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 'Australian Health Review' source. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:23:35 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474789&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126939%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe the functions and role of a Drug Safety Working Group (DSWG) in a suburban hospital, which aims to audit and promote a culture of prescribing and medication administration that is prudent and cautious to minimise the risk of harm to patients. We believe that regular prescription monitoring and feedback to Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) improves medication management in our hospital. PMID: 22126939 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474789 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474788&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126940%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Briggs RJ, Smith KM, Dejager EM, Callahan JT, Abernethy JA, Dunn EJ, Hunter-Smith DJ Abstract Elective surgery waiting list management is a major public healthcare issue. This case study describes an integrated multifaceted approach to waiting list management at Peninsula Health, a public health service in Victoria, Australia. At the commencement of this study it was recognised that several issues associated with the urological surgical service constituted potential clinical risk. These included: recall mechanisms for multiple surveillance procedures; significant resource deficits; and long surgery waiting times. Responding to these issues a multifaceted approach to wait list management was implemented including: audit; direct lines of communication between clinical and ad... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474788 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474782&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126941%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. These clinical indicators offer a consistent basis for monitoring hospital performance and improving care of older people in Victoria and other jurisdictions. What is known about the topic? Older hospitalised patients are at risk of functional decline and associated adverse outcomes such as falls and pressure ulcers. Clinical indicators to measure healthcare structures, processes and outcomes can be used to monitor quality of care among this vulnerable patient group. What does this paper add? This paper describes the process used to identify and select indicators for the Victorian government's Council of Australian Governments Long Stay Older Persons initiative. It presents the use of a modified Delphi technique to gain group consensus for the indicator selection process; a ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474782 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474781&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126942%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Although not representative of all residential facilities in Australia, this audit process has identified common environmental problems across a diverse mix of residential care facilities. Results highlight the need for further investigation into the quality of physical environments, and interventions to improve physical environments in Australian RACFs. What is known about the topic? Despite the importance of the physical environment on the health, wellbeing and safety of older people in residential aged care facilities, few studies have comprehensively evaluated the physical environment in facilities in Australia. What does this paper add? This paper provides findings from comprehensive audits of nine residential aged care facilities representing a broad range of facility... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474781 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474779&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126943%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. There is a strong need to focus on improving strategies for integrating IMGs into the allied health system. In particular, IMGs require information to help them understand the roles and referral processes associated with interfacing with the allied health system. What is known about the topic? To date, there is no research available on the important topic of how IMGs understand and integrate with the allied health system in relation to multidisciplinary care in the Australian healthcare system. What does this paper add? The present findings make an important contribution to the literature by highlighting the need to focus on integrating IMGs into the allied health system. The findings presented in this paper indicate that, for the range of reasons summarised the IMGs' under... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474779 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474778&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126944%26dopt%3DAbstract Discussions with most of the deans revealed their strong social commitments. We consider two of these in depth - raising the status and thus the involvement of students in general and especially rural practice; and increasing the numbers of Indigenous students and the knowledge of Indigenous health and culture among all students. We examine a system by which medical schools in the USA have been ranked for social mission achievements and suggest this approach might be used in Australia to measure the response of medical schools to Government initiatives and policies. PMID: 22126944 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474778 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474776&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126945%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. To enhance uptake, peer review should be structured as key to clinical development, and modelled as a professional behaviour by higher-status colleagues. What is known about this topic? In non-clinical settings, peer review can lead to improvements in performance. Studies in the US and Canada have demonstrated that junior doctors in hospital have low rates of uptake of peer review. What does this paper add? In Australia, junior doctors had low rates of engagement with both mandatory and voluntary peer review. Peer review may be resisted because it threatens to undermine the collegiate atmosphere among hospital peers. What are the implications for practice? Peer review should be modelled as professional behaviour by higher-status colleagues, especially registrars and consult... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474776 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474771&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126946%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Slater PJ Abstract The administration team in the Queensland Children's Cancer Centre at the Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, included a team of 16 administration staff supporting the service and the state-wide clinical network. Shortly after the creation of a new expanded service, issues became apparent in administration team morale, relationships, communication, processes, leadership, support and training. The analysis of these issues included team interviews and surveys, consultation with senior administration staff and monthly sick leave monitoring. Strategies implemented included providing information; the joint development of a team business plan and individual performance plans; a review of the team's structure, workload and business processes; engaging staff in... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474771 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474764&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126947%26dopt%3DAbstract This report evaluates a beginning Nurse Practitioner (NP) role in Acute Pain Management. Healthcare setting. The role was implemented within an anaesthesiology-based pain service. The NP author developed this pain service in 2002 and was endorsed as an NP 6 years later. The NP reviews all clients undergoing major surgery or trauma and provides pain management to women for caesarean section. Prior to this role, there were significant delays for some patients requiring prompt analgesia. This was because of the decreased availability of anaesthetists to fully participate in the pain service due to the demand for complex anaesthesiology practice. Method of data collection. Data were conveniently collected by the NP on prescription and service provision over 200 working days. Main findings. ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474764 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474763&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126948%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Our results demonstrate less than satisfactory uptake of the nurse practitioner role despite authorisation. Barriers constraining nurse practitioner practice reduced but remained unacceptably high. Adequate professional and political support is necessary to ensure the efficacy and sustainability of this clinical role. What is known about the topic? The nurse practitioner is a developing new model of healthcare delivery that performs an advanced clinical role and is becoming increasingly important in the overburdened Australian healthcare system. Our census conducted in 2007 indicated that nurse practitioners perceived many barriers to their practice and were underutilised in the Australian healthcare workforce, specifically because of their inability to prescribe medications... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474763 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474762&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126949%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lin V, Gillick D Abstract The Chinese Medicine Registration Act was passed through Victorian parliament in 2000, based on policy research that suggested the need for statutory registration as a means for protecting public health and safety. This paper reports on the implementation and the effect of this policy. By examining registration, complaints and prosecution data from the Chinese Medicine Registration Board as well as comparing the complaints data between 2003 and 2007 across all Victorian registration boards, this paper considers the extent to which the policy research and the policy intent were justified. Based on the experience of the Chinese Medicine Registration Board, the paper points to issues that should be further considered as Chinese medicine moves into th... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474762 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474761&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126950%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Diversion of patients with minor conditions to alternative services; referral of COPD patients to follow-up respiratory services and patients with neurosis to community mental health services would reduce emergency utilisation. Improving access to and resourcing of alternative non-hospital services should be investigated to reduce emergency overcrowding. What is known about the topic? Frequent re-attendances at emergency contribute to emergency overcrowding and are a problem worldwide. Generally, frequent re-attendances have been associated with disadvantage. Identifying patient factors that predict re-attendances will assist in developing strategies to prevent their occurrence. The reasons for re-attendances may vary depending on access to other services and the role of the... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474761 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474760&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126951%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. Inequality of accessibility for patients was apparent. Five years into the program, a review of Medicare Allied Health CDM policy is warranted. Implications. Research and evaluation is needed to identify whether the program is meeting the needs of GPs, allied health providers and chronic disease patients. What is known about the topic? Since 2004, Medicare Chronic Disease Management program has offered Australian patients with chronic or complex disease access to 13 allied health professions via private clinics on referral from their general practitioner - with costs subsidised by Medicare. Little is known about the demographics of referred patients or which allied health services are utilised. What does this paper add? We take a multidisciplinary perspective to describe pr... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474760 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474759&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126952%26dopt%3DAbstract Discussion. Doctors currently underuse interpreters. Increasing the use of interpreters requires education and incentives, but also sustained investment in systems, infrastructure and interpreters to meet the escalation in demand as the population ages. What is known about this topic? Australia is a multilingual country, with 1 in 35 Australians rating their spoken English as poor. Australia is regarded internationally as a model of service provision in its national fee-free rapid-access telephone interpreter service (the Doctors Priority Line) for doctors charging Medicare-rebateable services. Little is known of the extent of uptake of interpreter services by private doctors, relative to estimated patient need. What does this paper add? Using estimates generated from Medicare statistic... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474759 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474758&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126953%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Findings revealed the complex and diverse nature of health concerns in homeless people. The demand on hospital services continues to increase and unless government policies take into consideration the psychosocial demands of the communities most vulnerable people efforts to divert hospital demand will continue to fail. What is known about the topic? Homeless people have complex healthcare needs and are high users of emergency departments (EDs). The increasing demand on hospital services has led to a focus by the Australian State, Territory and Federal Governments on strategies to divert homeless people from presenting to the ED. What does this paper add? This paper gives an insight into the experiences of homeless people and health service provides who are directly involved... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474758 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474757&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126954%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. By involving members of the treating team in decisions about outcome assessment and data storage it was possible to reliably document clinical outcomes across multiple settings of care. PMID: 22126954 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474757 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474756&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126955%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. This study outlines a cost structure for a safe and comprehensive ambulatory care program comprised of an early discharge pathway with outpatient follow-up, and promotes this as a cost effective approach to managing 'low-risk' febrile neutropenic patients. What is known about the topic? Febrile neutropenia is a common complication of chemotherapy for patients with cancer. There is high level evidence supporting the use of ambulatory care strategies to manage patients with febrile neutropenia who are deemed to be at low risk of developing medical complications. What does this paper add? This paper highlights a cost structure for an adequately equipped and cost-effective ambulatory care strategy suitable for Australian hospitals to manage patients with low-risk febrile neutrop... