Issues
Volume 214 Issue 5
Perspectives
The indirect impacts of COVID‐19 on Aboriginal communities across New South Wales
Evidence to inform conversations on Aboriginal health issues — in response to COVID‐19 and beyond Nearly everyone has been affected in some way by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, and it is a public health risk for Aboriginal peoples and communities.1 The impacts of the pandemic are pervasive, wide‐ranging and continue to affect people and communities differently. Concerns about the indirect impacts of COVID‐19, caused by missed, delayed and avoided health care — not as a direct consequence of COVID‐19 infections — are shared internationally.2,3,4 While the prevalence of COVID‐19 in New South Wales remains low,5 local data show significant changes in health utilisation across the state. During the 4‐month period from March to June 2020, compared with the same period in 2019, face‐to‐face primary care consultations decreased by 22.1%, breast screen activity by 51.5%, ambulance incidents by 7.2%, emergency department visits by 13.9%, public hospital inpatient episodes by 14.3%, and public hospital planned surgical activity by 32.6%.6 Such decreases are not unique to NSW.7 Before COVID‐19, Aboriginal people faced health disadvantages and inequitable access to health care. Any decrease in health care access for Aboriginal people through missed, delayed or avoided health care may lead to further adverse health outcomes and inequities.1,4,8 In recent months, we came together as a group of 12 Aboriginal community members from across NSW to share our experiences and perspectives regarding the indirect impacts of COVID‐19. We live and work on Eora, Wilyakali, Bundjalung, Yuin and Gumbaynggirr lands. The discussions occurred over three separate sessions, each held a week apart between 24 August and 1 September 2020. Six members of the group (DF, CP, PO, BO, DL and KB) captured the key messages identified from the talks and synthesised the findings into three main themes: community supporting the community; the social determinants of health; and access to health care. These conversations were hosted and supported by the Critical Intelligence Unit established as part of the NSW Health COVID‐19 response and the Agency for Clinical Innovation (TDB). Illustrative quotes shared by the co‐authors have been selected to demonstrate salient points. The term “mob” has been used throughout to identify who we are and where we are from — our connection to our shared identity as Aboriginal people. Community supporting the community is a real strength — in the pandemic, and always In responding to COVID‐19, we see that Aboriginal organisations are coming together, more than ever, to create a movement that will continue to inform positive change to address Aboriginal health issues. Mob are proud of how they are keeping each other safe. It is a point of pride that has strengthened community. Our mob are concerned about the safety of others and our elders. (CP) Aboriginal leaders and Aboriginal community controlled health services are active in responding to COVID‐19, drawing on experiences from the 2009 HINI influenza pandemic and implementing culturally appropriate resources.9 The pandemic has been disruptive, and community events and gatherings have been cancelled because of important and legitimate public health concerns. However, this does impact our community approach to health care, cultural practices and connection to country.1,10 Our mob aren’t able to connect for sorry business and funerals, marriages and births. The provision of our health care, along with the provision of our social and emotional wellbeing, has changed. And connectivity is the main ingredient for our mob to stay healthy. This is the biggest barrier. (CP) Social determinants of health for Aboriginal people Social determinants are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live and age, and how these factors influence our health and determine health inequalities.11 Cultural determinants of health such as connection to country (land and water), traditional practices and kinship systems promote resilience and support social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal peoples and communities.10,12 The COVID‐19 pandemic is likely to amplify the social determinants of health,13,14 and our concern is these determinants will continue to affect access to health care and increase health inequalities. Based on our own lived experiences and anecdotal community feedback, we are hearing that food security has increased for some Aboriginal people in response to COVID‐19. People are fearful of going into large shopping centres — fearful of catching COVID‐19. In some rural and remote areas, local shops are pushing up their prices, and people are left with no choice