Social geography and rural mental health research
- Authors: Boyd, Candice , Parr, H
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural and Remote Health Vol. 8, no. (2008), p. 1-5
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- Description: C1
- Authors: Boyd, Candice , Parr, H
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural and Remote Health Vol. 8, no. (2008), p. 1-5
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: C1
The impact of environmental, vehicle and driver characteristics on injury severity in older drivers hospitalized as a result of a traffic crash
- Boufous, Soufiane, Finch, Caroline, Hayen, Andrew, Williamson, Ann
- Authors: Boufous, Soufiane , Finch, Caroline , Hayen, Andrew , Williamson, Ann
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Safety Research Vol. 39, no. 1 (2008), p. 65-72
- Full Text:
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- Description: Introduction: Compared to younger age groups, older people are more likely to be seriously injured or to die as a result of a traffic crash. Method: The aim of the study is to examine the impact of environmental, vehicle, crash, and driver characteristics on injury severity in older drivers involved in traffic crashes by using recently linked police crash records and hospitalization data from New South Wales, Australia. The severity of injury resulting from traffic crashes was measured using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) Injury Severity Score (ICISS). Results: Multivariate analysis identified rurality, presence of complex intersections, road speed limit, driver error, speeding, and seat belt use as independent predictors of injury severity in older people. The type of intersection configuration explained over half of the observed variations in injury severity. Impact on Industry: Environmental modification such as intersection treatments might contribute to a decrease in the severity of injury in older people involved in road crashes.
- Description: 2003006544
- Authors: Boufous, Soufiane , Finch, Caroline , Hayen, Andrew , Williamson, Ann
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Safety Research Vol. 39, no. 1 (2008), p. 65-72
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Compared to younger age groups, older people are more likely to be seriously injured or to die as a result of a traffic crash. Method: The aim of the study is to examine the impact of environmental, vehicle, crash, and driver characteristics on injury severity in older drivers involved in traffic crashes by using recently linked police crash records and hospitalization data from New South Wales, Australia. The severity of injury resulting from traffic crashes was measured using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) Injury Severity Score (ICISS). Results: Multivariate analysis identified rurality, presence of complex intersections, road speed limit, driver error, speeding, and seat belt use as independent predictors of injury severity in older people. The type of intersection configuration explained over half of the observed variations in injury severity. Impact on Industry: Environmental modification such as intersection treatments might contribute to a decrease in the severity of injury in older people involved in road crashes.
- Description: 2003006544
GP and nurses' perceptions of how after hours care for people receiving palliative care at home could be improved : A mixed methods study
- Tan, Heather, O'Connor, Margaret, Miles, Gail, Klein, Britt, Schattner, Peter
- Authors: Tan, Heather , O'Connor, Margaret , Miles, Gail , Klein, Britt , Schattner, Peter
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Palliative Care Vol. 8, no. (2009), p. 13
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- Description: BACKGROUND: Primary health care providers play a dominant role in the provision of palliative care (PC) in Australia but many gaps in after hours service remain. In some rural areas only 19% of people receiving palliative care achieve their goal of dying at home. This study, which builds on an earlier qualitative phase of the project, investigates the gaps in care from the perspective of general practitioners (GPs) and PC nurses. METHODS: Questionnaires, developed from the outcomes of the earlier phase, and containing both structured and open ended questions, were distributed through Divisions of General Practice (1 urban, 1 rural, 1 mixed) to GPs (n = 524) and through a special interest group to palliative care nurses (n = 122) in both rural and urban areas. RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 114 GPs (22%) and 52 nurses (43%). The majority of GPs were associated with a practice which provided some after hours services but PC was not a strong focus for most. This was reflected in low levels of PC training, limited awareness of the existence of after hours triage services in their area, and of the availability of Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Medicare items for care planning for palliative patients. However, more than half of both nurses and GPs were aware of accessible PC resources.Factors such as poor communication and limited availability of after hours services were identified the as most likely to impact negatively on service provision. Strategies considered most likely to improve after hours services were individual patient protocols, palliative care trained respite carers and regular multidisciplinary meetings that included the GP. CONCLUSION: While some of the identified gaps can only be met by long term funding and policy change, educational tools for use in training programs in PC for health professionals, which focus on the utilisation of EPC Medicare items in palliative care planning, the development of advance care plans and good communication between members of multidisciplinary teams, which include the GP, may enhance after hours service provision for patients receiving palliative care at home. The role of locums in after PC is an area for further research.
- Authors: Tan, Heather , O'Connor, Margaret , Miles, Gail , Klein, Britt , Schattner, Peter
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Palliative Care Vol. 8, no. (2009), p. 13
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: BACKGROUND: Primary health care providers play a dominant role in the provision of palliative care (PC) in Australia but many gaps in after hours service remain. In some rural areas only 19% of people receiving palliative care achieve their goal of dying at home. This study, which builds on an earlier qualitative phase of the project, investigates the gaps in care from the perspective of general practitioners (GPs) and PC nurses. METHODS: Questionnaires, developed from the outcomes of the earlier phase, and containing both structured and open ended questions, were distributed through Divisions of General Practice (1 urban, 1 rural, 1 mixed) to GPs (n = 524) and through a special interest group to palliative care nurses (n = 122) in both rural and urban areas. RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 114 GPs (22%) and 52 nurses (43%). The majority of GPs were associated with a practice which provided some after hours services but PC was not a strong focus for most. This was reflected in low levels of PC training, limited awareness of the existence of after hours triage services in their area, and of the availability of Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Medicare items for care planning for palliative patients. However, more than half of both nurses and GPs were aware of accessible PC resources.Factors such as poor communication and limited availability of after hours services were identified the as most likely to impact negatively on service provision. Strategies considered most likely to improve after hours services were individual patient protocols, palliative care trained respite carers and regular multidisciplinary meetings that included the GP. CONCLUSION: While some of the identified gaps can only be met by long term funding and policy change, educational tools for use in training programs in PC for health professionals, which focus on the utilisation of EPC Medicare items in palliative care planning, the development of advance care plans and good communication between members of multidisciplinary teams, which include the GP, may enhance after hours service provision for patients receiving palliative care at home. The role of locums in after PC is an area for further research.