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474756 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474755&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126956%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. The applied RAC-E analysis demonstrates a framework for comparing the economic efficiency of care provided at different hospitals, which provides a basis for defining the efficient price and appropriate funding incentives to achieve better patient outcomes. What is known about the topic? The efficient price is a recently introduced concept used in the context of the recent healthcare reforms produced by the Australian government. The stated objective in setting nationally efficient prices for public hospital services is to 'strike an appropriate balance between reasonable access, clinical safety, efficiency and fiscal considerations'. There has been no explicit discussion to date about specific processes for estimating the efficient price. What does this paper add? This pap... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474755 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474754&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126957%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nadathur SG Abstract It is important to factor-in the characteristics of patients that may affect treatment, outcome and resource when making clinical and administrative decisions, plans or policies. For some two and half decades there have been efforts to construct and refine instruments that endeavour to capture the concept of comorbidity. This paper focuses on such comorbidity measures that are derived from diagnoses information recorded in administrative datasets. The pros and cons of the popular weighted Charlson and Charlson-based indexes are discussed. Means to improve the comorbidity indexes are considered including the very concept and definition of comorbidity. PMID: 22126957 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474754 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474753&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126958%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Major initiatives are required at all levels of the healthcare system to adequately address service provision for Indigenous Queenslanders with lung diseases, including high quality research to investigate the causes for poor lung health, which are likely to be multifactorial. What is known about the topic? Chronic diseases, including lung disease contribute to, and influence outcomes of, the well-known health and socioeconomic disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Nationwide, the most common reason for hospitalisation of Indigenous Australians is for lung diseases (after renal dialysis). What does this paper add? There is currently no state- or nation-wide comprehensive review of chronic lung disease burden and the health services available ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474753 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474752&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22126959%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kendall E, Del Fabbro L, Ehrlich C, Rixon K PMID: 22126959 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474752 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5474752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175837&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871182%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate that the coding of complications is more comprehensive in Victoria than in Queensland. It is known that inconsistencies exist between states in routine hospital data quality. Comparative use of patient safety indicators should be viewed with caution until standards are improved across Australia. More exploration of data quality issues is needed to identify areas for improvement. What is known about the topic? Routine data are low cost, accessible and timely but the quality is often questioned. This deters researchers and clinicians from using the data to monitor aspects of quality improvement. Previous studies have reported on the quality of diagnosis coding in Australia but not specifically on the quality of use of the condition-onset flag denoting hos... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175837 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175836&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871183%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Many Australian doctors experience workplace aggression. The more widespread adoption of measures that support the prevention and minimisation of aggression in medical practice settings appears necessary. What is known about the topic? The limited research on workplace aggression in Australian medical practice primarily focusses on the prevalence of patient aggression in General Practice. What does this paper add? Current evidence is provided on the extent of workplace aggression directed towards Australian doctors from multiple sources and the implementation of workplace aggression prevention and minimisation strategies in diverse clinical settings. What are the implications for practitioners? More concerted efforts need to be undertaken to ensure that effective aggression pr... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175836 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175835&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871184%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. With the Australian government promoting the role of PHCOs in health system reform, reflections from abroad highlight the key action within PHC and PHCOs required to optimise PHC workforce planning. PMID: 21871184 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175835 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175834&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871185%26dopt%3DAbstract This article considers the pricing policy for pharmaceuticals in Australia, which is widely seen as having achieved low drug prices. However, compared to New Zealand, the evidence implies that Australia might have improved its performance significantly if it had proactively sought market best pricing. The Australian record suggests that the information sought by authorities may not be sufficient for optimal pricing and that the economic evaluation of pharmaceuticals may be neither necessary nor sufficient for achieving this goal. PMID: 21871185 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175834 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175833&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871186%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Scott A, Connelly LB Abstract Changes to the remuneration of medical practitioners are currently being considered in Australia. In this paper, we provide a discussion of financial incentives in healthcare markets and their effects on health professionals' behaviour. After defining incentives, the paper focuses on the design of incentive schemes for the health workforce. It discusses several issues that should be considered when designing incentives, illustrated with some Australian examples. What are the objectives of the incentive scheme? What types of incentives can be used and under what circumstances? What is the empirical evidence around the effects of incentive schemes? What unintended consequences might exist? The paper concludes with a set of principles around whic... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175833 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175832&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871187%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Evidence from health economic evaluations may provide valuable information in some decisions; however, at present, it is not central to many decisions. The study suggests that, for economic evaluation to be helpful in real-life policy decisions, it has to be placed into context - a context which is complex, political and often resistant to voluntary change. What is known about the topic? There are increasing calls for the use of evidence from formal economic evaluations to improve the quality of healthcare decision making; however, it is widely acknowledged that such evidence, as presently constituted, is underused in its influence on allocation decisions. What does this paper add? This study highlights that resource allocation decisions cannot be purely based on the use of te... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175832 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175831&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871188%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Differing definitions of a 'health emergency' may explain patient help-seeking behaviour when accessing emergency health resources including hospital ED and ambulance services. A new definition of health emergency that encapsulates the health professional and patient perspectives is proposed. An agreed definition of when emergency health resources should be used has the potential to improve emergency health services demand and patient flow issues, and optimise emergency health resource allocation. What is known about the topic? Although many patients' access emergency healthcare services in an emergency, many patients' access emergency healthcare services when their condition is non-urgent, and avoid using emergency health care when their condition requires. What does this pap... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175831 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175830&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871189%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Arya DK PMID: 21871189 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175830 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175829&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871190%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Seidl IA, Daly MP, Johnson AJ, Aitken P PMID: 21871190 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175829 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175828&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871191%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. Although successful partnerships are crucial to optimise Aboriginal health outcomes, failed collaborations risk inflaming sensitive Aboriginal-non-Aboriginal relationships. Factors supporting successful partnerships remind us to develop genuine, trusting relationships that are tangibly linked to the Aboriginal community. Failure to invest in this relational process and push forward with 'business as usual' can ultimately have negative ramifications on client outcomes. What is known about the topic? Partnerships between different health services have long been recognised as beneficial for broadening service capacity and using resources more effectively to improve client care. The current policy climate particularly recognises partnerships between Aboriginal and mainstream servic... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175828 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175827&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871192%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. Social network methods made visible an informal network where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people relate in a complex socio-political environment to influence national Indigenous health policy. What is known about the topic? The participation of Indigenous people is acknowledged as important in health, but there is criticism of the lack of real opportunities for Indigenous people to participate in national Indigenous health policy processes. What does this paper add? This research reveals the presence of an informal network of influential persons. It demonstrates a way to investigate the concept of participation through social network analytic techniques. It reveals that Indigenous people are fundamental to an informal network that influences national health policy processes. ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175827 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175826&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871193%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. This study identified that there were insufficient appropriate chairs available for patients to sit out of bed in this facility. This has potential implications for functional ability of the patients, particularly for the older person. What is known about the topic? Low levels of activity have previously been reported for older adults hospitalised for an acute illness and early mobilisation of stable hospitalised patients, including sitting out of bed for short periods in the day, is regarded as best practice. Some features, such as arm rests and appropriate seat height, of appropriate chairs suitable for older adults are well-known. However, the compliance of facilities to provide appropriate seating has not been investigated. What does this paper add? We conducted a review of... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175826 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175825&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871194%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. This study highlights the challenges of achieving a long-term reduction in the number of young people in residential aged care, including the challenge of achieving systemic change to prevent new admissions. Implications. The accommodation options currently being developed for this target group will soon be at capacity. Without sustained investment in developing alternative accommodation options and resources to implement systemic change ~250 people under 50 are likely to continue to be admitted to aged care each year in Australia. What is known about the topic? Prior to the current 5-year, $244million, national Young People in Residential Aged Care program there were more than 1000 Australians under 50 years of age who lived in aged care facilities. Aged care is not designed ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175825 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175824&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871195%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. This study showed the importance of analysing blood issues and utilisation on an activity adjusted basis rather than a raw per capita basis. What is known about the topic? Transfusion practice can be monitored by various methods such as retrospective review of medical records and blood orders, prospective audits and analysis of blood usage by DRG classification. Blood utilisation studies have been used to describe the use of blood for a whole population or hospitals in order to understand the clinical reasons for transfusion. These studies also help to describe current practice, assess variability in practice and suggest areas where improvements in transfusion practice could be achieved. What does this paper add? This study enabled an analysis of red cell usage in South Austral... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175824 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175823&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871196%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. EPC item uptake responded favourably to item changes from Medicare Australia. Prior exposure to EPC items increased the regularity of GP services, an outcome inversely associated with chronic disease progression. What is known about the topic? The Australian Federal government has invested substantial funds (over $200million in 2007-08 alone) in the enhanced primary care (EPC) program with the intention of improving patient outcomes, specifically aged patients and those suffering from chronic disease. The EPC program uses high value Medicare items to incentivise GPs to engage in long-term planned care. However, limited research has examined the effect of this program on patient service utilisation and outcomes. What does this paper add? This paper provides a whole-population p... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175823 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175822&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871197%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Compared to other OECD countries, Australian out-of-pocket costs are now in the mid to upper range. Further increases have the potential to significantly affect access to care. What is known about the topic? In Australia and internationally, increases in the portion of prescription medicines paid by patients have been associated with falls in utilisation. Despite the pharmaceutical subsidies patients receive under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, prescription medicine costs are a barrier to access for many low income, elderly and other vulnerable patients. What does this paper add? The findings demonstrate that the prescription medicine expenditure of Australian patients has increased substantially over recent years, and is double that indicated by benefit-paid d... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175822 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175821&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871198%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate an end-of-life (terminal) care pathway and associated infrastructure suitable for Australian residential aged care facilities that improves resident and health system outcomes. The residential aged care end-of-life care pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary collaboration of government and non-government professionals and incorporated best clinical management for dying residents to guide care and increase palliative care capacity of generalist staff. Implementation included identifying and up-skilling Link Nurses to champion the pathway, networking facilities with specialist palliative care services, delivering education to generalists and commencing a Palliative Care Medication Imprest System in each facility. The pr... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175821 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175820&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871199%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. The prevalence of the timely assignment of an EDD was low and was lowest for planned admissions. The current Charlson Index score is an effective tool for identifying patients who are more likely to experience delayed discharge. What is known about the topic? Failure to assign an EDD is one of the major barriers to implementing effective discharge. Establishing an EDD for a patient within 24h of an admission is thought to be a measure of efficient and high quality discharge planning. What does this paper add? Older patients, patients with significant burdens of chronic morbidity, and patients from a non-English-speaking background were less likely to be assigned a timely EDD. The current Charlson Index score was a significant predictor of a positive variance between EDD and AD... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175820 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175819&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871200%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion and recommendations. Discharge planning processes for family carers of people with dementia could be substantially improved. It is recommended that hospitals develop policy, process and procedures that take into account the family carer's needs, develop key performance indicators and adopt best practice standards that direct discharge planning activities and early engagement of the family carer in healthcare decisions. It is recommended that health professionals be educated on communication, consultation and needs of family carers. What is known about the topic? The literature shows discharge planning can increase in patient and caregiver satisfaction, reduce post-discharge anxiety, reduce unplanned readmissions and reduce post-discharge complications and mortality. To be effect... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175819 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175818&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871201%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Harding KE, Taylor NF, Leggat SG Abstract Objectives. Triage processes are often used by Emergency Departments to sort patients according to urgency or type of service required. Triage may also be used in a broad spectrum of other health services and not just emergency departments. Triage systems may be used to ensure the most urgent patients get timely service, but do they have an effect on patient flow? Methods. We conducted a systematic review by searching five electronic databases (until August 2009) combining the elements 'triage' and 'patient flow', complemented by hand searching reference lists and citation tracking. We identified and assessed the quality of 25 articles that met inclusion criteria. Population, setting, design and results were extracted and a process... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175818 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175817&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871202%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Barnes SL, Campbell DA, Stockman KA, Wunderlink D Abstract Clinical handover is an essential process occurring at many levels of inpatient care. Multiple studies within a hospital setting have identified that a breakdown in the handover process can lead to poor patient outcomes and serious adverse events. The use of electronic handover tools is an intervention identified to decrease errors in clinical care arising from poor handover practice. An electronic handover tool was implemented in a general medical unit in a metropolitan tertiary hospital setting. The program was written by a Medical Professional who also used the tool. The program was evaluated with a pre- and post-intervention survey within the medical, allied health and nursing staff members of the multidiscipli... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175817 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912274&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612720%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hemphill E, Kulik CT Recruitment is an ongoing challenge in the health industry with general practitioner (GP) shortages in many areas beyond rural and Indigenous communities. This paper suggests a marketing solution that identifies different segments of the GP market for recruitment strategy development. In February 2008, 96 GPs in Australia responded to a mail questionnaire (of which 85 questionnaires were useable). A total of 350 GPs were sent the questionnaire. Respondents considered small sets of attributes in the decision to accept a new job at a general practice and selected the most and least important attribute from each set. We identified latent class clusters (cohorts) of GPs from the most-least important data. Three cohorts were found in the GP market, distinguishi... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912274 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912273&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612721%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Adams EJ, Cox JM, Adamson BJ, Schofield DJ The aim of the study was to gain understanding of why nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) leave and to compare workforce and service provision trends with diagnostic imaging professionals. PMID: 21612721 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912273 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912272&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612722%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Smith SE, Drake LE, Harris JG, Watson K, Pohlner PG This paper identifies the contribution of health and clinical informatics in the support of healthcare in the 21st century. Although little is known about the health and clinical informatics workforce, there is widespread recognition that the health informatics workforce will require significant expansion to support national eHealth work agendas. Workforce issues including discipline definition and self-identification, formal professionalisation, weaknesses in training and education, multidisciplinarity and interprofessional tensions, career structure, managerial support, and financial allocation play a critical role in facilitating or hindering the development of a workforce that is capable of realising the benefits to be ga... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912272 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912271&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612723%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Matthews LR, Pockett RB, Nisbet G, Thistlethwaite JE, Dunston R, Lee A, White JF A substantial literature engaging with the directions and experiences of stakeholders involved in interprofessional health education exists at the international level, yet almost nothing has been published that documents and analyses the Australian experience. Accordingly, this study aimed to scope the experiences of key stakeholders in health and higher education in relation to the development of interprofessional practice capabilities in health graduates in Australia. PMID: 21612723 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912271 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912270&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612724%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Noonan CL, Monagle J, Castanelli D The process of development, and implementation, of a multi-source feedback tool for consultant anaesthetists is described. Rater groups included the anaesthetist-in-charge, anaesthetic assistants, anaesthetic trainees and, for some, the nurse-in-charge of the floor. Multiple items were developed to rate consultant behaviour, especially non-technical aspects of behaviour, and used across some or all of the rater groups. Response rates for items and by rater groups are discussed. The collated information formed part of the annual staff appraisal process conducted by the director. The information is useful for the director and the process is well-accepted by the staff. PMID: 21612724 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912270 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912269&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612725%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kelly C, Noonan CL, Monagle JP To gain better understanding of the work-preparedness of new interns and identify areas where further training and education should be provided. PMID: 21612725 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912269 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912268&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612726%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Buchan JM, Naccarella L, Brooks PM This paper assesses what health workforce 'sustainability' might mean for Australia and New Zealand, given the policy direction set out in the World Health Organization draft code on international recruitment of health workers. The governments in both countries have in the past made policy statements about the desirability of health workforce 'self-sufficiency', but OECD data show that both have a high level of dependence on internationally recruited health professionals relative to most other OECD countries. The paper argues that if a target of 'self-sufficiency' or sustainability were to be based on meeting health workforce requirements from home based training, both Australia and New Zealand fall far short of this measure, and continue to ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912268 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912267&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612727%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rankin NM, Barron JA, Lane LG, Mason CA, Sinclair S, Bishop JF There is limited published evidence about how psychosocial services should be organised or routinely integrated into cancer services to ensure that cancer patients receive appropriate psychological, social and emotional support during periods of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. This paper reports on a survey of 26 oncology services in New South Wales, Australia, to examine the current provision of psychosocial oncology services. The aim of the study was to gather baseline data and information about the provision of services and to identify significant challenges associated with the development and implementation of psychosocial oncology services. A total of 42% of staff at psycho-oncology services reported they ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912267 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912266&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612728%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Duncombe RH Receptionists are employed as administrative assistants, but in Community Health Centres, especially rural ones, they are the first step in service delivery, the intake system. This has implications for the people seeking services and for receptionists. This paper looks at receptionist data from an intake study alongside relevant literature and makes findings relating to the occupational health and safety (OH&S) of receptionists and for intake systems. PMID: 21612728 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912266 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912265&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612729%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Simmons NC, Kuys SS Allied health (AH) managers need to be able to quantify workloads to effectively manage the increasing demands on the health system. Workload allocation models provide a means of monitoring, evaluating and determining manageable workloads. This allows managers to ensure equitable distribution of duties and maximise the existing AH workforce output, which will lead to more efficient health service delivery and better patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to develop and trial an AH workload allocation model incorporating the National Allied Health Casemix Committee Health Activity Classification. A workload allocation model was developed that included a staff workload mapping tool, data analysis spreadsheet and guidelines for calculating procedure t... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912265 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912264&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612730%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hillman KM PMID: 21612730 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912264 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912263&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612731%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Brown AM, Pirotta M Prioritisation of clients requesting physiotherapy in Victorian community health services has occurred in the absence of a uniform evidence-based prioritisation process. The effect of the varying prioritisation procedures on client outcomes is unknown. This two-part study sought to answer two questions: what are the current prioritisation practices? And what is the evidence for prioritisation? Staff of Victorian community health services offering physiotherapy (n=67) were sent a structured questionnaire regarding their prioritisation practices. The questionnaire data revealed a wide range of poorly defined criteria and methods of assessment for prioritisation. The evidence for prioritisation and the use of specific prioritisation criteria were examined via ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912263 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912262&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612732%26dopt%3DAbstract This study investigated approaches for promoting cultural competence in CR. PMID: 21612732 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912262 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912261&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612733%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gallego G, Taylor SJ, Brien JA To explore healthcare decision makers' perceptions about public involvement in setting priorities for high-cost medications (HCMs) in public hospitals in Australia. PMID: 21612733 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912261 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912260&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612734%26dopt%3DAbstract This study explored how ACP is conceptualised by stakeholder organisations and clinicians involved in aged care and end-of-life care in Australia, in particular their views on the aim, appropriate context and settings for ACP, and how ACP should be facilitated. PMID: 21612734 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912260 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912259&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612735%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lingaratnam SM, Kirsa SW, Mellor JD, Jackson J, Crellin W, Fitzsimons M, Zalcberg JR To describe the current practices and policy of Australian private health insurance (PHI) companies with respect to cover for pharmaceuticals not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). PMID: 21612735 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912259 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912259 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912258&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612736%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: McIntyre MJ, Chapman Y, Francis K This paper presents a critical analysis of risk management in maternity care and the hidden costs associated with the practice in healthy women. Issues of quality and safety are driving an increased emphasis by health services on risk management in maternity care. Medical risk in pregnancy is known to benefit 15% or less of all pregnancies. Risk management applied to the remaining 85% of healthy women results in the management of risk in the absence of risk. The health cost to mothers and babies and the economic burden on the overall health system of serious morbidity has been omitted from calculations comparing costs of uncomplicated caesarean birth and uncomplicated vaginal birth. The understanding that elective caesarean birth is cost-neutr... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912258 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912257&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612737%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sheehan JA, Tyler P, Jayasinha H, Meleady KT, Jones N During 2006, NSW and ACT Health Departments jointly engaged KPMG to develop an Operating Theatre Requirements' Projection Model and an accompanying planning guideline. A research scan was carried out to identify drivers of surgical demand, theatre capacity and theatre performance, as well as locating existing approaches to modelling operating theatre requirements for planning purposes. The project delivered a Microsoft Excel-based model for projecting future operating theatre requirements, together with an accompanying guideline for use of the model and interpretation of its outputs. It provides a valuable addition to the suite of tools available to Health staff for service and capital planning. The model operates with seve... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912257 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912256&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612738%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Homer CS, Biggs J, Vaughan G, Sullivan EA To describe maternity services available to Australian women and, in particular, the location, classification of services and support services available. PMID: 21612738 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912256 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912255&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612739%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tirimacco R, Glastonbury B, Laurence CO, Bubner TK, Shephard MD, Beilby JJ To describe the development and evaluation of an accreditation program for Point of Care Testing (PoCT) in general practice, which was part of the PoCT in general practice (GP) Trial conducted in 2005-07 and funded by the Australian Government. PMID: 21612739 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912255 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912254&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612740%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shahid S, Finn L, Bessarab D, Thompson SC Cancer mortality among Indigenous Australians is higher compared to the non-Indigenous population and attributed to poor access to cancer detection, screening, treatment and support services. A large proportion of Indigenous Australians live in rural and remote areas which makes access to cancer treatment services more challenging. Factors, such as transport, accommodation, poor socio-economic status and cultural appropriateness of services also negatively affect health service access and, in turn, lead to poor cancer outcomes. PMID: 21612740 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912254 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582051&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367322%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. The best explanatory variable in our inpatient rehabilitation service is the admission motor FIM. AN- SNAP v2 classification is a less effective explanatory variable. This needs to be taken into account when using AN-SNAP v2 classification for clinical or funding purposes. What is known about the topic? AN-SNAP v2, a major classification tool for inpatient rehabilitation units has been described and used in a small number of published studies. The ability to predict variance by AN-SNAP v2 has not been previously described. What does this paper add? This paper indicates that AN-SNAP v2 is not a good predictor of outcomes in patients in medical rehabilitation units, challenging its utility as a classification tool. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners will h... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582051 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582050&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367323%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hanson RM Good health information is central to informing the delivery of health care. Health has mostly struggled to promote the effective use of information to manage services on a day to day basis. Based on the experience at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, a case is made for seeing information as an asset that requires a structured approach to improving data quality, and making a concerted effort to grow a more robust information culture. Transforming Health through better health information will not happen overnight. It needs a long range plan. It should be supported by appropriate business intelligence tools and a structured approach to process improvement, built around data management. What is known about the topic? Good Health Information is central to informing th... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582050 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582049&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367324%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Piscioneri F, Chong GC The trend, in the last few years, of shorter working hours for junior doctors has been driven by the need for safer working conditions. This has led to the loss of continuity of care and the introduction of shift work for residents and registrars, resulting in up to three handovers per 24-h period. Many sentinel events occurring in hospitals can be attributed to a breakdown in communication. Clinical handover is important because it not only facilitates continuity in the transfer of patient information between healthcare professionals but also helps identify potential problems that may occur in upcoming shifts. Methods of handover include verbal-only reports, verbal reports with note-taking and the use of printed handouts containing relevant patient info... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582049 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582048&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367325%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Since this study was conducted in 2008, ongoing funding for urban brokerage services has been suspended. Although the reasons for this are unclear, our study suggests that barriers to the acceptance of brokerage services by the community may have existed even before such services were implemented, thus highlighting the need for transparency when launching new health initiatives that hope to engage the Aboriginal community. What is known about the topic? Brokerage models have previously been described in the areas of mental health and aged care. In these examples, brokerage agencies have provided patients with a key entry point into the healthcare system. Benefits of the brokerage model, such as flexibility, have been contrasted with its limitations, such as a heavy reliance up... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582048 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582047&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367326%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shamsullah A Australia's private health insurance funds have been prominent participants in the nation's health system for 60 years. Yet there is relatively little public awareness of the distinctive origins of the health funds, the uncharacteristic organisational nature of these commercial enterprises and the peculiarly regulated nature of their industry. The conventional corporate responsibility to shareholders was, until recently, completely irrelevant, and remains marginal to the sector. However, their purported answerability to contributors, styled as 'members', was always doubtful for most health funds. After a long period of remarkable stability in the sector, despite significant shifts in health funding policy, recent years have brought notable changes, with mergers, a... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582047 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582046&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367327%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. The GFC is likely to increase activity in the GP market and potentially to reduce fee levels relative to the pre-GFC trends. Net effects on average GP incomes are likely to be small at current unemployment levels. What is known about the topic? Although the broad directions of the impact of the global financial crisis on the demand for and supply of GP services have been the subject of public discussion, the overall impact on the GP market has not been formally assessed. What does this paper add? Drawing on existing supply and demand models, we estimate the likely effect of the global financial crisis on GP activity levels, GP earnings, and the fees to be faced by patients. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners on average are likely to work harder to recov... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582046 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582045&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367328%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hale AR, Coombes ID, Stowasser DA, Nissen L PMID: 21367328 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582045 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582044&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367329%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. These results suggest that most Australian patients are cost conscious but many are also close to facing difficulties with prescription costs. Further increases in PBS cost sharing could compromise prescription affordability, particularly for general beneficiaries. What is known about the topic? Increased PBS cost sharing is intended to minimise unnecessary demand for prescription medicines while maintaining affordability. The key mechanism to achieve this - 'cost consciousness' - has not been investigated. What does this paper add? The paper provides patient level data on cost consciousness, attitudes to cost sharing and patient capacity to manage future increases in PBS cost sharing. What are the implications for practitioners? Australians are cost conscious. Further increas... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582044 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582043&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367330%26dopt%3DAbstract This article reviews the current knowledge about PRMs and explores some of the issues surrounding the potential introduction of a PRM to a public health system. We make a particular case for New Zealand, but also consider issues that are relevant to Australia. PMID: 21367330 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582043 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582042&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367331%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. Increasing knowledge of the health needs of the homeless community will assist in future planning and allocation of health services. What is known about the topic? The poor health status of people who are homeless has been previously noted in the USA, Canada and Scotland. What does this paper add? Homeless people living in Sydney also have a poor health profile and a disproportionate use of health resources when compared to people in the general population. What are the implications for practitioners? Health services for homeless people should be equipped to deal with mental health, substance use and physical health comorbidities. PMID: 21367331 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582042 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582041&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367332%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. We have identified groups that are at high risk of CANSI, including young males, security workers and cleaners. In the majority of cases protection against hepatitis B was inadequately provided, and a substantial proportion had inadequate baseline assessment and documentation. A guideline is suggested that may be used to improve these deficits. What is known about this topic? Occupationally acquired needle stick injury guidelines are well established, but no guidelines currently exist for community acquired needle stick injuries (CANSI) which may require different risk stratification, assessment and management. Management of CANSI in Emergency Departments has not been well described. What does this paper add? An audit of Emergency Department management of community acquired nee... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582041 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582040&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367333%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. The continued rise in utilisation of emergency ambulances is placing increasing demands on ambulance services and the wider health system, potentially compromising access, quality, safety and outcomes. A variety of factors may contribute to this increase and targeted strategies to reduce utilisation will require an accurate identification of the major drivers of demand. What is known about the topic? Ambulance utilisation is increasing annually throughout the developed world, with previous research suggesting numerous underlying factors. What does this paper add? These factors have not been previously synthesised in the international literature. This narrative review clearly articulates the underlying problems. What are the implications for practitioners? This paper outlines th... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582040 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582039&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367334%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Further understanding of the size and nature of the problem is required in view of the low response rate. High-risk groups, such as women and those living in rural and remote areas, should be targeted for special attention. What is known about the topic? Previous studies of interpersonal violence have been based on victim surveys or crime databases, which are subjected to both under- and over-reporting. Hospital admission and mortality statistics represent severe injuries resulting from violence episodes. However, victims who sought treatment from GPs are not routinely recorded. What does this paper add? Rural and remote GP practices reported a higher incident of violent presentations than their metropolitan counterparts. The finding provides a basis to further investigate the... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582039 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582038&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367335%26dopt%3DAbstract This study demonstrates that occupational violence is a major issue for non-GP staff - at least as much as it is for GPs. What are the implications for practitioners? Apprehension and fear among general practice staff are strongly associated with experiences of violence and must be addressed at a whole-of-practice level with measures to reduce violence and improve safety. PMID: 21367335 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582038 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582037&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367336%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Findings of positive effects on rural practice destination in studies of medical undergraduates should not be generalised to GP registrars. The positive clinical learning experience of most registrars in rural terms must be balanced with the social dislocation involved in rural relocation and the adverse effects of the rural experience, for some registrars, on professional confidence and psychological well being. What is known about the topic? The rationale for compulsory rural placements during general practitioner vocational training includes an assumption that this will increase rural GP workforce. Undergraduate training in rural environments is known to enhance recruitment to rural practice. What does this paper add? Despite considerable positive educational and training o... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582037 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582036&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367337%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. ACRAs have potential to be valuable resources in the provision of community rehabilitation services. The challenge of meeting each new ACRA's preliminary training needs requires further consideration. A critical mass of people trained to this role may be required to ensure sustainability. Further trial and evaluation is needed to investigate the role more thoroughly over time and in different settings. What is known about the topic? It is evident that support workers such as allied health assistants and assistants in nursing make a valuable contribution to healthcare provision. Emerging alternative health workforce models incorporate support workers in a range of capacities including generic health workers through to advanced support roles. What does this paper add? By present... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582036 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582035&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367338%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Meloni M, Austin M This case study describes the implementation of a zero tolerance of bullying and harassment program and its outcomes in an ACT hospital. The significance of bullying and harassment within this hospital workplace and its impact became apparent in the 2005 employee satisfaction survey. The results showed low staff satisfaction, a relatively high occurrence of perceived bullying and harassment in the workplace, and a low level of trust by staff in the management of bullying and harassment issues in comparison to the health sector norms. A bullying and harassment program was therefore put in place led by the hospital's Organisational Development Unit and a zero-tolerance approach towards bullying and harassment was adopted and embraced by the leadership group. A... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582035 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582034&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367339%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chiarella M, Roydhouse JK Health workforce planning is a priority for Australian governments at both state and federal levels. Nursing shortages are a significant problem and addressing these shortages is likely to be a component of any workforce plan. This paper looks at the case of hospital nursing and argues that casemix, workforce and management instability inhibit workforce planning for hospital nursing. These issues are related and any efforts to objectively plan the hospital nursing workforce must seek to address them in order to succeed. PMID: 21367339 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582034 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582033&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367340%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion. Indigenous women in rural settings have specific views about quality medical care. These include expectations of timely and culturally appropriate care, and strong ties to family and kin, but do not accord with other research findings that suggest Aboriginal women must receive care from same sex clinicians or that care is often delayed. The paper alerts practitioners to the fact that culturally appropriate care will vary from group to group, particularly between remote, rural and urban populations. What is known about this topic? Cross-cultural health care research recognises that health professionals need to be attuned to the cultural preferences and needs of Indigenous patients. What does this paper add? This study warns against assuming all Indigenous people are the same, or... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582033 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582032&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367341%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. Although nationwide immunisation policy has been successful in increasing childhood coverage rates across all Australian jurisdictions, it is important to also acknowledge local factors that have likely to have contributed to the successful implementation of the Immunise Australia Program at the coal face. What is known about the topic? Childhood immunisation rates have risen significantly in Australia since the mid 1990s following a plethora of initiatives at both a national and state and territory level. This article examines in depth the various factors over the past decade that have likely to have contributed to the high childhood immunisation rates currently seen in the Australian Capital Territory What does this paper add? The ACT changed its strategic thinking towards i... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582032 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4582031&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21367342%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions. More planning needs to go into the coordinated response of the general practice sector to a pandemic, and such a response should include the support of local Divisions, both as a conduit for information and to assist practices to develop response plans. What is known about the topic? Response to a pandemic will require a coordinated response between primary and secondary care, public and private sectors. What does this paper add? Outlines the support needs for general practice to respond effectively, in particular highlighting the important role Divisions can play. What are the implications for practitioners? Planning for a pandemic should include Divisions of general practice as an integral element of the response, both as a conduit for information and to assist practices to ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4582031 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4582031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220515&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108895%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Callaly T, Ackerly CA, Hyland ME, Dodd S, O'Shea M, Berk M Despite 42 years progress since the 1967 referendum enabling laws to be made covering Aboriginal Australians their poor health status remains and is extensively documented. This paper presents results of a study into Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) in New South Wales and specifically South West Sydney Area Health Service (SWSAHS) with the aim of improving long-term health gains. The evidence demonstrates poor definition and coordination of CAT with a lack of clear policy direction and accountability for improving cultural awareness at government level. In SWSAHS staff attendance at training is poor and training is fragmented across the Area. The paper proposes actions to improve Aboriginal cultural awareness for heal... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220515 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220514&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108896%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe a new model of community care for first-time mothers that centres on group sessions throughout the whole contact period. The model was developed by practicing child health nurses for a large health service district in south-east Queensland, which offers a comprehensive community child health service. Issues identified by clinicians working within existing services, feedback from clients and the need for more resource-efficient methods of service provision underpinned the development of the model. The pilot program was implemented in two community child health centres in Brisbane. An early individual consultation to engage the family with the service was added in response to feedback from clinicians and clients. The modified model has since been implemented service-wide as the '... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220514 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220513&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108897%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ottmann GF, Laragy C This paper outlines 10 lessons derived from the development of a consumer-directed care program for families with disabled children in Melbourne, Australia. The following program elements proved to be of importance over the course of the development process: (1) research participants should be involved as early as possible; (2) an open, inclusive communication style in conjunction with a good understanding of potential concerns and a careful framing of the policy issue is required to build trust and allow meaningful collaboration; (3) various strands of evidence have to be woven together; (4) ongoing commitment and support from management and key stakeholders; (5) effective knowledge transfer and cultural change processes; (6) capacity building; (7) mediat... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220513 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220512&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108898%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zeitz KM, Tucker K This paper outlines 10 lessons derived from the development of a consumer-directed care program for families with disabled children in Melbourne, Australia. The following program elements proved to be of importance over the course of the development process: (1) research participants should be involved as early as possible; (2) an open, inclusive communication style in conjunction with a good understanding of potential concerns and a careful framing of the policy issue is required to build trust and allow meaningful collaboration; (3) various strands of evidence have to be woven together; (4) ongoing commitment and support from management and key stakeholders; (5) effective knowledge transfer and cultural change processes; (6) capacity building; (7) mediatio... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220512 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220511&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108899%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe and evaluate the implementation of this project; evaluation was undertaken using program logic mapping. Recommendations for other health services planning to introduce communication tools into routine clinical use are also provided. PMID: 21108899 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220511 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220510&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108900%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cheung KK, Mirzaei M, Leeder S Objective. Health policy analysis remains surprisingly undeveloped in Australia given the power that policy exercises over the direction of public health. This paper describes the use of a policy analysis tool to evaluate the alignment between policy statements and intended outcomes of principal chronic illness policy documents in New South Wales (NSW) from 1999 to 2008. In doing so, it demonstrates the utility of a set of predefined criteria for use in retrospective policy analysis and potential for use in reviewing policy proposals and making future health policies. PMID: 21108900 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220510 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220509&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108901%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe a new model of community care for first-time mothers that centres on group sessions throughout the whole contact period. The model was developed by practicing child health nurses for a large health service district in south-east Queensland, which offers a comprehensive community child health service. Issues identified by clinicians working within existing services, feedback from clients and the need for more resource-efficient methods of service provision underpinned the development of the model. The pilot program was implemented in two community child health centres in Brisbane. An early individual consultation to engage the family with the service was added in response to feedback from clinicians and clients. The modified model has since been implemented service-wide as the '... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220509 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220508&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108902%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Westwood B, Westwood G Despite 42 years progress since the 1967 referendum enabling laws to be made covering Aboriginal Australians their poor health status remains and is extensively documented. This paper presents results of a study into Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) in New South Wales and specifically South West Sydney Area Health Service (SWSAHS) with the aim of improving long-term health gains. The evidence demonstrates poor definition and coordination of CAT with a lack of clear policy direction and accountability for improving cultural awareness at government level. In SWSAHS staff attendance at training is poor and training is fragmented across the Area. The paper proposes actions to improve Aboriginal cultural awareness for health professionals including incorpora... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220508 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220507&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108903%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lloyd JE, Wise MJ Despite 42 years progress since the 1967 referendum enabling laws to be made covering Aboriginal Australians their poor health status remains and is extensively documented. This paper presents results of a study into Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) in New South Wales and specifically South West Sydney Area Health Service (SWSAHS) with the aim of improving long-term health gains. The evidence demonstrates poor definition and coordination of CAT with a lack of clear policy direction and accountability for improving cultural awareness at government level. In SWSAHS staff attendance at training is poor and training is fragmented across the Area. The paper proposes actions to improve Aboriginal cultural awareness for health professionals including incorporating ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220507 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220506&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108904%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Carter BJ Despite 42 years progress since the 1967 referendum enabling laws to be made covering Aboriginal Australians their poor health status remains and is extensively documented. This paper presents results of a study into Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) in New South Wales and specifically South West Sydney Area Health Service (SWSAHS) with the aim of improving long-term health gains. The evidence demonstrates poor definition and coordination of CAT with a lack of clear policy direction and accountability for improving cultural awareness at government level. In SWSAHS staff attendance at training is poor and training is fragmented across the Area. The paper proposes actions to improve Aboriginal cultural awareness for health professionals including incorporating Aborigin... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220506 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220505&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108905%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Weaver HJ, Blashki GA, Capon AG, McMichael AJ Climate change will affect human health, mostly adversely, resulting in a greater burden on the health care system, in addition to any other coexistent increases in demand (e.g. from Australia's increasingly ageing population). Understanding the extent to which health is likely to be affected by climate change will enable policy makers and practitioners to prepare for changing demands on the health care system. This will require prioritisation of key research questions and building research capacity in the field. There is an urgent need to better understand the implications of climate change for the distribution and prevalence of diseases, disaster preparedness and multidisciplinary service planning. Research is needed to understan... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220505 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220504&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108906%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Scott IA Climate change will affect human health, mostly adversely, resulting in a greater burden on the health care system, in addition to any other coexistent increases in demand (e.g. from Australia's increasingly ageing population). Understanding the extent to which health is likely to be affected by climate change will enable policy makers and practitioners to prepare for changing demands on the health care system. This will require prioritisation of key research questions and building research capacity in the field. There is an urgent need to better understand the implications of climate change for the distribution and prevalence of diseases, disaster preparedness and multidisciplinary service planning. Research is needed to understand the relationship of climate change ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220504 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220503&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108907%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Digiacomo ML, Thompson SC, Smith JS, Taylor KP, Dimer LA, Ali MA, Wood MM, Leahy TG, Davidson PM Climate change will affect human health, mostly adversely, resulting in a greater burden on the health care system, in addition to any other coexistent increases in demand (e.g. from Australia's increasingly ageing population). Understanding the extent to which health is likely to be affected by climate change will enable policy makers and practitioners to prepare for changing demands on the health care system. This will require prioritisation of key research questions and building research capacity in the field. There is an urgent need to better understand the implications of climate change for the distribution and prevalence of diseases, disaster preparedness and multidisciplinar... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220503 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220502&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108908%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Leong K, Weiland TJ, Dent AW Climate change will affect human health, mostly adversely, resulting in a greater burden on the health care system, in addition to any other coexistent increases in demand (e.g. from Australia's increasingly ageing population). Understanding the extent to which health is likely to be affected by climate change will enable policy makers and practitioners to prepare for changing demands on the health care system. This will require prioritisation of key research questions and building research capacity in the field. There is an urgent need to better understand the implications of climate change for the distribution and prevalence of diseases, disaster preparedness and multidisciplinary service planning. Research is needed to understand the relationshi... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220502 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220501&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108909%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dart JM, Gallois C Climate change will affect human health, mostly adversely, resulting in a greater burden on the health care system, in addition to any other coexistent increases in demand (e.g. from Australia's increasingly ageing population). Understanding the extent to which health is likely to be affected by climate change will enable policy makers and practitioners to prepare for changing demands on the health care system. This will require prioritisation of key research questions and building research capacity in the field. There is an urgent need to better understand the implications of climate change for the distribution and prevalence of diseases, disaster preparedness and multidisciplinary service planning. Research is needed to understand the relationship of clima... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220501 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220499&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108910%26dopt%3DAbstract This article reviews the lessons that can be learned by the health sector, in particular, and the public sector, more generally, from the governmental response to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza A (pH1N1) in Australia during 2009. It covers the period from the emergence of the epidemic to the release of the vaccine, and describes a range of impacts on the Western Australian health system, the government sector and the community. There are three main themes considered from a State government agency perspective: how decisions were influenced by prior planning; how the decision making and communication processes were intimately linked; and the interdependent roles of States and the Commonwealth Government in national programs. We conclude that: (a) communications were generally effective, but ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220499 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220498&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108911%26dopt%3DAbstract This article reviews the lessons that can be learned by the health sector, in particular, and the public sector, more generally, from the governmental response to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza A (pH1N1) in Australia during 2009. It covers the period from the emergence of the epidemic to the release of the vaccine, and describes a range of impacts on the Western Australian health system, the government sector and the community. There are three main themes considered from a State government agency perspective: how decisions were influenced by prior planning; how the decision making and communication processes were intimately linked; and the interdependent roles of States and the Commonwealth Government in national programs. We conclude that: (a) communications were generally effective, but ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220498 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220497&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108912%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Seidl IA, Johnson AJ, Mantel P, Aitken P Despite 42 years progress since the 1967 referendum enabling laws to be made covering Aboriginal Australians their poor health status remains and is extensively documented. This paper presents results of a study into Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) in New South Wales and specifically South West Sydney Area Health Service (SWSAHS) with the aim of improving long-term health gains. The evidence demonstrates poor definition and coordination of CAT with a lack of clear policy direction and accountability for improving cultural awareness at government level. In SWSAHS staff attendance at training is poor and training is fragmented across the Area. The paper proposes actions to improve Aboriginal cultural awareness for health professionals i... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220497 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220496&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108913%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mathews PW, Owen C, Ramsey W, Corrigan G, Bassett M, Wenzel J Despite 42 years progress since the 1967 referendum enabling laws to be made covering Aboriginal Australians their poor health status remains and is extensively documented. This paper presents results of a study into Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) in New South Wales and specifically South West Sydney Area Health Service (SWSAHS) with the aim of improving long-term health gains. The evidence demonstrates poor definition and coordination of CAT with a lack of clear policy direction and accountability for improving cultural awareness at government level. In SWSAHS staff attendance at training is poor and training is fragmented across the Area. The paper proposes actions to improve Aboriginal cultural awareness for h... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220496 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220495&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108914%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dwyer AJ Despite 42 years progress since the 1967 referendum enabling laws to be made covering Aboriginal Australians their poor health status remains and is extensively documented. This paper presents results of a study into Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) in New South Wales and specifically South West Sydney Area Health Service (SWSAHS) with the aim of improving long-term health gains. The evidence demonstrates poor definition and coordination of CAT with a lack of clear policy direction and accountability for improving cultural awareness at government level. In SWSAHS staff attendance at training is poor and training is fragmented across the Area. The paper proposes actions to improve Aboriginal cultural awareness for health professionals including incorporating Aborigina... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220495 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220494&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21108915%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe a new model of community care for first-time mothers that centres on group sessions throughout the whole contact period. The model was developed by practicing child health nurses for a large health service district in south-east Queensland, which offers a comprehensive community child health service. Issues identified by clinicians working within existing services, feedback from clients and the need for more resource-efficient methods of service provision underpinned the development of the model. The pilot program was implemented in two community child health centres in Brisbane. An early individual consultation to engage the family with the service was added in response to feedback from clinicians and clients. The modified model has since been implemented service-wide as the '... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220494 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4220494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973697&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20839409%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roberts D PMID: 20839409 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973697 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3973697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973696&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20839411%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Muenchberger H, Kendall E, Han H PMID: 20839411 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973696 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3973696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973695&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20839412%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Britt HC, Miller GC PMID: 20839412 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973695 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3973695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912222&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797355%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Canaway R, Merkes M This paper draws from a literature review commissioned as part of a larger project evaluating comorbidity treatment service models, which was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing as part of the National Comorbidity Initiative. The co-occurrence of mental health and substance use disorders (comorbidity) is a common and complex problem. This paper outlines conceptual and practical complexities and barriers associated with comorbidity treatment service delivery, particularly around the variable nature of comorbidity, and the impacts of the separation of the mental health (MH) and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors with their differing institutional cultures, aetiological concepts, philosophical underpinnings, educational requir... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912222 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912222 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912221&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797356%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Montalto M, Lui B, Mullins A, Woodmason K Background.?Hospital in the Home (HIH) research is characterised by small samples in new programs. We sought to examine a large number of consecutive HIH admissions over many years in an established, medically-managed HIH service in to determine whether: (1) HIH is a safe and effective method of delivering acute hospital care, under usual operating conditions in an established unit; and (2) what patient, condition and treatment variables contribute to a greater risk of failure. PMID: 20797356 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912221 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912220&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797357%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Moffatt JJ, Eley DS Objective.?A literature review was conducted to identify the reported benefits attributed to telehealth for people living and professionals working in rural and remote areas of Australia. PMID: 20797357 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912220 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912219&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797358%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Callaly T, Hyland M, Trauer T, Dodd S, Berk M Objective.?To examine factors that could help identify those most at risk of readmission to an acute psychiatric in-patient unit within 28 days of a discharge. PMID: 20797358 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912219 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912218&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797359%26dopt%3DAbstract This article presents a study of junior doctor supervision at a rural hospital. The objective of the present study was to gain insight into the types of supervision events experienced, the quality of supervisory relationships, the frequencies of supervision contact in a rural hospital setting, and the implications of these factors for supervision practice. PMID: 20797359 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912218 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912217&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797360%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fisher KA, Fraser JD Objective.?This paper describes stages in the research literature related to recruitment and retention of health professionals to rural health careers. PMID: 20797360 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912217 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912216&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797361%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Considine J, Fielding K Nurse practitioner (NP) roles have been identified as a key strategy in the development of a sustainable and responsive health workforce. To date, the focus of research related to NP roles has been on implementation and short-term evaluation of aspects of NP care; however, little is known about the sustainability of NP roles. A major challenge for the healthcare sector is to demonstrate long-term outcomes of NP care and shift the research focus from individual NPs to the effectiveness of healthcare teams that incorporate NPs. This paper draws on a framework of the following domains of sustainability in primary care: political, institutional, financial-economic, workforce and client (or patient) and applies these domains to NP planning in the Victorian c... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912216 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912215&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797362%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sheppard L, Crowe M, Jones A, Adams R The experience of returning to physiotherapy practice needs to be understood from the perspective of those who have returned to practice, those thinking of returning, and clinical supervisors who have worked with people that have returned to practice. A qualitative methodology using an interpretivist theoretical framework was utilised. Participants were selected using a combination of purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine the opinions of participants on returning to physiotherapy. Maternity and child-care were the main reason returners and potential returners took a break from physiotherapy. The main reason for returning to physiotherapy was because the returner wanted to rath... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912215 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912214&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797363%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Twigg D, Duffield C, Thompson PL, Rapley P Context.?Workforce projections indicate that by 2012 there will be a shortfall of 61 000 registered nurses in Australia. There is a growing body of evidence that links registered nurse staffing to better patient outcomes. PMID: 20797363 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912214 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912213&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797364%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Scott IA *?Increasing demand on public hospital beds has led to what many see as a hospital bed crisis requiring substantial increases in bed numbers. By 2050, if current bed use trends persist and as the numbers of frail older patients rise exponentially, a 62% increase in hospital beds will be required to meet expected demand, at a cost almost equal to the entire current Australian healthcare budget. PMID: 20797364 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912213 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912212&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797365%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hannan TJ, Bart S, Sharp C, Fassett MJ, Fassett RG Background.?The Medical Morning Handover Report is a form of clinical handover and is considered to be an essential mechanism for continuity of care and adverse event minimisation within a hospital environment. It is considered a significant Quality of Care activity recommended in Australian Medical Association clinical handover guidelines. The sustainability of such activities has not been reported. PMID: 20797365 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912212 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912211&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797366%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shepherd N, Meehan TJ, Davidson F, Stedman T Aim.?To evaluate the effectiveness of a benchmarking initiative in facilitating quality improvement and reform in extended care mental health services. PMID: 20797366 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912211 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912210&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797367%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 10-bed MAPU in Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) on hospital length of stay. PMID: 20797367 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912210 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912209&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797368%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fulop L, Day GE Individual clinician leadership is at the forefront of health reforms in Australia as well as overseas with many programs run by health departments (and hospitals) generally focus on the development of individual leaders. This paper argues, along with others, that leadership in the clinician management context cannot be understood from an individualistic approach alone. Clinician managers, especially in the ranks of doctors, are usually described as 'hybrid-professional managers' as well as reluctant leaders for whom most leadership theories do not easily apply. Their experiences of leadership development programs run by health departments both in Australia and internationally are likely to be based on an individual leader-focussed approach that is driving heal... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912209 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912208&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797369%26dopt%3DAbstract This study explores the views of senior managers regarding their experience of participating in the Clinical Services Redesign Program (CSRP) in New South Wales and the impact of that Program. PMID: 20797369 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912208 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912207&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797370%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: McEwan AB, Tsey K, McCalman J, Travers HJ The social organisation of work, management styles and social relationships in the workplace all matter for health. It is now well recognised that people who have control over their work have better health and that stress in the workplace increases the level of disease. In the context of organisational change, the potential benefits of empowerment strategies are two-fold: a positive impact on the organisation's effectiveness and enhancements in staff health, wellbeing and sense of control. This case study describes the University of Queensland Empowerment Research Program's experience working with the Apunipima Cape York Health Council in a change management process. Participatory action research and empowerment strategies were utilise... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912207 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912206&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797371%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Morris J, Koehn S, Happell B, Dwyer T, Moxham L Objective.?To assess differences in perceived health-related quality of life among individuals who are normal weight, overweight and obese in the general population, with particular emphasis on mental health. PMID: 20797371 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912206 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912205&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797372%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sladek RM, Bond MJ, Phillips PA A study of the preferred thinking styles among senior health professionals is reported. A total of 49 medical consultants, 50 senior nurses and 53 health managers from two public teaching hospitals in Adelaide, Australia, were invited via a personal letter to complete a questionnaire comprising measures of thinking style (the Rational Experiential Inventory) and cognitive style (two dimensions of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator((R))). Managers reported a higher preference for 'rational' reasoning than nurses, whereas medical consultants reported a lower preference for 'experiential' reasoning than both managers and nurses. Cognitive style was largely homogenous. Although generalisation of the findings may be limited due to small sample sizes and... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912205 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3912205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3633852&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20521435%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Day GE PMID: 20521435 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3633852 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3633852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3633851&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20521436%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roberts D PMID: 20521436 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3633851 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3633851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3633850&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20521437%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Andrews G, Titov N PMID: 20521437 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3633850 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3633850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600111&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497725%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Staiger PK, Serlachius A, Macfarlane S, Anderson S, Chan T, Young G This paper reports on the development of a care-pathway to improve service linkages between the acute setting and community health services in the treatment of low back pain. The pathway was informed by two processes: (1) a literature review based on best-practice guidelines in the assessment, treatment and continuity of care for low back pain patients; and (2) consultation with staff and key stakeholders. Stakeholders from both the acute and community sectors comprised the Working Group, who identified central areas of concern to be addressed in the care-pathway, with the goal of preventing chronicity of low back pain and reducing emergency department presentations. The main outcomes achieved include: the dev... