The association between selected molecular biomarkers and ambulatory blood pressure patterns in African chronic kidney disease and hypertensive patients compared with normotensive controls : protocol for a longitudinal study
- Authors: Adeoye, Abiodun , Adebayo, Oladimeji , Abiola, Busayo , Iwalokun, Bamidele , Tayo, Bamidele , Charchar, Fadi , Ojo, Akinlolu , Cooper, Richard
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: JMIR Research Protocols Vol. 9, no. 1 (Jan 2020), p. 8
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- Description: Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a burgeoning epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Abnormal blood pressure variations are prevalent in CKD and potentiate the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Certain genetic variants (angiotensin II receptor type 1 1166 A>C and angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion and deletion polymorphisms) and biomarkers such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, soluble (s) E-selectin, homocysteine, and highly sensitive C-reactive protein have been shown to affect blood pressure variability among non-African CKD, hypertensive. and nonhypertensive CKD population. However, the contributions of the pattern, genetic, and environmental determinants of ambulatory blood pressure in African CKD have not been characterized. Understanding these interactions may help to develop interventions to prevent major cardiovascular events among people with CKD. Objective: The overarching objective of this study is to identify, document, and develop approaches to address related phenomic, genetic, and environmental determinants of ambulatory blood pressure patterns in African CKD and non-CKD hypertensive patients compared with normotensive controls. Methods: This is a longitudinal short-term follow-up study of 200 adult subjects with CKD and 200 each of age-matched hypertensives without CKD and apparently healthy controls. Demographic information, detailed clinical profile, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure measurements will be obtained. Blood samples will be collected to determine albumin-creatinine ratio, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, electrolytes, urea and creatinine, C-reactive protein, serum homocysteine, fibroblast growth factor-23, and complete blood count, while 2 mL blood aliquot will be collected in EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) tubes and mixed using an electronic rolling system to prevent blood clots and subsequently used for DNA extraction and genetic analysis. Results: A total of 239 participants have been recruited so far, and it is expected that the recruitment phase will be complete in June 2020. The follow-up phase will continue with data analysis and publications of results. Conclusions: This study will help stratify Nigerian CKD patients phenotypically and genotypically in terms of their blood pressure variations with implications for targeted interventions and timing of medications to improve prognosis.
Understanding barriers to mental health service utilization for adolescents in rural Australia
- Authors: Aisbett, Damon , Boyd, Candice , Francis, Kristy , Newnham, Krystal , Newnham, Karyn
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural and Remote Health Vol. 7, no. (2007), p. 1-10
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- Description: INTRODUCTION: There is a general paucity of research in the area of rural adolescent mental health in Australia, and in particular a lack of data regarding the experiences of rural adolescents who seek help for mental health problems. This study used a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis in order to assist understanding of the barriers to mental health service utilization for young people in rural communities. METHOD: A series of interviews were conducted with each of the study's participants, who ranged in age from 15 to 17 years. All participants were clients of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in the rural cities of Horsham and Ararat, Victoria, Australia. RESULTS: Participants described how the lack of reliable transport to and from the mental health service affected the utilization of the service by rural young people. They also expressed concern regarding a lack of qualified professionals in their region who specialize in child and adolescent mental health. Participants reported frustration at long waiting lists and the lack of an after-hours service. One participant shared her experiences of deliberate self-harm to in order to gain access. Results also revealed that rural gossip networks and social visibility within rural communities compounded the experience of stigma and social exclusion for these young people. Furthermore, participants explained how these experiences negatively impacted on their utilization of the mental health service and their progress towards recovery. CONCLUSIONS: There are several barriers to mental health service utilization for rural adolescents which affect both their decision to access help as well as their ability to engage effectively with mental health services over time. Clinicians who work with rural adolescents need to be mindful of the influence of rural culture on mental health service utilization by young people. The co-location of mental health services and general health services is suggested as one way to reduce the fear associated with 'being seen' entering a stand-alone mental health service. It is suggested that treatment programs for adolescents in rural areas address the different types of stigma that these young people are likely to encounter. Furthermore, community and school-based interventions aimed at reducing the social stigma of young people with mental illness in rural areas is recommended.