Parent/caregiver supervision and child injury : A systematic review of critical dimensions for understanding this relationship
- Petrass, Lauren, Blitvich, Jennifer, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Family & Community Health Vol. 33, no. 2 (Apr-Jun 2009), p. 123-135
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- Description: This study reviewed the relationship between recognized dimensions of supervision and children's injuries based on Saluja et al's (Injury Control and Safety Promotion. 2004; 11: 17-22) hierarchal model of supervision strategies. A systematic review of peer-review studies was clone with the earliest records available to 2007. There were 112 potentially relevant articles identified; 31 studies met all inclusion criteria. Reported Studies were categorized according to the dimensions Of supervision they addressed. Studies were not evenly distributed across the dimensions. There was evidence from the Study that directly linking dimensions of supervision to child injury risk and outcomes is scarce. future studies should consider attention, proximity, and continuity Of supervision to provide a holistic understanding of the relationship between Supervision and injury
- Description: 2003008201
- Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Family & Community Health Vol. 33, no. 2 (Apr-Jun 2009), p. 123-135
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study reviewed the relationship between recognized dimensions of supervision and children's injuries based on Saluja et al's (Injury Control and Safety Promotion. 2004; 11: 17-22) hierarchal model of supervision strategies. A systematic review of peer-review studies was clone with the earliest records available to 2007. There were 112 potentially relevant articles identified; 31 studies met all inclusion criteria. Reported Studies were categorized according to the dimensions Of supervision they addressed. Studies were not evenly distributed across the dimensions. There was evidence from the Study that directly linking dimensions of supervision to child injury risk and outcomes is scarce. future studies should consider attention, proximity, and continuity Of supervision to provide a holistic understanding of the relationship between Supervision and injury
- Description: 2003008201
Population-level estimates of child restraint practices among children aged 0-12 years in NSW, Australia
- Brown, Julie, Hatfield, Julie, Du, Wei, Finch, Caroline, Bilston, Lynne
- Authors: Brown, Julie , Hatfield, Julie , Du, Wei , Finch, Caroline , Bilston, Lynne
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Accident Analysis and Prevention Vol. 42, no. 6 (2010), p. 2144-2148
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
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- Description: This cross-sectional study provides population-referenced data on the restraints used and the extent of incorrect restraint use, among child vehicle passengers aged 0-12 years in NSW, Australia. A multistage stratified cluster sampling plan was used to randomly select vehicles from baby/child health clinics, pre-schools/day care centres, and primary schools across NSW to undergo detailed inspection of restraints used by child occupants within those vehicles. Overall, there were very high restraint usage rates (>99% of sampled children) but fewer than one quarter of children were using the correct size-appropriate restraints. Incorrect use (51.4%) was as common as inappropriate use (51.2%). Incorrect use was highest among users of dedicated child restraint systems (OR 16.0, 95% CI 6.9-36.0), and was more likely among those using size-appropriate restraints than those using inappropriate restraints (OR 1.8 95% CI 1.1-3.2); and among convertible restraints than those designed for a single mode of use (OR 1.5 95% CI 1.2-1.7). As incorrect use substantially reduces the protection from injury that is offered by child restraints, it is important that future strategies to reduce casualties among child occupants target both inappropriate and incorrect use. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Brown, Julie , Hatfield, Julie , Du, Wei , Finch, Caroline , Bilston, Lynne
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Accident Analysis and Prevention Vol. 42, no. 6 (2010), p. 2144-2148
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This cross-sectional study provides population-referenced data on the restraints used and the extent of incorrect restraint use, among child vehicle passengers aged 0-12 years in NSW, Australia. A multistage stratified cluster sampling plan was used to randomly select vehicles from baby/child health clinics, pre-schools/day care centres, and primary schools across NSW to undergo detailed inspection of restraints used by child occupants within those vehicles. Overall, there were very high restraint usage rates (>99% of sampled children) but fewer than one quarter of children were using the correct size-appropriate restraints. Incorrect use (51.4%) was as common as inappropriate use (51.2%). Incorrect use was highest among users of dedicated child restraint systems (OR 16.0, 95% CI 6.9-36.0), and was more likely among those using size-appropriate restraints than those using inappropriate restraints (OR 1.8 95% CI 1.1-3.2); and among convertible restraints than those designed for a single mode of use (OR 1.5 95% CI 1.2-1.7). As incorrect use substantially reduces the protection from injury that is offered by child restraints, it is important that future strategies to reduce casualties among child occupants target both inappropriate and incorrect use. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Statistical modelling for falls count data
- Ullah, Shahid, Finch, Caroline, Day, Lesley
- Authors: Ullah, Shahid , Finch, Caroline , Day, Lesley
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Accident Analysis and Prevention Vol. 42, no. 2 (2010), p. 384-392
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Falls and their injury outcomes have count distributions that are highly skewed toward the right with clumping at zero, posing analytical challenges. Different modelling approaches have been used in the published literature to describe falls count distributions, often without consideration of the underlying statistical and modelling assumptions. This paper compares the use of modified Poisson and negative binomial (NB) models as alternatives to Poisson (P) regression, for the analysis of fall outcome counts. Four different count-based regression models (P, NB, zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP), zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB)) were each individually fitted to four separate fall count datasets from Australia, New Zealand and United States. The finite mixtures of P and NB regression models were also compared to the standard NB model. Both analytical (F, Vuong and bootstrap tests) and graphical approaches were used to select and compare models. Simulation studies assessed the size and power of each model fit. This study confirms that falls count distributions are over-dispersed, but not dispersed due to excess zero counts or heterogeneous population. Accordingly, the P model generally provided the poorest fit to all datasets. The fit improved significantly with NB and both zero-inflated models. The fit was also improved with the NB model, compared to finite mixtures of both P and NB regression models. Although there was little difference in fit between NB and ZINB models, in the interests of parsimony it is recommended that future studies involving modelling of falls count data routinely use the NB models in preference to the P or ZINB or finite mixture distribution. The fact that these conclusions apply across four separate datasets from four different samples of older people participating in studies of different methodology, adds strength to this general guiding principle. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Ullah, Shahid , Finch, Caroline , Day, Lesley