but to buy cheaper (and often less healthy) options to feed their families. Increase in government payments has resulted in the one and only shop in community providing food jamming their prices up. The price of food and water is beyond compare when you are paying $10 for a loaf of bread. Because of COVID‐19, people don’t want to come into town to do their shopping. (DL) We are concerned that restricted access to health care in response to border closures will impact the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples. Some communities are being hit hard. To give a raw example, people are being refused medical treatment and are driving 600–800 km just to get any sort of medication or treatment around their health. (DL) We are also concerned that a lack of cultural safety displayed during COVID‐19 will lead to Aboriginal people being confronted with racism when trying to access health care.15 COVID‐19 has made accessing health care even more difficult Deciding to seek health care is difficult, and for some Aboriginal people, access to care has become more challenging during COVID‐19 with reduced availability of services. Many doctors and services have temporarily shut their doors to new patients, and this is likely to have a profound impact on people’s health. More generally, there have been efforts to overcome access challenges posed by COVID‐19 through the use of telehealth and virtual care. In our opinion, telehealth for diagnosis and e‐prescribing can be useful; however, there are challenges to using telehealth such as limited access to equipment and internet connection, and reluctance from some people to disclose personal information over a device. When we look at the provision of health care for our mob, one of the biggest barriers is having to sit in front of a computer. And talk to a computer, rather than a human connection. Our mob like to connect and have a yarn. (CP) Our view is that paying attention to the intersections of culture and diversity is essential to understanding the indirect impacts of COVID‐19. Within Aboriginal communities, there are minority groups who are significantly affected by COVID‐19. Minority groups include people with existing chronic conditions, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, people living in rural and remote areas, and people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual and questioning. Sistergirl and brotherboy are terms used for gender diverse people within some Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities.16 If the mob aren’t receiving health related treatment, how this is feeding into direct or indirect impacts on disabilities. And how we can pick this up through the health system as disability is not in closing the gap. If we aren’t addressing it at a higher level, we are never going to address it at the ground level. (DL) We are also concerned about an increase in risk for our older people living with disability. These risks have been outlined by Aboriginal people with disability and their representative organisations, advocates and allies in international and national calls to action for governments to ensure Aboriginal disability‐inclusive public health, social and economic responses to the pandemic that put our mob at the forefront of any future planning in the health system.17 The recent drought, bushfires and now COVID‐19 are compounding risk factors for mental health issues and suicide. There is concern that some government measures to control the spread of COVID‐19 are triggering for mob — especially for those with trauma histories.18 We know mental health issues and suicide rates are high for our peoples,8,19 and we are concerned this level of disadvantage will worsen in response to COVID‐19. We support the recommendations made by the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention at the University of Western Australia to manage COVID‐19 recovery and address adverse impacts.19 The recommendations focus on the right to self‐determination, the health and mental health workforce, social and cultural determinants of health, digital and telehealth inclusion, and evaluation that includes Indigenous data sovereignty. These recommendations directly align with our lived experiences and were running themes throughout our discussions and overall assessment of the indirect impacts of COVID‐19 in our communities across NSW. Where to next? We prepared this article to inform future conversations on Aboriginal health issues in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond. Our view is that drawing on the lived experience and realities of Aboriginal peoples, taking firm action on the social determinants of health and working collaboratively with Aboriginal peoples and communities is the most effective way to address the indirect impacts of COVID‐19.