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005804
Analysis of interrupted time-series relating to statewide sports injury data
- Authors: Akram, Muhammad , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Epidemiologist Vol. 22, no. 1 (2015), p. 29-31
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- Description: This study aims to present a new approach towards the analysis of intervention time-series studies in the context of sports-related injury data. We used Victoria-wide hospital admission injury data associated with the sport of Australian football during the period 2006 to 2013. To estimate the state-wide effect of an implemented exercise training intervention that aimed to reduce the number of football-related injuries, time-series analysis was performed using a generalised least square (GLS) method. We show how the GLS method can be used to evaluate the impact of the intervention. Trend and seasonal patterns time series were also assessed using the 'Seasonal and Trend decomposition using Loess' nonparametric seasonal decomposition procedure. The model identified a decreasing trend in the seasonally adjusted number of injuries after the implementation of the intervention in the hospital admission data. The seasonal decomposition plots also indicate strong seasonal patterns in the injury time series.
Attitudes of healthcare providers towards family involvement and presence in adult critical care units in Saudi Arabia : A quantitative study
- Authors: Al Mutair, Abbas , Plummer, Virginia , O'Brien, Anthony , Clerehan, Rosemary
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol. 23, no. 5-6 (2014), p. 744-755
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- Description: Aims and objectives: To describe healthcare providers' attitudes to family involvement during routine care and family presence during resuscitation or other invasive procedures in adult intensive care units in Saudi Arabia. Background: Previous research has shown that healthcare professionals have revealed a diversity of opinions on family involvement during routine care and family presence during resuscitation or other invasive procedures. Attitude assessment can provide an indication of staff acceptance or rejection of the practice and also help identify key potential barriers that will need to be addressed. It has also been evident that participation in the care has potential benefits for patients and families as well as healthcare providers. Design: A quantitative descriptive design. Methods: A questionnaire was used with a convenience sample of 468 healthcare providers who were recruited from eight intensive care units. Results: The analysis found that healthcare providers had positive attitudes towards family involvement during routine care, but negative attitudes towards family presence during resuscitation or other invasive procedures. Physicians expressed more opposition to the practice than did nurses and respiratory therapists. Staff indicated a need to develop written guidelines and policies, as well as educational programmes, to address this sensitive issue in clinical practice. Conclusion: Family is an important resource in patient care in the context of the critical care environment. Clinical barriers including resources, hospital policies and guidelines, staff and public education should be taken into account to facilitate family integration to the care model. Relevance to clinical practice: The findings can help to develop policies and guidelines for safe implementation of the practice. They can also encourage those who design nursing and other medical curricula to place more emphasis on the role of the family especially in critical care settings. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Family needs and involvement in the intensive care unit : A literature review
- Authors: Al Mutair, Abbas , Plummer, Virginia , O'Brien, Anthony , Clerehan, Rosemary
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol. 22, no. 13-14 (2013), p. 1805-1817