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600111 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600110&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497726%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Berlowitz DJ, Graco M Background. The Northern Alliance Hospital Admission Risk Program-Chronic Disease Management comprises 13 services delivering care to those with chronic disease and older people with complex care needs, who are frequent hospital users. PMID: 20497726 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600110 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600109&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497727%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Taylor MJ, Swerissen H Chronic disease represents a significant challenge to the design and reform of the Australian healthcare system. The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) provides a framework of numerous chronic disease management programs; however, their use at the patient level is complex. This analysis of the MBS chronic disease framework uses a hypothetical case study of a diabetic patient (with disease-related complications and a complex psychosocial background) to illustrate the difficulties in delivering appropriate multidisciplinary chronic disease care under the MBS. The complexities at each step - from care planning, service provision, and monitoring and review - are described, as are the intricacies involved in providing patient care under different MBS programs a... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600109 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600108&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497728%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chew DP, Carter R, Rankin B, Boyden A, Egan H Background.?The cost effectiveness of a general practice-based program for managing coronary heart disease (CHD) patients in Australia remains uncertain. We have explored this through an economic model. PMID: 20497728 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600108 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600107&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497729%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jakobs OM, O'Leary EM, Cormack MF, Chong GC The extraordinary (unplanned) review of clinical privileges is the means by which an organisation can manage specific complaints about individual practitioners' clinical competence that require immediate investigation. To date, the extraordinary review of clinical privileges for doctors and dentists has not been the subject of much research and there is a pressing need for the evaluation and review of how different legislated and non-legislated administrative processes work and what they achieve. Although it seems a fair proposition that comprehensive processes for the evaluation of the clinical competence of doctors and dentists may improve the overall delivery of an organisation's clinical services, in fact, little is known about t... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600107 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600106&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497730%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Butterworth P, Gilheany MF, Tinley P Background.?Surgical site infections are one of the most common post-operative complications encountered by foot and ankle surgeons. The incidence reported in the literature varies between 0.5 and 6.5%. The results of a 12-month Australia-wide clinical audit analysing the rates of postoperative infections in association with podiatric surgery are presented. PMID: 20497730 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600106 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600105&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497731%26dopt%3DAbstract This article reports on analysis of data collected routinely at point-of-care on 5939 patients treated by the first fifty one services that voluntarily joined PCOC. By March 2009, 111 services have agreed to join PCOC, representing more than 70% of services and more than 80% of specialist palliative care patients nationally. All states and territories are involved in this unique process that has involved extensive consultation and infrastructure and close collaboration between health services and researchers. PMID: 20497731 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600105 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600104&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497732%26dopt%3DAbstract This article discusses some of the barriers to Garling's recommendations. PMID: 20497732 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600104 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600103&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497733%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cant RP A national survey was used to examine patterns of delivery of dietetic care for patients referred to private practitioners under Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM). This asked dietitians about referrals from general practitioners, patient management, fees charged and patient billing. There were 356 (47%) Australian private practice dietitians who responded to the questionnaire; 330 (94%) were Medicare providers. They described a counselling-type service and inability to complete initial patient education within funded consultation time. Many provided a longer consultation than was reported as being funded by Medicare. Fees for initial appointments were generally higher than the scheduled Medical Benefit Scheme fee of AU$56.25 (median $80), requiring patients to ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600103 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600102&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497734%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pryor J The aim of this paper is to describe patterns of referral to inpatient rehabilitation in rural NSW. Archival records of referrals to one rural speciality medical rehabilitation service during 2004 and 2005 were analysed using descriptive statistics displayed using tables and graphs. Seventy-six referrers referred 922 patients for inpatient rehabilitation. Almost two-thirds (63.6%) came from the local acute hospital. Most referrals (80.4%) were considered appropriate for inpatient rehabilitation. Almost three-quarters (72.5%) of the patients referred were admitted. PMID: 20497734 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600102 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600101&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497735%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Clark A, Preen DB, Ng JQ, Semmens JB, Holman CD Objective.?To evaluate the extent to which Western Australian (WA) represents the broader Australian population in terms of key socio-demographic and health economic indicators. PMID: 20497735 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600101 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600100&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497736%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nadathur SG Mandatory and standardised administrative data collections are prevalent in the largely public-funded acute sector. In these systems the data collections are used for financial, performance monitoring and reporting purposes. This paper comments on the infrastructure and standards that have been established to support data collection activities, audit and feedback. The routine, local and research uses of these datasets are described using examples from Australian and international literature. The advantages of hospital administrative datasets and opportunities for improvement are discussed under the following headings: accessibility, standardisation, coverage, completeness, cost of obtaining clinical data, recorded Diagnostic Related Groups and International Classif... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600100 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600099&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497737%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Henderson AJ, O'Keefe MF, Alexander HG In increasingly complex health service environments, the quality of teamwork and co-operation between doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, is 'under the microscope'. Interprofessional education (IPE), a process whereby health professionals learn 'from, with and about each other', is advocated as a response to widespread calls for improved communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals. PMID: 20497737 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600099 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600098&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497738%26dopt%3DAbstract This study used psychometrically-sound tools and logistic regression analyses to determine why Australian speech pathologists were intending to leave their jobs or the profession. Based on data from 620 questionnaires, several variables were found to be significantly related to intent to leave. The speech pathologists intending to look for a new job were more likely to be under 34 years of age, and perceive low levels of job security and benefits of the profession. Those intending to leave the profession were more likely to spend greater than half their time at work on administrative duties, have a higher negative affect score, not have children under 18 years of age, and perceive that speech pathology did not offer benefits that met their professional needs. The findings of this study pro... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600098 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600097&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497739%26dopt%3DAbstract This study set out to describe the level of need for multidisciplinary care in an Australian tertiary hospital setting. PMID: 20497739 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600097 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600096&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497740%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Coyle M, Al-Motlaq MA, Mills J, Francis K, Birks M Objective.?To examine the role of the registered nurse in remote and isolated areas of Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia; and to illustrate the impact of the burden of disease on nursing practice. PMID: 20497740 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600096 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600095&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497741%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Higgins NS, Taraporewalla K, Steyn M, Brijball R, Watson M International medical graduate (IMG) specialists in anaesthesia need education to be part of the assessment process for pre-registration college fellowship. Fellowship of the anaesthetic college is required in Australia for registration as a specialist in this field. Marked differences exist between local trainees and IMG specialists in terms of training, stakes of the exam and isolation of practice. We have examined the reasons for the low pass rate for IMG specialists compared to the local trainees in the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) final fellowship examinations. We also offer an IMG specialists' view of this perceived problem. It highlights their difficulties in obtaining adequate sup... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600095 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3600094&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20497742%26dopt%3DAbstract This study aimed to explore workforce trends for recent physiotherapy graduates, including satisfaction and motivating factors, and future career intentions. A self-administered questionnaire was provided to contactable entry-level physiotherapy graduates (2000-2004) from Curtin University. Of 256 respondents (62.9%), 76.5% were employed full-time. A total of 45% of physiotherapists worked in the public health system; 79.3% worked in cities; 92.2% were clinicians. Top salaries were earned by those completing more continuing professional development hours, working privately, in rural locations and males. A total of 65% (n = 118) of respondents believed they would leave physiotherapy within 10 years. The best aspects of working in physiotherapy were 'helping people', 'flexibility' and 'worki... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3600094 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3600094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3476013&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20387326%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dwyer AJ, Becker GJ, Hawkins C PMID: 20387326 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3476013 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3476013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3408979&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20334749%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hilbers J, Haynes AS, Kivikko JG The relationship between spirituality/religion and health is receiving increasing academic interest, but few studies have explored the experience of Australians. This paper presents data from an exploratory survey of patients and families in a public teaching hospital in Sydney. The findings show that the majority of hospital service users: PMID: 20334749 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Health Review) Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408979 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3408979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3408978&cid=s_37567_148_f&fid=37567&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20334750%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Carryer J, Hansen CO, Blakey JA To examine issues related to the working life of registered nurses in residential care for older people in New Zealand, 48 registered nurses completed surveys (n = 28) or participated in discussions (n = 26) regarding their work roles, continuing education and interactions with specialist nurse services when providing care for older people living with chronic illnesses. This nursing workforce is characterised by ageing, relative isolation, reduced confidence and few opportunities for induction of new graduates. Registered nurses reported their struggle to deliver the appropriate quality of care to residents as acuity increases, general practitioner availability decreases and the opportunities for increasing their knowledge and competence remain ... Australian Health Review journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408978 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3408978