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Accident Analysis and Prevention Vol. 42, no. 2 (2010), p. 384-392
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Falls and their injury outcomes have count distributions that are highly skewed toward the right with clumping at zero, posing analytical challenges. Different modelling approaches have been used in the published literature to describe falls count distributions, often without consideration of the underlying statistical and modelling assumptions. This paper compares the use of modified Poisson and negative binomial (NB) models as alternatives to Poisson (P) regression, for the analysis of fall outcome counts. Four different count-based regression models (P, NB, zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP), zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB)) were each individually fitted to four separate fall count datasets from Australia, New Zealand and United States. The finite mixtures of P and NB regression models were also compared to the standard NB model. Both analytical (F, Vuong and bootstrap tests) and graphical approaches were used to select and compare models. Simulation studies assessed the size and power of each model fit. This study confirms that falls count distributions are over-dispersed, but not dispersed due to excess zero counts or heterogeneous population. Accordingly, the P model generally provided the poorest fit to all datasets. The fit improved significantly with NB and both zero-inflated models. The fit was also improved with the NB model, compared to finite mixtures of both P and NB regression models. Although there was little difference in fit between NB and ZINB models, in the interests of parsimony it is recommended that future studies involving modelling of falls count data routinely use the NB models in preference to the P or ZINB or finite mixture distribution. The fact that these conclusions apply across four separate datasets from four different samples of older people participating in studies of different methodology, adds strength to this general guiding principle. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Towards evidence-informed sports safety policy for New South Wales, Australia : Assessing the readiness of the sector
- Poulos, Roslyn, Donaldson, Alex, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Poulos, Roslyn , Donaldson, Alex , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 16, no. 2 (2010), p. 127-131
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Authors: Poulos, Roslyn , Donaldson, Alex , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 16, no. 2 (2010), p. 127-131
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
A protocol for evidence-based targeting and evaluation of statewide strategies for preventing falls among community-dwelling older people in Victoria, Australia
- Day, Lesley, Finch, Caroline, Hill, Keith, Haines, Terry, Clemson, Lindy, Thomas, Margaret, Thompson, Catherine
- Authors: Day, Lesley , Finch, Caroline , Hill, Keith , Haines, Terry , Clemson, Lindy , Thomas, Margaret , Thompson, Catherine
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 17, no. 2 (2011), p. 1-8
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/546282
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Falls are a significant threat to the safety, health and independence of older citizens. Despite the now substantial evidence about effective falls prevention interventions, translation into falls reductions has not yet been fully realised. While the hip fracture rate is decreasing, the number and rate of fall-related hospital admissions among older people is increasing. The challenge now is to deliver the most effective interventions efficiently at a population level, and for these interventions to be taken up by older people. Objective: To support the development, and evaluation of, effective falls prevention policy and practice in the state of Victoria, Australia. Methods: The RE-AIM model (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) was used to identify strategies for an effective programme. Research objectives were developed to support the strategies. These include: (1) identification of subgroups of older people most frequently admitted to hospital for falls; (2) examining the acceptability of established falls interventions; (3) identification of factors that encourage and support relevant lifestyle changes; (4) identifying opportunities to incorporate confirmed interventions in existing programmes and services; (5) developing guidelines for sustainability. The research results will subsequently guide strategy details for the falls prevention plan. RE-AIM will provide the framework for the evaluation structure. Outcome measures: Measures to monitor the implementation of the selected interventions will be determined for each intervention, based on the five key factors of the RE-AIM model. The overall effect of the falls prevention plan will be monitored by time series analysis of fall-related hospital admission rates for community-dwelling older people.
- Authors: Day, Lesley , Finch, Caroline , Hill, Keith , Haines, Terry , Clemson, Lindy , Thomas, Margaret , Thompson, Catherine
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 17, no. 2 (2011), p. 1-8
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/546282
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Falls are a significant threat to the safety, health and independence of older citizens. Despite the now substantial evidence about effective falls prevention interventions, translation into falls reductions has not yet been fully realised. While the hip fracture rate is decreasing, the number and rate of fall-related hospital admissions among older people is increasing. The challenge now is to deliver the most effective interventions efficiently at a population level, and for these interventions to be taken up by older people. Objective: To support the development, and evaluation of, effective falls prevention policy and practice in the state of Victoria, Australia. Methods: The RE-AIM model (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) was used to identify strategies for an effective programme. Research objectives were developed to support the strategies. These include: (1) identification of subgroups of older people most frequently admitted to hospital for falls; (2) examining the acceptability of established falls interventions; (3) identification of factors that encourage and support relevant lifestyle changes; (4) identifying opportunities to incorporate confirmed interventions in existing programmes and services; (5) developing guidelines for sustainability. The research results will subsequently guide strategy details for the falls prevention plan. RE-AIM will provide the framework for the evaluation structure. Outcome measures: Measures to monitor the implementation of the selected interventions will be determined for each intervention, based on the five key factors of the RE-AIM model. The overall effect of the falls prevention plan will be monitored by time series analysis of fall-related hospital admission rates for community-dwelling older people.
