MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles' source. Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:15:13 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3148284&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F3 Conclusions: There are several factors that could reverse this trend. First, improved access to interventions or therapies for mental disorders could decrease the mortality analysed here. Second, it is important also that new efficacious therapies for various mental disorders be developed. Furthermore, it is also important that suicide prevention strategies be implemented, particularly for at-risk groups. To bring the mental health sector into parity with many other parts of the health system will require knowledge of the causative factors that underlie mental disorders, which can, in turn, lead to efficacious therapies. As in any case of a knowledge deficit, what is needed are resources to address that knowledge gap. Conceiving the problem in this way, ie as a knowledge gap, indicates the... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3148284 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3148284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3138545&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F1 Conclusions: The quantum and range of multicultural health research and evidence required for equity in policy, services, interventions and implementation is limited and uneven. Most of the original multicultural health research articles focused on newly arrived refugees, asylum seekers, Vietnamese or South East Asian communities. While there is some seminal research in respect of these represented groups, there are other communities and health issues that are essentially invisible or unrepresented in research. The limited coverage and representation of multicultural populations in research studies has implications for evidence-based health and human services policy. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3138545 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3138545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3138544&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F2 Public health educational pathways in Australia have traditionally been the province of Universities, with the Master of Public Health (MPH) recognised as the flagship professional entry program. Public health education also occurs within the fellowship training of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine, but this remains confined to medical graduates within Australia. In recent years, however, we have seen a proliferation of undergraduate degrees as well as an increasing public health presence in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.Following the 2007 Australian Federal election, the new Labour government brought with it a refreshing commitment to a more inclusive and strategic style of government. An important example of this was the 2020 visioning process that identified key... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3138544 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3138544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3132905&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F29 Conclusions: This study has demonstrated limited awareness and poor implementation of the recommendations of the NHMRC Strengthening Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: A Guide for Health Professionals in WA. The disproportionate burden of CVD morbidity and mortality among Indigenous Australians mandates urgent attention to this problem and alternative approaches to CR delivery. Dedicated resources and alternative approaches to CR delivery for Aboriginal Australians are needed. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3132905 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3132905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3070193&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F28 The Australian Government's recent decision to replace the Rural Remote and Metropolitan Area (RRMA) classification with the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) Remoteness Areas system highlights the ongoing significance of geographical classifications for rural health policy, particularly in relation to improving the rural health workforce supply. None of the existing classifications, including the government's preferred choice, were designed specifically to guide health resource allocation, and all exhibit strong weaknesses when applied as such. Continuing reliance on these classifications as policy tools will continue to result in inappropriate health program resource distribution. Purely 'geographical' classifications alone cannot capture all relevant aspects of rura... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3070193 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3070193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3038992&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F27 Conclusion: Concluding comment is made on the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC) . This continued the tradition of largely evidence free argument and decision making. It failed to identify and properly analyse major system failures, the reasons for them and the form of governance which would maximise the likelihood of future error leaning. The NHHRC itself failed to error learn from past policy failures, a key lesson from which is that a major - and possibly the major - obstacle to reform, is government itself. The Commission virtually ignored the issue of governance. The endorsement of a monopolised system, driven by benevolent managers will miss the major lesson of history which is illustrated by Australia's own failures. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Pol... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3038992 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3038992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2983996&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F25 DiscussionWe discuss a number of reforms to existing funding arrangements including the creation of a national Preventative Priorities Advisory Committee (PrePAC) to set priorities. We propose the establishment of a PrePAC to provide evidence and set priorities across health promotion and illness prevention, with a national dedicated fund for health promotion.SummaryA national evidence-based funding system for illness prevention and health promotion would legitimize a substantial and sustained budget for health promotion breaking down some of the barriers in a fragmented federal health care system. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2983996 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2983996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2823011&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F24 Background: This paper presents Part 2 of a literature review examining medication safety in the Australian acute care setting. This review was undertaken for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, updating the 2002 national report on medication safety. Part 2 of the review examined the Australian evidence base for approaches to build safer medication systems in acute care. Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify Australian studies and programs, published from 2002 to 2008, which examined strategies and activities for improving medication safety in acute care.Results and conclusionsSince 2002 there has been significant progress in strategies to improve prescription writing in hospitals with the introduction of a National Inpatient Medication Chart. S... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2823011 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2823011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2784951&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F23 Conclusion: When implementing skill mix changes such as task substitution it is important that the health professionals' roles are complementary otherwise they may simply duplicate the task performed by other health professionals. This has implications for the way in which multidisciplinary teams are organised in initiatives such as the GP Super Clinics. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2784951 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2784951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2773992&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F22 Conclusions: The findings highlight challenges in preventive care and self management facing patients with multiple chronic conditions. Future clinical policy initiatives need to move away from single illness orientation toward strategies that meet the needs of people with co-morbid conditions and strengthen their capacity to self manage. These patients will benefit directly from specialised education and services that cater to the needs of people with clusters of co-morbidities. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2773992 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2773992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2726683&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F21 Conclusions: Policy makers and researchers recognise the potential of research to contribute to policy and are making significant attempts to integrate research into the policy process. These findings suggest four strategies to assist in increasing the use of research in policy: making research findings more accessible to policy makers; increasing opportunities for interaction between policy makers and researchers; addressing structural barriers such as research receptivity in policy agencies and a lack of incentives for academics to link with policy; and increasing the relevance of research to policy. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2726683 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2726683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2724100&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F20 While the causes of obesity are well known traditional education and treatment strategies do not appear to be making an impact. One solution as part of a broader complimentary set of strategies may be regulatory intervention at local government level to create environments for healthy nutrition and increased physical activity. Semi structured interviews were conducted with representatives of local government in Australia. Factors most likely to facilitate policy change were those supported by external funding, developed from an evidence base and sensitive to community and market forces. Barriers to change included a perceived or real lack of power to make change and the complexity of the legislative framework. The development of a systematic evidence base to provide clear feedback on the s... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2724100 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2724100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2708024&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F19 Conclusion: The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the uneven distribution of private health insurance cover across Australia for policy formation. In particular, the study shows that the prevalence of private health insurance is unevenly distributed across Australia, with marked differences in prevalence in rural and urban areas, and substantial differences by socioeconomic status. Policy formation needs to take this into account. Evaluating the potential impact of changes in private health insurance requires more nuanced consideration than previously implied in the rhetoric about private health insurance over the last decade. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2708024 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2708024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2690600&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F18 Conclusions: Medication-related hospital admissions remain a significant problem in the Australian healthcare system. It can be estimated that 190,000 medication-related hospital admissions occur per year in Australia, with estimated costs of $660 million. Medication incidents remain the second most common type of incident reported in Australian hospitals. A number of different systems factors contribute to the occurrence of medication errors in the Australian setting. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2690600 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2690600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2594159&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F16 Conclusions: Compared to the rest of the study population, those with PHI are richer, better educated, more health conscious, in better health and more likely to use certain discretionary health services. Hence, PHI use is generally highest among those with the least need for health care. Whether or not people have PHI is more strongly associated with demographic and lifestyle factors than with health status. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2594159 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2594159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2500940&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F15 Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common disabling neurological disorders and results in substantial burden for patients, their families and the as a whole society in terms of increased health resource use and poor quality of life. For all stages of PD, medication therapy is the preferred medical treatment. The failure of medical regimes to prevent disease progression and to prevent long-term side effects has led to a resurgence of interest in surgical procedures. Partially observable Markov decision models (POMDPs) are a powerful and appropriate technique for decision making. In this paper we applied the model of POMDP's as a supportive tool to clinical decisions for the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease. The aim of the model was to determine the critical threshold ... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2500940 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2500940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2431463&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F14 The formation of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC) and the National Preventative Task Force in 2008, demonstrate a renewed Australian Government commitment to health reform. The re-focus on prevention, bringing it to the centre of health care has significant implications for health service delivery in the primary health care setting, supportive organisational structures and continuing professional development for the existing clinical and public health workforce. It is an opportune time, therefore, to consider new approaches to workforce development aligned to health policy reform. Regardless of the actual recommendations from the NHHRC in June 2009, there will be an emphasis on performance improvements which are accountable and aligned to new preventive health po... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2431463 Fri, 22 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2431463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2421870&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F13 Conclusions: The relatively good distribution of health facilities in Indonesia was achieved through establishing public health centers at the sub-district level and staffing them through a system of compulsory service for doctors, nurses and midwives. Subsequently, these public sector staff also established solo-provider facilities for their own private practice; these solo-provider facilities, of which those for nurses are almost half, comprise the largest category of outpatient care facilities, most are not included in official statistics. Now that Indonesia no longer has mandatory service for newly graduated doctors, nurses and midwives it will have difficulty maintaining the distribution of facilities and providers established through the 1980s. The current challenge is to envision a ... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2421870 Mon, 18 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2421870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395824&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F11 Conclusions: Participants rejected a single-minded focus on efficiency - maximising health gains - when setting priorities in health care. There was a concern to avoid strategies that deny patients all hope of treatment, and a willingness to sacrifice health gains for a 'fair' public health system. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395824 Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2395824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2363126&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F10 Conclusion: The generic workforce needs assessment tool was easy to use and interpret. It appears that the public health workforce involved in this study has a high level of understanding of the relationship between the social determinants and health. However there is a skill gap in identifying and undertaking effective intervention. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2363126 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2363126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2363127&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F4 Health workforce has become a major concern and a significant health policy issue around the world in recent years. With recent international and national initiatives and models being developed and implemented in Australia and other countries, it is timely to understand the need and the rationale for a better trained and educated public health workforce for the future. Much more attention should also be given to evaluation and research in this field.Through this thematic series on Workforce and Public Health, we have drawn on the diverse nature of public health, workforce implications, education and training and national and international case examples of ongoing improvements and issues in this sector. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2363127 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2363127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320988&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F4 Health workforce has become a major concern and a significant health policy issue around the world in recent years. With recent international and national initiatives and models being developed and implemented in Australia and other countries, it is timely to understand the need and the rationale for a better trained and educated public health workforce for the future. Much more attention should also be given to evaluation and research in this field. Through this thematic series on Workforce and Public Health, we have drawn on the diverse nature of public health, workforce implications, education and training and national and international case examples of ongoing improvements and issues in this sector. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320988 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2320988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320986&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F5 We describe Australia's first Master of Applied Epidemiology (MAE) model (established in 1991), which uses field-based training to strengthen the control of communicable diseases. A central attribute of this model is the way it partners and complements health department initiatives to enhance workforce skills, health system performance and the evidence-base for policies, programs and practice.SummaryThe MAE experience throws light on ways Australia could collaborate in regional capacity development initiatives. Key needs are a shared vision for a regional approach to integrate training with initiatives that strengthen service and research, and the pooling of human, financial and technical resources. We focus on communicable diseases, but our findings and recommendations are generalisable t... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320986 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2320986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320984&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F6 DiscussionA small health economics capacity in Australia has been established over the past 30 years through a variety of structural and strategic mechanisms. Health departments value health economic advice and use a variety of arrangements to obtain this. These arrangements have strengths and weaknesses depending upon the task to be undertaken. The lack of uniformity of approach suggests that health departments are still seeking the best ways to incorporate this form of specialist advice into mainstream decision-making.ImplicationsSummarises ways that governments source specialist services. Demonstrates how to describe an organisation's need for specialist services as a set of functions. This approach could be applied to assessing need for other specialist areas of advice. (Source: Austra... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320984 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2320984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320982&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F7 Persisting, and in some cases widening, inequalities in health within and between countries present significant challenges to the focus and practice of contemporary public health, and by association, to public health education. As public health physicians and academic educators of medically- and non-medically trained public health practitioners, we call for a radical re-think of current approaches to public health medicine education and training in order to address these challenges. The public health physicians of the future, we argue, require not merely technical knowledge and skills but also a set of values that underpin a commitment to ethical principles, social equity, human rights, compassionate action, advocacy and leadership. Furthermore, while they will need to have their action fi... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320982 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2320982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320979&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F8 Conclusion: The planning and provisioning of education in public health must differentiate between the requirements of undergraduate and postgraduate students--while also addressing the changing needs of the health workforce. Within Australia, although significant research has been undertaken regarding the competencies required by postgraduate public health students, the approach is still somewhat piecemeal, and does not address undergraduate public health. This paper argues for a consistent approach to competencies that describe and differentiate entry-level and advanced practice. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320979 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2320979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320976&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F9 Conclusions: The public health classification captures the important dimensions of public health activity. It will facilitate the organisation of information so that it can be used to address questions relating to any of these dimensions, either singly or in combination. The authors encourage readers to use the classification, and to suggest improvements. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320976 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2320976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2272163&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F3 Conclusion: Based on this analysis, the paper discusses the organisational and individual factors that are likely to contribute to health policy capacity, highlights the need for further research in the health sector and points to some of the conceptual and methodological issues that need to be taken into consideration in such research. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2272163 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2272163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2221992&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F2 Conclusions: NHMRC made significant policy changes from 1997 to 2002 to better support Indigenous health as a result of external pressure and internal commitment. The policy changes have resulted in some progress in supporting better research models particularly in improving engagement with Indigenous communities. However there remains a need for considerable further effort to optimise outcomes for Indigenous people from research. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2221992 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2221992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2221991&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F3 Conclusions: Based on this analysis, the paper discusses the organisational and individual factors that are likely to contribute to health policy capacity, highlights the need for further research in the health sector and points to some of the conceptual and methodological issues that need to be taken into consideration in such research. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2221991 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2221991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2097711&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F27 Conclusion: A structured framework and stakeholder participation assisted in developing a fruit and vegetable implementation strategy. Engagement and commitment of influential and diverse stakeholders is needed, not just for program support, but particularly in the areas of food and nutrition policy development and providing the infrastructure support required. Further work is required to develop performance outcomes and cost effectiveness measures for many of the strategies that have been proposed to address portfolio objectives. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2097711 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2097711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2073315&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F23 Conclusion: There is now sufficient data to support a change in the targeted upper age range for breast cancer screening to improve the existing suboptimal surveillance in women aged over 69 years. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2073315 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2073315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1938419&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F23 Conclusions: There is now sufficient data to support a change in the targeted upper age range for breast cancer screening to improve the existing suboptimal surveillance in women aged over 69 years. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1938419 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1938419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1938418&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F24 Conclusions: The Strategy has resulted in lower fees for primary health care for many New Zealanders, and consultation rates have also increased over the past few years. However, fees have not fallen by as much as expected in government policy given the amount of extra public money spent since there are limited requirements for practices to reduce patients' fees in line with increases in public funding for primary care. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1938418 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1938418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1933737&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F22 'Joined-up' government and 'whole-of-government' approaches have evolved over the past two decades from the simple 'one-stop-shop' concept to much more formal organisational structures mandated at the highest levels. In many cases, the participants in these developments were learning on the job, as they responded to community and political demands for better service delivery and more accountability. This paper looks back at some of those developments and proposes a schema to assess and place policies, strategies and programs. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1933737 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1933737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1770269&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F20 Conclusion: GPs in this study were under-resourced, at both an individual GP level as well as a structural level, to provide effective initial care for refugees. In SA, there are likely to be a number of challenges attempting to increase the capacity of GPs in private practice to provide initial care. An alternative model is for refugees with multiple and complex health care needs as well as those with significant resettlement challenges to receive initial health care via the existing specialist refugee health service in Adelaide. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1770269 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1770269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1685921&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F16 Conclusion: The experiences in WA demonstrate that deliberative engagement processes can be successfully implemented by government and can be used to guide policy. The techniques can be adapted to suit the context and issues experienced by a portfolio, and the skills required to conduct deliberative processes can be fostered amongst the portfolio's staff. Health policy makers may be able to learn from the experiences in WA, and adopt approaches to community engagement that allow for informed deliberation and debate in the community about the future of Australia's health system. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1685921 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1685921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1630669&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F15 Conclusion: The AFRM standards are an appropriate way of assessing rehabilitation services in Australia. As suggested by other workers 23 there should be ongoing review and field testing of the standards to maximise the relevance and utilisation of the standards. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1630669 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1630669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1554325&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F11 This article is the second in a two-part review of law's possible role in a regulatory approach to healthier nutrition and obesity prevention in Australia. As discussed in Part 1, law can intervene in support of obesity prevention at a variety of levels: by engaging with the health care system, by targeting individual behaviours, and by seeking to influence the broader, socio-economic and environmental factors that influence patterns of behaviour across the population. Part 1 argued that the most important opportunities for law lie in seeking to enhance the effectiveness of a population health approach.Part 2 of this article aims to provide a systematic review of the legal strategies that are most likely to emerge, or are worth considering, as part of a suite of policies designed to preven... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1554325 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1554325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1525505&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F9 The rapid rise in rates of overweight and obesity among adults and children in Australia and New Zealand has intensified debate about the most effective policies for obesity prevention. Law has much to contribute to this policy discussion, although its role is often misunderstood. The articles in this symposium follow on from a conference hosted in September 2006 by the Centre for Health Governance, Law & Ethics in the Faculty of Law, University of Sydney, titled: Obesity: should there be a law against it? In different ways, these articles provide a variety of perspectives on regulatory responses to obesity, including theoretical justifications for a legal approach, conceptual models that assist in making sense of law's role, as well as specific legal strategies for obesity prevention in v... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1525505 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1525505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1525504&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F10 This article provides a conceptual framework for thinking about the role of law in responding to population weight gain in Australia. Part 1 focuses on two core questions. Firstly, in pursuing the aim of weight reduction at the population level, what should law be trying to influence? The challenge here is to identify a model of the determinants of obesity that is adequate for legal purposes and that illustrates the entry points where law could best be used as an instrument of public health policy. Secondly, what kinds of strategies and tools can law offer to obesity prevention? The challenge here is to identify a model of law that captures the variety of contributions law is capable of making, at different levels of government, and across different legal systems.In Part 1 of the article, ... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1525504 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1525504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1451677&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F4 Access to "high cost medicines" through Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is tightly regulated. It is inherently difficult to apply any criteria-based system of control in a way that provides a fair balance between efficient use of limited resources for community needs and equitable individual access to care. We suggest, in relation to very high cost medicines, that the present arrangements be re-considered in order to overcome potential inequities. The biological agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are used as an example by which to discuss the ethical issues associated with the current scheme. Consideration of ethical aspects of the PBS and similar programs is important in order to achieve the fairest outcomes for individual patients, as well as for the commun... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1451677 Mon, 19 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1451677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1398990&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F5%2F1%2F1 If the outcomes of the recent COAG meeting are implemented, Australia will have a new set of benchmarks for its health system within a few months. This is a non-trivial task. Choice of benchmarks will, explicitly or implicitly, reflect a framework about how the health system works, what is important or to be valued and how the benchmarks are to be used. In this article we argue that the health system is dynamic and so benchmarks need to measure flows and interfaces rather than simply cross-sectional or static performance. We also argue that benchmarks need to be developed taking into account three perspectives: patient, clinician and funder. Each of these perspectives is critical and good performance from one perspective or on one dimension doesn't imply good performance on either (or both... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1398990 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1398990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1108365&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F4%2F1%2F26 Conclusions: The Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme is adapting to meet the changing needs of patients. Provision of subsidised access to high-cost medicines in a manner that is affordable for individuals and society, and that is equitable and efficiently managed is challenging. The views of stakeholders on targeted access to anti-rheumatic biological medicines in Australia acknowledged this challenge and provided a number of suggestions for modifications. These could serve as a basis to inform the debate on how to change the processes and policies so as to improve the scheme. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1108365 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1108365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1082019&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F4%2F1%2F25 DiscussionWater fluoridation opponents employ multiple techniques to try and undermine the scientifically established effectiveness of water fluoridation. The materials they use are often based on Internet resources or published books that present a highly misleading picture of water fluoridation. These materials are used to sway public and political opinion to the detriment of public health. Despite an extensive body of literature, both studies and results within studies are often selectively reported, giving a biased portrayal of water fluoridation effectiveness. Positive findings are downplayed or trivialised and the population implications of these findings misinterpreted. Ecological comparisons are sometimes used to support spurious conclusions. Opponents of water fluoridation frequen... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1082019 Sun, 09 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1082019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1074758&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F4%2F1%2F24 Background: We investigated the ways in which research evidence about the health effects from secondhand smoke (SHS) and smokefree policies was publicly used or regarded by New Zealand parliamentary politicians, during efforts to strengthen a smokefree law (ie, from 1997 to 2005). Methods: A documentary case study used published and unpublished material recording the use of research evidence by politicians. The material was collected for the period 1997-2005 from the parliamentary record, media and other databases. Additional searches were made to provide context for the politicians who used research. Results: Major themes identified included: (a) the employment of local estimates of SHS mortality, (b) linking specific health effects (eg, cancer) to SHS exposure, (c) a focus on the use of ... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1074758 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1074758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939657&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F4%2F1%2F19 DiscussionWe define what we consider health policy research and education should comprise. We then examine what is currently on offer and propose ways to strengthen health policy research in Australia. SummaryThis paper, which is part analysis and part commentary, is offered to provoke wider debate about how health policy research can be nurtured in Australia. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939657 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 939657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=757697&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F4%2F1%2F17 Conclusions: In-depth anonymous interviews appear to be feasible and can be productive for exploring sensitive tobacco-related policy issues with policymakers. The preliminary data from this group of New Zealand policymakers suggest important knowledge gaps, but also general distrust of this industry. From a tobacco control perspective, the results may suggest a greater focus by advocates on the funding of political parties by the tobacco industry, and on government agency investment in the tobacco industry. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=757697 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 757697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=696472&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F4%2F1%2F13 The Consumers' Health Forum of Australia and the National Health and Medical Research Council has recently developed a Model Framework for Consumer and Community Participation in Health and Medical Research in order to better align health and medical research with community need, and improve the impact of research. Model frameworks may have little impact on what goes on in practice unless relevant organisations actively make use of them. Philanthropic and government bodies have reported involving consumers in more meaningful or collaborative ways of late. This paper describes how a large charity organisation, which funds a significant proportion of Australian cancer research, operationalised the model framework using a unique approach demonstrating that it is both possible and reasonable f... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=696472 Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 696472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=649210&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F4%2F1%2F6 Conclusion: Participants sought opportunities for ongoing networking and collaboration. Two activities have been identified as priorities: establishing a policy-sensitive research agenda and partnering researchers and decision-makers in the process; and establishing a National Translation Task Group with a broad membership. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=649210 Thu, 31 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 649210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=470088&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F4%2F1%2F3 Conclusions: The high levels of inappropriate care demonstrated repeatedly in international studies using formal programs of utilisation review should not be ignored in Australia. Utilisation review tools, while predominantly developed in the US, may complement other Australian patient flow initiatives to improve efficiency while maintaining patient safety. They could also play a role in the identification of patients who may benefit from transfer from acute care to another type of care and thus be an adjunct to physician assessment. Testing of the available utilisation review tools in the Australian context is now required. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=470088 Tue, 13 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 470088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=456205&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F4%2F1%2F2 Conclusion: The overall uptake of biologicals for treating rheumatoid arthritis over the first two years of PBS subsidy was considerably lower than expected. Long-term safety concerns and the expanded clinical uses of these drugs emphasise the need for evaluation. It is essential that there is comprehensive, ongoing analysis of utilisation data, associated expenditure and, importantly, patient outcomes in order to enhance accountability, efficiency and equity of policies that allocate substantial resources to subsidising national access to high-cost medicines. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=456205 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0100 456205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=456206&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F4%2F1%2F1 This paper reviews methods that can be used to assess the impact of medicine use on population health outcomes. In the absence of a gold standard, we argue that a convergence of evidence from different types of studies using multiple methods of independent imperfection provides the best bases for attributing improvements in health outcomes to the use of medicines. The major requirements are: good evidence that a safe and effective medicine is being appropriately prescribed; covariation between medicine use and improved health outcomes; and being able to discount alternative explanations of the covariation (via covariate adjustment, propensity analyses and sensitivity analyses), so that medicine use is the most plausible explanation of the improved health outcomes. The strongest possible ev... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=456206 Thu, 15 Feb 2007 05:00:00 +0100 456206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=415077&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F4%2F1%2F1 This paper reviews methods that can be used to assess the impact of medicine use on population health outcomes. In the absence of a gold standard, we argue that a convergence of evidence from different types of studies using multiple methods of independent imperfection provides the best basis for attributing improvements in health outcomes to the use of medicines. The major requirements are: good evidence that a safe and effective medicine is being appropriately prescribed; covariation between medicine use and improved health outcomes; and being able to discount alternative explanations of the covariation (via covariate adjustment, propensity analyses and sensitivity analyses), so that medicine use is the most plausible explanation of the improved health outcomes. The strongest possible ev... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=415077 Thu, 15 Feb 2007 05:00:00 +0100 415077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=343952&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F3%2F1%2F10 Since 2004 the Howard Coalition government has implemented a new policy framework and administrative arrangements as part of its program of reform in Indigenous affairs. In this paper I will describe both the parameters of this reform program and review the processes established to support the implementation of national Indigenous health strategy. In particular, I will consider both the shift from a policy framework based on 'self-determination' to one based on 'mutual obligation', and the implementation of Shared Responsibility Agreements (SRAs) that are based on the latter principle. I will use the example of the Mulan SRA to illustrate the difficulties in articulating the 'new arrangements' with current approaches to Indigenous health planning and strategy implementation. I conclude tha... Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=343952 Mon, 25 Sep 2006 06:00:00 +0100 343952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=343953&cid=s_34012_51_f&fid=34012&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anzhealthpolicy.com%2Fcontent%2F3%2F1%2F9 This paper describes the outcomes of episodes of care for adults in public sector mental health services across Australia, with a view to informing the debate on service quality. Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) change scores and effect sizes were calculated for 14,659 acute inpatient episodes and 23,692 community episodes. The results showed that people in contact with public sector mental health services generally do get better, although the magnitude of improvement depends on the setting and episode type. This confirmatory finding is particularly positive, given current community concerns about the quality and effectiveness of mental health services. (Source: Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles) Australia and New Zealand Health Policy - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=343953 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 343953