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- Description: Aims and objectives: To understand the needs of critically ill patient families', seeking to meet those needs and explore the process and patterns of involving family members during routine care and resuscitation and other invasive procedures. Methods: A structured literature review using Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Pubmed, Proquest, Google scholar, Meditext database and a hand search of critical care journals via identified search terms for relevant articles published between 2000 and 2010. Results: Thirty studies were included in the review either undertaken in the Intensive Care Unit or conducted with critical care staff using different methods of inquiry. The studies were related to family needs; family involvement in routine care; and family involvement during resuscitation and other invasive procedures. The studies revealed that family members ranked both the need for assurance and the need for information as the most important. They also perceived their important needs as being unmet, and identified the nurses as the best staff to meet these needs, followed by the doctors. The studies demonstrate that both family members and healthcare providers have positive attitudes towards family involvement in routine care. However, family members and healthcare providers had significantly different views of family involvement during resuscitation and other invasive procedures. Conclusion: Meeting Intensive Care Unit family needs can be achieved by supporting and involving families in the care of the critically ill family member. More emphasis should be placed on identifying the family needs in relation to the influence of cultural values and religion held by the family members and the organisational climate and culture of the working area in the Intensive Care Unit. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
A new scale for disaster nursing core competencies : Development and psychometric testing
- Authors: Al Thobaity, Abdulellah , Williams, Brett , Plummer, Virginia
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal Vol. 19, no. 1 (2016), p. 11-19
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- Description: Background: All nurses must have core competencies in preparing for, responding to and recovering from a disaster. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), as in many other countries, disaster nursing core competencies are not fully understood and lack reliable, validated tools. Thus, it is imperative to develop a scale for exploring disaster nursing core competencies, roles and barriers in the KSA. Objectives: This study's objective is to develop a valid, reliable scale that identifies and explores core competencies of disaster nursing, nurses' roles in disaster management and barriers to developing disaster nursing in the KSA. Methods: This study developed a new scale testing its validity and reliability. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to develop and test psychometric properties of the new scale. The PCA used a purposive sample of nurses from emergency departments in two hospitals in the KSA. Participants rated 93 paper-based, self-report questionnaire items from 1 to 10 on a Likert scale. PCA using Varimax rotation was conducted to explore factors emerging from responses. Findings: The study's participants were 132 nurses (66% response rate). PCA of the 93 questionnaire items revealed 49 redundant items (which were deleted) and 3 factors with eigenvalues of >1. The remaining 44 items accounted for 77.3% of the total variance. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 for all factors: 0.98 for Factor 1, 0.92 for Factor 2 and 0.86 for Factor 3. Conclusions: This study provided a validated, reliable scale for exploring nurses' core competencies, nurses' roles and barriers to developing disaster nursing in the KSA. The new scale has many implications, such as for improving education, planning and curricula. © 2015.
Perceptions of knowledge of disaster management among military and civilian nurses in Saudi Arabia
- Authors: Al Thobaity, Abdulellah , Plummer, Virginia , Innes, Kelli , Copnell, Beverley
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal Vol. 18, no. 3 (2015), p. 156-164
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- Description: Summary Background It is generally accepted that nurses have insufficient knowledge about disaster preparedness due to a lack of acceptance of core competencies and the absence of disaster preparedness in nursing curricula.1 This study explored nurses’ knowledge and sources of knowledge, and skills as they relate to disaster management in Saudi Arabia, where more than 4660 people have died, 32,000 people have been affected, and US$4.65 billion in damage has been caused by disaster since 1980.2 Methods A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive research design. Results Nurses in Saudi Arabia have moderate knowledge concerning disaster preparedness. However, nurses in military hospitals possess more knowledge than those who work in government hospitals. The majority of nurses gained their knowledge and skills from disaster drills. Conclusions Nurses need more education in all areas of disaster management, most importantly in their roles during response to disasters. Nurses perceive themselves as not well-prepared but they are willing to improve their skills in disaster preparedness if educational opportunities are provided.