Assessment of function and clinical utility of alcohol and other drug web sites: An observational, qualitative study
- Kay-Lambkin, Frances, White, Angela, Baker, Amanda, Kavanagh, David, Klein, Britt, Proudfoot, Judith, Drennan, Judy, Connor, Jason, Young, Ross
- Authors: Kay-Lambkin, Frances , White, Angela , Baker, Amanda , Kavanagh, David , Klein, Britt , Proudfoot, Judith , Drennan, Judy , Connor, Jason , Young, Ross
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Public Health Vol. 11, no. 277 (2011), p.1-10
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background The increasing popularity and use of the internet makes it an attractive option for providing health information and treatment, including alcohol/other drug use. There is limited research examining how people identify and access information about alcohol or other drug (AOD) use online, or how they assess the usefulness of the information presented. This study examined the strategies that individuals used to identify and navigate a range of AOD websites, along with the attitudes concerning presentation and content. Methods Members of the general community in Brisbane and Roma (Queensland, Australia) were invited to participate in a 30-minute search of the internet for sites related to AOD use, followed by a focus group discussion. Fifty one subjects participated in the study across nine focus groups. Results Participants spent a maximum of 6.5 minutes on any one website, and less if the user was under 25 years of age. Time spent was as little as 2 minutes if the website was not the first accessed. Participants recommended that AOD-related websites should have an engaging home or index page, which quickly and accurately portrayed the site's objectives, and provided clear site navigation options. Website content should clearly match the title and description of the site that is used by internet search engines. Participants supported the development of a portal for AOD websites, suggesting that it would greatly facilitate access and navigation. Treatment programs delivered online were initially viewed with caution. This appeared to be due to limited understanding of what constituted online treatment, including its potential efficacy. Conclusions A range of recommendations arise from this study regarding the design and development of websites, particularly those related to AOD use. These include prudent use of text and information on any one webpage, the use of graphics and colours, and clear, uncluttered navigation options. Implications for future website development are discussed.
- Authors: Kay-Lambkin, Frances , White, Angela , Baker, Amanda , Kavanagh, David , Klein, Britt , Proudfoot, Judith , Drennan, Judy , Connor, Jason , Young, Ross
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Public Health Vol. 11, no. 277 (2011), p.1-10
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background The increasing popularity and use of the internet makes it an attractive option for providing health information and treatment, including alcohol/other drug use. There is limited research examining how people identify and access information about alcohol or other drug (AOD) use online, or how they assess the usefulness of the information presented. This study examined the strategies that individuals used to identify and navigate a range of AOD websites, along with the attitudes concerning presentation and content. Methods Members of the general community in Brisbane and Roma (Queensland, Australia) were invited to participate in a 30-minute search of the internet for sites related to AOD use, followed by a focus group discussion. Fifty one subjects participated in the study across nine focus groups. Results Participants spent a maximum of 6.5 minutes on any one website, and less if the user was under 25 years of age. Time spent was as little as 2 minutes if the website was not the first accessed. Participants recommended that AOD-related websites should have an engaging home or index page, which quickly and accurately portrayed the site's objectives, and provided clear site navigation options. Website content should clearly match the title and description of the site that is used by internet search engines. Participants supported the development of a portal for AOD websites, suggesting that it would greatly facilitate access and navigation. Treatment programs delivered online were initially viewed with caution. This appeared to be due to limited understanding of what constituted online treatment, including its potential efficacy. Conclusions A range of recommendations arise from this study regarding the design and development of websites, particularly those related to AOD use. These include prudent use of text and information on any one webpage, the use of graphics and colours, and clear, uncluttered navigation options. Implications for future website development are discussed.
Clonal origins of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor strains, Papua New Guinea, 2009-2011
- Horwood, Paul, Collins, Deirdre, Jonduo, Marinjho, Rosewell, Alexander, Dutta, Samir, Dagina, Rosheila, Ropa, Berry, Siba, Peter, Greenhill, Andrew
- Authors: Horwood, Paul , Collins, Deirdre , Jonduo, Marinjho , Rosewell, Alexander , Dutta, Samir , Dagina, Rosheila , Ropa, Berry , Siba, Peter , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Emerging Infectious Diseases Vol. 17, no. 11 (2011), p. 2063-2065
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: We used multilocus sequence typing and variable number tandem repeat analysis to determine the clonal origins of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor strains from an outbreak of cholera that began in 2009 in Papua New Guinea. The epidemic is ongoing, and transmission risk is elevated within the Pacific region.
- Authors: Horwood, Paul , Collins, Deirdre , Jonduo, Marinjho , Rosewell, Alexander , Dutta, Samir , Dagina, Rosheila , Ropa, Berry , Siba, Peter , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Emerging Infectious Diseases Vol. 17, no. 11 (2011), p. 2063-2065
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: We used multilocus sequence typing and variable number tandem repeat analysis to determine the clonal origins of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor strains from an outbreak of cholera that began in 2009 in Papua New Guinea. The epidemic is ongoing, and transmission risk is elevated within the Pacific region.
Injury risk associated with ground hardness in junior cricket
- Twomey, Dara, White, Peta, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Twomey, Dara , White, Peta , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol.15 , no.2 (2011), p.110-115
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To establish if there is an association between ground hardness and injury risk in junior cricket. Nested case-series of players who played matches on specific grounds with objective ground hardness measures, within a prospective cohort study of junior community club cricket players. Monitoring of injuries and playing exposure occurred during 434 matches over the 2007/2008 playing season. Objective assessment of the hardness of 38 grounds was undertaken using a Clegg hammer at 13 sites on 19 different junior cricket grounds on the match eve across the season. Hardness readings were classified from unacceptably low (<30 g) to unacceptably high (>120 g) and two independent raters assessed the likelihood of each injury being related to ground hardness. Injuries sustained on tested grounds were related to the ground hardness measures. Overall, 31 match injuries were reported; 6.5% were rated as likely to be related to ground hardness, 16.1% as possibly related and 74.2% as unlikely to be related and 3.2% unknown. The two injuries likely to be related to ground hardness were sustained while diving to catch a ball resulting, in a graze/laceration from contact with hard ground. Overall, 31/38 (82%) ground assessments were rated as having 'unacceptably high' hardness and all others as 'high/normal' hardness. Only one injury occurred on an objectively tested ground. It remains unclear if ground hardness is a contributing factor to the most common injury mechanism of being struck by the ball, and needs to be confirmed in future larger-scale studies. © 2011 Sports Medicine Australia.
