovative health prevention strategy for a low socioeconomic community
- Coombs, Nicole, Sewell, Lauren, Jackson, Megan, Borgelt, Kaye, Lee, Jessica, Porter, Joanne
- Authors: Coombs, Nicole , Sewell, Lauren , Jackson, Megan , Borgelt, Kaye , Lee, Jessica , Porter, Joanne
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Primary Health Vol. 29, no. 6 (2023), p. 606-612
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- Description: Background. To improve preventative health screening in regional Victoria, Australia, a collaborative student-led health prevention strategy was initiated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of four health check clinics using a free ‘pop-up’ format within community settings. Methods. A mixed methods, explanatory sequential design was used to explore community health data and participant experiences in utilising the free health check clinics. The clinics were delivered over 6 months and located in three different communities within the regional government area. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse participant health data and a thematic analysis was utilised to determine themes from participant feedback and health outcomes. Results. The clinics were attended by 188 community members, largely impacted by government lockdowns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Health check results indicate the population is overweight and at high risk of diabetes. Participants enjoyed the free and convenient nature of the health check program and the location of the venues. Feedback from participants indicate the health education provided was useful and advocated for changes in current behaviours. Many embraced the new information and community connections and made changes to improve their future health. Others claimed to enjoy the clinic experience but reported no action from the recommendations. Conclusions. Evaluation of the health check clinics indicate they had a minor, yet positive impact on the local community in increasing engagement with preventative screening strategies. COVID-19 restrictions impacted participant numbers and thus more research is needed in a time where community movement is not limited. © 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of La Trobe University.
- Authors: Coombs, Nicole , Sewell, Lauren , Jackson, Megan , Borgelt, Kaye , Lee, Jessica , Porter, Joanne
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Primary Health Vol. 29, no. 6 (2023), p. 606-612
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background. To improve preventative health screening in regional Victoria, Australia, a collaborative student-led health prevention strategy was initiated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of four health check clinics using a free ‘pop-up’ format within community settings. Methods. A mixed methods, explanatory sequential design was used to explore community health data and participant experiences in utilising the free health check clinics. The clinics were delivered over 6 months and located in three different communities within the regional government area. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse participant health data and a thematic analysis was utilised to determine themes from participant feedback and health outcomes. Results. The clinics were attended by 188 community members, largely impacted by government lockdowns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Health check results indicate the population is overweight and at high risk of diabetes. Participants enjoyed the free and convenient nature of the health check program and the location of the venues. Feedback from participants indicate the health education provided was useful and advocated for changes in current behaviours. Many embraced the new information and community connections and made changes to improve their future health. Others claimed to enjoy the clinic experience but reported no action from the recommendations. Conclusions. Evaluation of the health check clinics indicate they had a minor, yet positive impact on the local community in increasing engagement with preventative screening strategies. COVID-19 restrictions impacted participant numbers and thus more research is needed in a time where community movement is not limited. © 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of La Trobe University.
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