Arsenic contamination in Bangladesh groundwater : A major environmental and social disaster
- 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
Quantitative exploration of the barriers and facilitators to nurse-patient communication in Saudia Arabia
- Authors: Albagawi, Bander , Jones, Linda
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Hospital Administration Vol. 6, no. 1 (2016), p.16-24
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- Description: Nurses with effective communication skills play a critical role in minimising the stress associated with hospitalisation for both patients and their families. Effective communication has become increasingly reported as a key component in effective health care outcomes, which is even more crucial in countries such as Saudi Arabia with a large foreign healthcare workforce. The presence of a large expatriate workforce with a different language from the host society and the ensuing complexity of sociocultural linguistic and heath beliefs systems has been poorly researched. This study aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators of nurse-patient communication in Saudi Arabia using the Nurses’ Self-Administered Communication Survey. The survey was distributed to a random sample of 291 nurses working in medical and surgical departments at five hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that the Philippine and Saudi Arabian nurses perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to personal/social characteristics, job specifications and environmental factors then nurses of other nationalities. In addition, nurses with shorter experience in Saudi Arabia perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to the clinical situation of patient and environmental factors than the nurses with longer experience. Lastly, nurses who had not attended specialist courses on communication skills acquisition perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to personal characteristics and job specifications than nurses who had attended such courses. This study highlights the need to better prepare expatriate nurses before they enter the workforce in Saudi Arabia on cultural competence and language skills.
Openness to help-seeking for mental illness among Greek-Cypriots
- Authors: Alexi, Nektarios , Moore, Kathleen , Argyrides, Marios
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Promotion International Vol. 33, no. 6 (2018), p.990-998
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- Description: The aim of this study was to test a model of people’s willingness to seek help for mental illness whether currently diagnosed or not. A cross-sectional design was used to test this model in a non-clinical convenience sample of Greek-Cypriots. Participants were 196 Greek-Cypriots living in Cyprus (age M = 34.50 years, SD = 14.16). They provided demographic data on their age, gender, SES and whether diagnosed or not with a mental illness, from whom they have/would seek help for a mental illness, and their willingness to seek help. They completed the Inventory of Attitudes towards Seeking Mental Health Services, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Support, and the Practical Barriers in Seeking Mental Health Services Scales, translated into Greek for this study. Approximately 24% of the sample reported being diagnosed with a mental illness within the past 12 months, and around a third of these people were taking prescribed medication. Willingness to seek help across all participants was predicted negatively by stigma and positively by openness to help. The findings of the current study extend our previous limited understanding of the factors affecting people’s willingness to seek help or their intentions towards the use of mental health services among Greek-Cypriots. Future research should consider whether there are any differences in help-seeking behaviours and motivations across people experiencing different disorders. Despite this limitation in the current data, these results can, in general terms, be used to inform policy in Cyprus for mental health promotions and interventions especially with respect to fostering an open attitude towards mental illness.
The impact of COVID-19 on the service of emergency department
- Authors: Alharthi, Shaia , Al-Moteri, Modi , Plummer, Virginia , Thobiaty, Abdulellah
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Healthcare (Switzerland) Vol. 9, no. 10 (2021), p.
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- Description: (1) Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the number and acuity of emergency departments (ED) patients, specifically those with non-COVID-19-related health problems. However, the exact impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ED services is the subject of comprehensive debate. (2) Aim: to gain insight into the consequences of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic based on non-COVID-19 presentations and patient acuity using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). (3) Method: in Phase 1, the ED records of one of the main regional non-COVID-19 hospitals in Saudi Arabia were retrospectively audited from August 2020 to February 2021—after the first wave of COVID-19—then compared to information collected for the same period in previous year. Phase 2 included calculating the waiting time to identify delays and issues that may impact the triage effectiveness. (4) Results: a change across all CTAS levels was observed post the 1st wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, there was an increase in the number of patients presenting as higher acuity (CTAS 1 and 2) and a decrease in patients presenting as lower acuity (CTAS 4 and 5). Longer waiting times for patients presenting to ED were also reported. Specifically, 83% of patients presenting as higher acuity experienced a delay. (5) Conclusion: further studies are required to investigate association between the 1st wave of COVID-19 and patient presentations and/or acuity or patient demand and ED capacity. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
The impact of Saudi hospital accreditation on quality of care : a mixed methods study
- Authors: Almasabi, Mohammed , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Health Planning and Management Vol. 32, no. 4 (2017), p. e261-e278
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- Description: In 2005, the Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) was launched in Saudi Arabia in order to improve the quality of care. By 2010, the first hospital was accredited by CBAHI, followed by many hospitals in following years. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of CBAHI on quality of care. In this study we used a mixed methods approach involving surveys, documentary analyses and semi-structure interviews. Surveys data were collected from 669 staff. Documentary analyses included mortality, infection and length of stay. The semi-structure interview data were gathered from 12 senior managers. Data were collected from three accredited public hospitals. Although some improvements in procedure were recognised, CBAHI does not monitor the continuity of health care delivery and had no effect on quality outcomes in our analysis. This study illustrates a need to sustain improvements over time in the accreditation cycle. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organisational barriers to effective pain management amongst oncology nurses in Saudi Arabia
- Authors: Alqahtani, Mohammed , Jones, Linda , Holroyd, Eleanor
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Hospital Administration Vol. 5, no. 1 (2015), p. 81-89
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- Description: Cancer pain is a multi-dimensional syndrome with a combination of acute and chronic pain that causes physical, psycho-social, behavioural, emotional and spiritual problems resulting in adverse effects on patients’ quality of life. Nurses need to be well prepared with knowledge on pain assessment and management techniques in oncology units, due to their vital role in the decision-making process regarding pain management. However, limited research has been conducted regarding nurses’ barriers regarding pain management in oncology units, especially in Saudi Arabia. The overall aim of this study was to explore the nurses’ perceived barriers that hinder the delivery of effective pain management to cancer patients. Five focus group discussions were conducted using a purposive sampling of six to eight nurses in each group, with a total of 35 oncology nurses. The results of focus group analysis revealed two main thematic categories with associated sub themes, being nurses’ workloads, and the absence of health team collaboration. This study provides an increased awareness of the barriers that may hinder the efficacy of pain management provided to cancer patients in Saudi Arabia context. Significant implications will benefit nursing practice, administration and education, in addition to identifying potential future research.
Mental health nurses’ attitudes towards consumers with co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems : a scoping review
- Authors: Anandan, Roopalal , Cross, Wendy , Olasoji, Michael
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Issues in Mental Health Nursing Vol. 42, no. 4 (2020), p. 346-357
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- Description: Consumers with co-existing mental health and drug/alcohol problems are exposed to more stigma than those with any other health problems. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the available literature regarding mental health nurses' attitudes, empathy, and caring efficacy towards consumers with a dual diagnosis. Twenty studies reported outcomes regarding nurse attitudes; however, none reported nurses' empathy or caring efficacy towards consumers with a dual diagnosis. Further research is required to advance the evidence on the impact of mental health nurses' attitudes, empathy and caring effectiveness, and the outcomes should lead to improved service delivery for consumers with a dual diagnosis. © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Workplace injuries in the Australian allied health workforce
- Authors: Anderson, Sarah , Stuckey, Rwth , Fortington, Lauren , Oakman, Jodi
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Health Review Vol. 43, no. 1 (2019), p. 49-54