- Authors: Twomey, Dara , White, Peta , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol.15 , no.2 (2011), p.110-115
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To establish if there is an association between ground hardness and injury risk in junior cricket. Nested case-series of players who played matches on specific grounds with objective ground hardness measures, within a prospective cohort study of junior community club cricket players. Monitoring of injuries and playing exposure occurred during 434 matches over the 2007/2008 playing season. Objective assessment of the hardness of 38 grounds was undertaken using a Clegg hammer at 13 sites on 19 different junior cricket grounds on the match eve across the season. Hardness readings were classified from unacceptably low (<30 g) to unacceptably high (>120 g) and two independent raters assessed the likelihood of each injury being related to ground hardness. Injuries sustained on tested grounds were related to the ground hardness measures. Overall, 31 match injuries were reported; 6.5% were rated as likely to be related to ground hardness, 16.1% as possibly related and 74.2% as unlikely to be related and 3.2% unknown. The two injuries likely to be related to ground hardness were sustained while diving to catch a ball resulting, in a graze/laceration from contact with hard ground. Overall, 31/38 (82%) ground assessments were rated as having 'unacceptably high' hardness and all others as 'high/normal' hardness. Only one injury occurred on an objectively tested ground. It remains unclear if ground hardness is a contributing factor to the most common injury mechanism of being struck by the ball, and needs to be confirmed in future larger-scale studies. © 2011 Sports Medicine Australia.
Investing in big ideas: utilisation and cost of Medicare Allied Health services in Australia under the Chronic Disease Management initiative in primary care
- Cant, Robyn, Foster, Michele
- Authors: Cant, Robyn , Foster, Michele
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association Vol. 35, no. 4 (2011), p. 468-474
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To critically examine utilisation of the 13 allied health services provided through Medicare Chronic Disease Management program and related general practitioner (GP) care planning initiatives.
- Authors: Cant, Robyn , Foster, Michele
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association Vol. 35, no. 4 (2011), p. 468-474
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To critically examine utilisation of the 13 allied health services provided through Medicare Chronic Disease Management program and related general practitioner (GP) care planning initiatives.
Measuring children's self-reported sport participation, risk perception and injury history : Development and validation of a survey instrument
- Siesmaa, Emma, Blitvich, Jennifer, White, Peta, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Siesmaa, Emma , Blitvich, Jennifer , White, Peta , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 14, no. 1 (2011), p. 22-26
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite the health benefits associated with children's sport participation, the occurrence of injury in this context is common. The extent to which sport injuries impact children's ongoing involvement in sport is largely unknown. Surveys have been shown to be useful for collecting children's injury and sport participation data; however, there are currently no published instruments which investigate the impact of injury on children's sport participation. This study describes the processes undertaken to assess the validity of two survey instruments for collecting self-reported information about child cricket and netball related participation, injury history and injury risk perceptions, as well as the reliability of the cricket-specific version. Face and content validity were assessed through expert feedback from primary and secondary level teachers and from representatives of peak sporting bodies for cricket and netball. Test-retest reliability was measured using a sample of 59 child cricketers who completed the survey on two occasions, 3-4 weeks apart. Based on expert feedback relating to face and content validity, modification and/or deletion of some survey items was undertaken. Survey items with low test-retest reliability (κ≤ 0.40) were modified or deleted, items with moderate reliability (κ=0.41-0.60) were modified slightly and items with higher reliability (κ≥ 0.61) were retained, with some undergoing minor modifications. This is the first survey of its kind which has been successfully administered to cricketers aged 10-16 years to collect information about injury risk perceptions and intentions for continued sport participation. Implications for its generalisation to other child sport participants are discussed. © 2010 Sports Medicine Australia.
- Authors: Siesmaa, Emma , Blitvich, Jennifer , White, Peta , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 14, no. 1 (2011), p. 22-26
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite the health benefits associated with children's sport participation, the occurrence of injury in this context is common. The extent to which sport injuries impact children's ongoing involvement in sport is largely unknown. Surveys have been shown to be useful for collecting children's injury and sport participation data; however, there are currently no published instruments which investigate the impact of injury on children's sport participation. This study describes the processes undertaken to assess the validity of two survey instruments for collecting self-reported information about child cricket and netball related participation, injury history and injury risk perceptions, as well as the reliability of the cricket-specific version. Face and content validity were assessed through expert feedback from primary and secondary level teachers and from representatives of peak sporting bodies for cricket and netball. Test-retest reliability was measured using a sample of 59 child cricketers who completed the survey on two occasions, 3-4 weeks apart. Based on expert feedback relating to face and content validity, modification and/or deletion of some survey items was undertaken. Survey items with low test-retest reliability (κ≤ 0.40) were modified or deleted, items with moderate reliability (κ=0.41-0.60) were modified slightly and items with higher reliability (κ≥ 0.61) were retained, with some undergoing minor modifications. This is the first survey of its kind which has been successfully administered to cricketers aged 10-16 years to collect information about injury risk perceptions and intentions for continued sport participation. Implications for its generalisation to other child sport participants are discussed. © 2010 Sports Medicine Australia.