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- Description: Objective: This study aims to identify the number, costs and reported injury mechanisms of serious injury claims for allied health professionals. Methods: Using Australian Workers' Compensation injury data, the number, mechanism, and costs of injury claims were calculated for eight groups of allied health professions (chiropractors and osteopaths, speech pathologists and audiologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, podiatrists, social workers and prosthetists/orthotists) between the 2000-01 and 2013-14 financial years. Workforce injury rates were calculated using the 2011 Australian Census Workforce data (denominator) and 2011 Workers' Compensation Statistics claims data (numerator). Results: Across the allied health professions, 7023 serious injuries (minimum 5 days absence from work) were recorded with an associated total compensation cost of A$201 970 000. Fewer than 1.5% of each allied health professional group had an injury claim, with the exception of prosthetists/orthotists who had a rate of 25.9% serious injury claims (95% confidence interval 21.9-30.4). The average cost per claim varied across the allied health professions, from the lowest cost of A$19 091 per injury for occupational therapists to the highest of A$48 466 per claim in chiropractic and osteopathy. Body stressing followed by mental stress were the most common mechanisms of injury. Conclusions: Mechanism of injury, both physical and psychosocial, were identified. Prosthetists/orthotists are at the highest risk of workplace injury of all allied health professions. This suggests the need for further investigation and development of appropriately targeted injury prevention programs for each allied health profession. What is known about this topic?: Retention of allied health professionals is a significant issue, with workplace injuries identified as one contributing factor to this problem. Healthcare workers are potentially at high risk of injury as they are exposed to a range of physical and psychosocial hazards in their workplace. What does this paper add?: This paper is the first to report on serious injuries, minimum 5 days absence from work, from Australian Workers' Compensation data, across a range of allied health professions. Various allied health professions were examined to identify the number, mechanism and cost of serious workplace injuries finding there is an average of 500 serious claims per year at a cost of A$14 million. Prosthetists/orthotists were identified as having the highest proportion of claims per workforce population. What are the implications for practitioners?: These results suggest highly varied injury rates across allied health professions. Compensation data does not enable accurate identification of causal factors. Further work is required to identify relevant causal factors so that targeted risk reduction strategies can be developed to reduce workforce injuries. © 2019 AHHA.
Defining timeliness in care for patients with lung cancer : protocol for a scoping review
- Authors: Ansar, Adnan , Lewis, Virginia , McDonald, Christine , Liu, Chaojie , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMJ Open Vol. 10, no. 11 (2020), p. 1-7
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- Description: Introduction Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and lung cancer is the single leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Early diagnosis of lung cancer is the key to better prognosis and longer survival. While there are substantial literature reporting delays in cancer diagnosis, there is a lack of consensus in the definitions and terms used to describe a € delay' in the treatment pathway. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and critically synthesise the operational definitions and terminologies used to describe the timely initiation of care and consequent treatments over the care pathway for patients with lung cancer. This scoping review will also compare how timeliness was operationalised in Western and Asian countries. Methods and analysis The scoping review will use the methodology described by Arksey and O'Malley and endorsed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO electronic databases will be searched. Grey literature sources and the reference lists of key studies will be used to identify additional relevant studies. The scoping review will include all studies, irrespective of study methodology and quality. Two reviewers will independently screen all titles and abstracts to identify eligible studies for inclusion. The full texts of identified studies will be further examined and charted using a data extraction form. A narrative synthesis will be performed to assess and categorise available definitions of timeliness. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not needed as this scoping review will be reviewing already published articles. The results produced from this review will be submitted to a scientific peer-reviewed journal for publication and will be presented at scientific meetings. ©
Improving the engagement of Aboriginal families with maternal and child health services : a new model of care
- Authors: Austin, Catherine , Arabena, Kerry
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Public Health Research and Practice Vol. 31, no. 2 (2021), p.