Towards a national sports safety strategy: Addressing facilitators and barriers towards safety guideline uptake
- Finch, Caroline, Gabbe, Belinda, Lloyd, David, Cook, Jill, Young, Warren, Nicholson, Matthew, Seward, Hugh, Donaldson, Alex, Doyle, Tim
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Gabbe, Belinda , Lloyd, David , Cook, Jill , Young, Warren , Nicholson, Matthew , Seward, Hugh , Donaldson, Alex , Doyle, Tim
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 17, no. 3 (2011), p. 1-10
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565907
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Limited information exists about how best to conduct intervention implementation studies in community sport settings. Research should be directed towards understanding the context within which evidence-based injury prevention interventions are to be implemented, while continuing to build the evidencebase for the effectiveness of sports injury interventions. Objectives: To identify factors that influence the translation of evidence-based injury prevention interventions into practice in community sport, and to provide specific evidence for the effectiveness of an evidence-based exercise training programme for lower limb injury prevention in community Australian football. Setting: Community-level Australian football clubs, teams and players. Methods: An exercise-based lower limb injury prevention programme will be developed and evaluated in terms of the implementation context, infrastructure and resources needed for its effective translation into community sport. Analysis of the community sports safety policy context will be undertaken to understand the barriers and facilitators to policy development and uptake. A randomised group-clustered ecological study will be conducted to compare the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance (RE-AIM) of the intervention over 2 years. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome will be evidence-based prevention guidelines that are fully supported by a comprehensively evaluated dissemination plan. The plan will detail the support structures and add-ons necessary to ensure sustainability and subsequent national implementation. Research outcomes will include new knowledge about how sports safety policy is set, how consensus is reached among sports safety experts in the community setting and how evidence-based safety guidelines are best developed, packaged and disseminated to community sport.
- Authors: Finch, Caroline , Gabbe, Belinda , Lloyd, David , Cook, Jill , Young, Warren , Nicholson, Matthew , Seward, Hugh , Donaldson, Alex , Doyle, Tim
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 17, no. 3 (2011), p. 1-10
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565907
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Limited information exists about how best to conduct intervention implementation studies in community sport settings. Research should be directed towards understanding the context within which evidence-based injury prevention interventions are to be implemented, while continuing to build the evidencebase for the effectiveness of sports injury interventions. Objectives: To identify factors that influence the translation of evidence-based injury prevention interventions into practice in community sport, and to provide specific evidence for the effectiveness of an evidence-based exercise training programme for lower limb injury prevention in community Australian football. Setting: Community-level Australian football clubs, teams and players. Methods: An exercise-based lower limb injury prevention programme will be developed and evaluated in terms of the implementation context, infrastructure and resources needed for its effective translation into community sport. Analysis of the community sports safety policy context will be undertaken to understand the barriers and facilitators to policy development and uptake. A randomised group-clustered ecological study will be conducted to compare the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance (RE-AIM) of the intervention over 2 years. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome will be evidence-based prevention guidelines that are fully supported by a comprehensively evaluated dissemination plan. The plan will detail the support structures and add-ons necessary to ensure sustainability and subsequent national implementation. Research outcomes will include new knowledge about how sports safety policy is set, how consensus is reached among sports safety experts in the community setting and how evidence-based safety guidelines are best developed, packaged and disseminated to community sport.
Triple G (Girls Get Going): Design of an intervention to foster and promote sport and physical activity among adolescent girls
- Casey, Meghan, Mooney, Amanda, Harvey, Jack, Eime, Rochelle, Telford, Amanda, Smyth, John, Payne, Warren
- Authors: Casey, Meghan , Mooney, Amanda , Harvey, Jack , Eime, Rochelle , Telford, Amanda , Smyth, John , Payne, Warren
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 14, no. Supplement 1 (December 2011 2011), p. e78
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: C1
- Authors: Casey, Meghan , Mooney, Amanda , Harvey, Jack , Eime, Rochelle , Telford, Amanda , Smyth, John , Payne, Warren
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 14, no. Supplement 1 (December 2011 2011), p. e78
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: C1
Updating the international research agenda for sport injury prevention
- Authors: Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Editorial , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 17, no. 4 (August 2011 2011), p. 217-218
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The International Olympic Committee's World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, the third in a series of triennial international conferences, was held in Monaco in April 2011. This conference is now the leading research event for many sports injury prevention and sports medicine researchers, and was well attended by over 940 delegates from 85 countries. A particularly pleasing part of the programme was the large emphasis of a number of sessions (including a keynote, several symposia and proffered papers) on the primary prevention of sports injuries, particularly issues relating to the delivery, implementation and uptake of preventive measures in this important context of injury. Abstracts from this meeting have been published in the April Injury Prevention and Health Promotion issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine (http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/4.toc) and online presentations are available for viewing at the conference website (http://www.ioc-preventionconference.org/).
- Authors: Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Editorial , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 17, no. 4 (August 2011 2011), p. 217-218
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The International Olympic Committee's World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, the third in a series of triennial international conferences, was held in Monaco in April 2011. This conference is now the leading research event for many sports injury prevention and sports medicine researchers, and was well attended by over 940 delegates from 85 countries. A particularly pleasing part of the programme was the large emphasis of a number of sessions (including a keynote, several symposia and proffered papers) on the primary prevention of sports injuries, particularly issues relating to the delivery, implementation and uptake of preventive measures in this important context of injury. Abstracts from this meeting have been published in the April Injury Prevention and Health Promotion issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine (http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/4.toc) and online presentations are available for viewing at the conference website (http://www.ioc-preventionconference.org/).
Linked versus unlinked hospital discharge data on hip fractures for estimating incidence and comorbidity profiles
- Vu, Trang, Day, Lesley, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Vu, Trang , Day, Lesley , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Medical Research Methodology Vol. 12, no. 113 (2012), p. 1-8
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Studies comparing internally linked (person–identifying) and unlinked (episodes of care) hospital discharge data (HDD) on hip fractures have mainly focused on incidence overestimation by unlinked HDD, but little is known about the impact of overestimation on patient profiles such as comorbidity estimates. In view of the continuing use of unlinked HDD in hip fracture research and the desire to apply research results to hip fracture prevention, we concurrently assessed the accuracy of both incidence and comorbidity estimates derived from unlinked HDD compared to those estimated from internally linked HDD. Methods: We analysed unlinked and internally linked HDD between 01 July 2005 and 30 June 2008, inclusive, from Victoria, Australia to estimate the incidence of hospital admission for fall-related hip fracture in community-dwelling older people aged 65+ years and determine the prevalence of comorbidity in patients. Community-dwelling status was defined as living in private residence, supported residential facilities or special accommodation but not in nursing homes. We defined internally linked HDD as the reference standard and calculated measures of accuracy of fall-related hip fracture incidence by unlinked HDD using standard definitions. The extent to which comorbidity prevalence estimates by unlinked HDD differed from those by the reference standard was assessed in absolute terms. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of a standard approach for estimating fall-related hip fracture incidence using unlinked HDD (i.e. omitting records of in-hospital deaths, inter-hospital transfers and readmissions within 30 days of discharge) were 94.4% and 97.5%, respectively. The standard approach and its variants underestimated the prevalence of some comorbidities and altered their ranking. The use of more stringent selection criteria led to major improvements in all measures of accuracy as well as overall and specific comorbidity estimates. Conclusions: This study strongly supports the use of linked rather than unlinked HDD in injury research. In health systems where linked HDD are unavailable, current approaches for identifying incident hip fractures may be enhanced by incorporating additional evidence-based criteria.
- Authors: Vu, Trang , Day, Lesley , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Medical Research Methodology Vol. 12, no. 113 (2012), p. 1-8
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Studies comparing internally linked (person–identifying) and unlinked (episodes of care) hospital discharge data (HDD) on hip fractures have mainly focused on incidence overestimation by unlinked HDD, but little is known about the impact of overestimation on patient profiles such as comorbidity estimates. In view of the continuing use of unlinked HDD in hip fracture research and the desire to apply research results to hip fracture prevention, we concurrently assessed the accuracy of both incidence and comorbidity estimates derived from unlinked HDD compared to those estimated from internally linked HDD. Methods: We analysed unlinked and internally linked HDD between 01 July 2005 and 30 June 2008, inclusive, from Victoria, Australia to estimate the incidence of hospital admission for fall-related hip fracture in community-dwelling older people aged 65+ years and determine the prevalence of comorbidity in patients. Community-dwelling status was defined as living in private residence, supported residential facilities or special accommodation but not in nursing homes. We defined internally linked HDD as the reference standard and calculated measures of accuracy of fall-related hip fracture incidence by unlinked HDD using standard definitions. The extent to which comorbidity prevalence estimates by unlinked HDD differed from those by the reference standard was assessed in absolute terms. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of a standard approach for estimating fall-related hip fracture incidence using unlinked HDD (i.e. omitting records of in-hospital deaths, inter-hospital transfers and readmissions within 30 days of discharge) were 94.4% and 97.5%, respectively. The standard approach and its variants underestimated the prevalence of some comorbidities and altered their ranking. The use of more stringent selection criteria led to major improvements in all measures of accuracy as well as overall and specific comorbidity estimates. Conclusions: This study strongly supports the use of linked rather than unlinked HDD in injury research. In health systems where linked HDD are unavailable, current approaches for identifying incident hip fractures may be enhanced by incorporating additional evidence-based criteria.
Migrants' perceptions of health promotion messages in rural Tasmania: Negotiating and communicating health risk
- Terry, Daniel, Lê, Quynh, Hoang, Ha
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Lê, Quynh , Hoang, Ha
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health, Risk and Society Vol. 14, no. 7-8 (2012), p. 639-653
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Asian migrants living in rural Tasmania experience a social and cultural environment dissimilar to larger Australian cities. This study investigated Asian migrants' lived experiences, their intercultural views with a focus on health risk behaviours within the challenge of a new rural environment. Certain health risks were identified and possible social and cultural connections. This exploratory study used a qualitative approach focussing on the personal experience of the Asian migrants living in rural Tasmania, Australia. Interviews were conducted from October to December 2011 with 36 Asian migrants residing in rural Tasmania, recruited through purposive sampling. Sub-populations such as Asian migrants residing in less dense culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including Tasmania, continue to maintain health and health risk beliefs from their culture. Migrant sub-population selectively adapted to their new environment, with longer term migrants acquiring western health conditions. The research provided insights about Asian migrant's views regarding non-communicable health issues in less dense culturally and linguistically diverse communities. In addition to adding to existing knowledge, the study provided some specific insights for better understanding of the relationship between health, risk and society and hopefully for improving primary health care access and delivery of care in rural and other small communities where sparse and less cohesive culturally and linguistically diverse communities exist. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Lê, Quynh , Hoang, Ha
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health, Risk and Society Vol. 14, no. 7-8 (2012), p. 639-653
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Asian migrants living in rural Tasmania experience a social and cultural environment dissimilar to larger Australian cities. This study investigated Asian migrants' lived experiences, their intercultural views with a focus on health risk behaviours within the challenge of a new rural environment. Certain health risks were identified and possible social and cultural connections. This exploratory study used a qualitative approach focussing on the personal experience of the Asian migrants living in rural Tasmania, Australia. Interviews were conducted from October to December 2011 with 36 Asian migrants residing in rural Tasmania, recruited through purposive sampling. Sub-populations such as Asian migrants residing in less dense culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including Tasmania, continue to maintain health and health risk beliefs from their culture. Migrant sub-population selectively adapted to their new environment, with longer term migrants acquiring western health conditions. The research provided insights about Asian migrant's views regarding non-communicable health issues in less dense culturally and linguistically diverse communities. In addition to adding to existing knowledge, the study provided some specific insights for better understanding of the relationship between health, risk and society and hopefully for improving primary health care access and delivery of care in rural and other small communities where sparse and less cohesive culturally and linguistically diverse communities exist. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
The challenges confronting clinicians in rural acute care settings: a participatory research project
- Paliadelis, Penny, Parmenter, Glenda, Parker, Vicki, Giles, Michelle, Higgins, Isabel
- Authors: Paliadelis, Penny , Parmenter, Glenda , Parker, Vicki , Giles, Michelle , Higgins, Isabel
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural and Remote Health Vol. 12 (online), no. (2012), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: In Australia, as in many other developed countries, the current healthcare environment is characterised by increasing differentiation and patient acuity, aging of patients and workforce, staff shortages and a varied professional skills mix, and this is particularly so in rural areas. Rural healthcare clinicians are confronted with a broad range of challenges in their daily practice. Within this context, the challenges faced by rural acute care clinicians were explored and innovative strategies suggested. This article reports the findings of a study that explored these challenges across disciplines in acute healthcare facilities in rural New South Wales (NSW), Australia. METHODS: A mixed method approach, involving a consultative, participatory 3 stage data collection process was employed to engage with a range of healthcare clinicians from rural acute care facilities in NSW. Participants were invited to complete a survey, followed by focus group discussions and finally facilitated workshops using nominal group technique. RESULTS: The survey findings identified the respondents' top ranked challenges. These were organised into four categories: (1) workforce issues; (2) access, equity and opportunity; (3) resources; and (4) contextual issues. Participants in the focus groups were provided with a summary of the survey findings to prompt discussion about the challenges identified and impact of these on their professional and personal lives. The results of the final workshop stage of the study used nominal group process to focus the discussion on identifying strategies to address identified challenges. CONCLUSIONS: This study builds on research conducted in a large metropolitan tertiary referral hospital. While it was found that rural clinicians share some of the challenges identified by their metropolitan counterparts, some identified challenges and solutions were unique to the rural context and require the innovative solutions suggested by the participants. This article provides insight into the working world of rural healthcare clinicians and offers practical solutions to some of the identified issues. The findings of this study may assist rurally based healthcare services to attract and retain clinical staff.