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- Description: Objectives: Access in the early years to integrated community-based services that are flexible in their approach, holistic and culturally strong is a proven critical predictor of a child's successful transition to school and lifelong education and employment outcomes, providing long-term wellbeing. Studies show that participation in maternal and child health (MCH) services in Victoria, Australia, improve health outcomes for children and families, particularly for Aboriginal families. Poorer health outcomes and lower participation rates for these families in MCH services suggest there is a need for an urgent review of the current service model. The purpose of this paper is to outline the Early Assessment Referral Links (EARL) concept that was trialled in the Glenelg Shire in Victoria, Australia (2009-2014) to improve the engagement of Aboriginal families in MCH services. Methods: Development of EARL involved the core principles of appreciative inquiry to change existing patterns of conversation and give voice to new and diverse perspectives. A broad cross-section of the Aboriginal community and their early years health service providers were consulted and stakeholders recruited. Regular meetings between these stakeholders, in consultation with the Aboriginal community, were held to identify families that weren't engaged in MCH services and also to identify families who required further assessment, intervention, referral and/or support, ideally from the preconception or antenatal periods. Outcome measures used to evaluate the EARL concept include stakeholder meetings data, numbers of referrals, and participation rates of women and children in MCH services. Results: Participation of Aboriginal women and children in MCH services was consistently above the state average during the pilot period, and significant numbers of Aboriginal women and children were referred to EARL stakeholders and other health professionals via EARL referrals. Additionally, there were increases in Aboriginal children being breastfed, fully immunised and attending Early Start Kindergarten. Identification of Aboriginal women and children at risk of vulnerability also improved with a dramatic increase in referrals for family violence and child protection, and decreased episodes of out-of-home care (OoHC) for children. Conclusions: Evaluation of pilot outcomes indicate that the EARL concept improved women and children's access to and engagement with MCH services, and identified more families at risk of vulnerability than the traditional MCH service model, particularly for Aboriginal women and children. © 2020 Austin and Arabena.
Managing panic disorder in general practice
- 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.
Do GPs use electronic mental health resources? A qualitative study
- Authors: Austin, David , Pier, Ciaran , Mitchell, Joanna , Schattner, Peter , Wade, Victoria , Pierce, David , Klein, Britt
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Family Physician Vol. 35, no. 5 (2006), p. 365-366
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- Description: BACKGROUND: The Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care (BOMHC) initiative encourages general practitioners to use electronic mental health resources (EMHRs) during consultation with patients requiring psychological assistance. However, there is little data on GPs' acceptance and use of EMHRs. METHOD: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 27 GPs to determine their attitude toward EMHRs, and their use during consultation with patients. RESULTS: Few GPs reported frequently using EMHRs in consultation. Identified barriers to use included lack of familiarity with information technology, and insufficient knowledge of available resources. Identified advantages of electronic resources included high patient acceptance, time efficiency, and improved quality of information. DISCUSSION: General practitioners recognise several advantages of utilising electronic resources for managing patients with mental illness. However, GPs are not sufficiently familiar with electronic resources to use them effectively. This could be overcome by education.
Quality of life among individuals with rugby-related spinal cord injuries in South Africa : A descriptive cross-sectional study
- Authors: Badenhorst, Marelise , Brown, James , Lambert, Mike , van Mechelen, Willem , Verhagen, Evert
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMJ Open Vol. 8, no. 6 (2018), p. 1-12
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- Description: Objectives Rugby-related spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are rare but life altering and traumatic events. Little is known about the long-term consequences and outcomes of players who have sustained these injuries. This study investigated current quality of life (QoL) and factors associated with QoL, among individuals with rugby-related SCI in South Africa, by using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Design Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting Rugby-related SCI population of South Africa, as captured in the BokSmart/Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players' Fund database. Participants Ninety (n=90) of the 102 eligible players on the database agreed to participate in the study. Main outcome measure The relationship between QoL, as measured with the WHO Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and specific independent variables (demographic information, level of independence and participation in various activities and life roles) was investigated. Variables that were significantly associated with QoL in bivariate analyses were included in multiple linear regression analyses. Results The mean score and SD of the WHOQOL-BREF was 15.1±2.3 arbitrary units. Participation (an ICF framework construct) and income were significantly associated with overall QoL (p<0.001). Participation was the only variable significantly associated with all QoL subdomains (p<0.001). Additionally, number of health concerns, type of healthcare (public vs private) and level of education were significantly associated with various QoL domains (p<0.001). Conclusions On average, these individuals with rugby-related SCI presented with higher QoL scores than other comparable SCI studies. However, lower levels of participation and income, certain levels of education, increased health concerns and use of public healthcare were associated with lower levels of QoL. Sporting bodies have a responsibility to optimise player welfare, by acting on the modifiable factors associated with QoL.