The challenges confronting clinicians in rural acute care settings: a participatory research project
- Authors: Paliadelis, Penny , Parmenter, Glenda , Parker, Vicki , Giles, Michelle , Higgins, Isabel
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural and Remote Health Vol. 12 (online), no. (2012), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: In Australia, as in many other developed countries, the current healthcare environment is characterised by increasing differentiation and patient acuity, aging of patients and workforce, staff shortages and a varied professional skills mix, and this is particularly so in rural areas. Rural healthcare clinicians are confronted with a broad range of challenges in their daily practice. Within this context, the challenges faced by rural acute care clinicians were explored and innovative strategies suggested. This article reports the findings of a study that explored these challenges across disciplines in acute healthcare facilities in rural New South Wales (NSW), Australia. METHODS: A mixed method approach, involving a consultative, participatory 3 stage data collection process was employed to engage with a range of healthcare clinicians from rural acute care facilities in NSW. Participants were invited to complete a survey, followed by focus group discussions and finally facilitated workshops using nominal group technique. RESULTS: The survey findings identified the respondents' top ranked challenges. These were organised into four categories: (1) workforce issues; (2) access, equity and opportunity; (3) resources; and (4) contextual issues. Participants in the focus groups were provided with a summary of the survey findings to prompt discussion about the challenges identified and impact of these on their professional and personal lives. The results of the final workshop stage of the study used nominal group process to focus the discussion on identifying strategies to address identified challenges. CONCLUSIONS: This study builds on research conducted in a large metropolitan tertiary referral hospital. While it was found that rural clinicians share some of the challenges identified by their metropolitan counterparts, some identified challenges and solutions were unique to the rural context and require the innovative solutions suggested by the participants. This article provides insight into the working world of rural healthcare clinicians and offers practical solutions to some of the identified issues. The findings of this study may assist rurally based healthcare services to attract and retain clinical staff.
A pilot study of increasing nonpurposeful movement breaks at work as a means of reducing prolonged sitting
- Cooley, Dean, Pedersen, Scott
- Authors: Cooley, Dean , Pedersen, Scott
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Environmental and Public Health Vol. 2013, no. (2013), p. 1-8
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: There is a plethora of workplace physical activity interventions designed to increase purposeful movement, yet few are designed to alleviate prolonged occupational sitting time. A pilot study was conducted to test the feasibility of a workplace e-health intervention based on a passive approach to increase nonpurposeful movement as a means of reducing sitting time. The study was trialled in a professional workplace with forty-six participants (33 females and 13 males) for a period of twenty-six weeks. Participants in the first thirteen weeks received a passive prompt every 45 minutes on their computer screen reminding them to stand and engage in nonpurposeful activity throughout their workday. After thirteen weeks, the prompt was disabled, and participants were then free to voluntary engage the software. Results demonstrated that when employees were exposed to a passive prompt, as opposed to an active prompt, they were five times more likely to fully adhere to completing a movement break every hour of the workday. Based on this pilot study, we suggest that the notion that people are willing to participate in a coercive workplace e-health intervention is promising, and there is a need for further investigation. © 2013 Dean Cooley and Scott Pedersen.
- Authors: Cooley, Dean , Pedersen, Scott
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Environmental and Public Health Vol. 2013, no. (2013), p. 1-8
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: There is a plethora of workplace physical activity interventions designed to increase purposeful movement, yet few are designed to alleviate prolonged occupational sitting time. A pilot study was conducted to test the feasibility of a workplace e-health intervention based on a passive approach to increase nonpurposeful movement as a means of reducing sitting time. The study was trialled in a professional workplace with forty-six participants (33 females and 13 males) for a period of twenty-six weeks. Participants in the first thirteen weeks received a passive prompt every 45 minutes on their computer screen reminding them to stand and engage in nonpurposeful activity throughout their workday. After thirteen weeks, the prompt was disabled, and participants were then free to voluntary engage the software. Results demonstrated that when employees were exposed to a passive prompt, as opposed to an active prompt, they were five times more likely to fully adhere to completing a movement break every hour of the workday. Based on this pilot study, we suggest that the notion that people are willing to participate in a coercive workplace e-health intervention is promising, and there is a need for further investigation. © 2013 Dean Cooley and Scott Pedersen.