David Follent · Cory Paulson · Phillip Orcher · Barbara O'Neill · Debbie Lee · Karl Briscoe · Tara L Dimopoulos‐Bick
Hepatocellular carcinoma in Indigenous Australians: a call to action
Liver disease and liver cancer incidence and mortality are unacceptably high among Indigenous Australians
Jessica Howell · James S Ward · Jane Davies · Paul J Clark · Joshua S Davis
Technologies in the management of type 1 diabetes
Technology is changing the way that people with type 1 diabetes are monitoring and managing their blood glucose levels Diabetes technologies have transformed management options in type 1 diabetes. The most notable innovations include the commercialisation of insulin pumps, advancements in glucose monitoring and the capacity for these technologies to interact. New technologies offer enhanced flexibility in insulin delivery and opportunities to improve glucose levels and enhance quality of life. Recognising these benefits, the uptake of advanced technologies in Australians with type 1 diabetes has increased. In 2018–2019, 41% of children and 26% of adults attending hospital diabetes clinics managed their type 1 diabetes with insulin pumps, and 55% of children and 13% of adults newly commenced continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).1 In this article, we provide a guide to current diabetes technologies available in Australia, describe their benefits and discuss important factors in assessing an individual’s suitability. Continuous glucose monitoring Accurate and accessible glucose monitoring is key to effective diabetes management. Finger‐prick testing of capillary blood for self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) became commercially available in the 1980s, and CGM since 1999. CGM is distinguished from SMBG by the measurement of glucose concentration within interstitial fluid by a small subcutaneous glucose‐sensing electrode. Data are transmitted to a receiving device (eg, insulin pump or smartphone) and converted into a continuous graphic display. Interstitial glucose concentrations correlate with plasma glucose, albeit with an average 7–8 minute time lag for equilibration of glucose between blood and the interstitial compartment. This delay is exaggerated at times of rapidly changing glucose. CGM systems come in different forms, with the main distinguishing features being the capacity to alert users and/or carers to high and/or low blood glucose levels set to individual preference. Various systems are available (Box 1).2,3 Product selection depends on the desirability of alarm functions, ease of sensor application, need for finger‐prick calibration, cost, and connectivity of the device to existing technologies (insulin pumps, Apple v Android systems). Modern CGM systems are reliable. Their performance is assessed by the mean absolute relative difference, an accuracy metric expressed as the percentage difference relative to a reference glucose concentration. CGM devices with a mean absolute relative difference < 10% are appropriate for treatment decisions.2,4 To optimise sensor performance, SMBG testing is still required to calibrate a number of real‐time CGM devices, yet devices are increasingly reliable such that newer factory calibrated devices no longer require user calibrations5 — a welcome feature for convenience and reduced finger‐prick burden. CGM offers several benefits to users, including on‐demand glucose testing, trend arrows, alarm functions and easy detection of out‐of‐range glucose levels. For clinicians, CGM offers additional data beyond glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements. HbA1c measurements are point estimates of haemoglobin glycation over 3 months, whereas CGM displays day‐to‐day glucose variability that often challenges people with type 1 diabetes. Consensus statements have attempted to harmonise the various commercially available CGM systems into a common reporting method to aid comparison between devices and also provide clinicians and users with more clinically meaningful data and targets (Box 2).2,6,7 Clinical trials provide evidence that CGM use may improve glycaemia in type 1 diabetes. A recent meta‐analysis of 15 randomised controlled trials comparing CGM with standard care (usually SMBG) in people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes over 12–36 weeks found that CGM was associated with a slight reduction in HbA1c levels (weighted mean difference, − 0.17%), and increased time in range (TIR; 71 minutes/day).8 Added up over a year the benefit equates to an additional 18 days of TIR. The effect on TIR was independent of diabetes type, or method of insulin delivery (insulin pump v needle injections). Overall, studies favour CGM to improve glucose variability (optimal coefficient of variation in diabetes management, 34%; coefficient of variation reduced by 3.0–6.7%) and reduce hypoglycaemia (0.4–1.2 hours reduction in time spent with glucose levels < 3.9 mmol/L) compared with SMBG.2 The benefits of CGM and flash glucose monitoring for type 1 diabetes management have been recognised by the Australian Government, which first pledged $54 million in 2016 to fully subsidise CGM in people under 21 years of age. In 2019, a further $100 million in subsidies was added. Eligibility criteria were again expanded in March 2020 (Box 3).9 Insulin pumps An insulin pump delivers short‐acting insulin continuously via a cannula self‐inserted into subcutaneous tissue. In the 1970s, the first insulin pumps were large and bulky and delivered a single basal rate of insulin. Modern pumps are more discrete, the size of a pager. An insulin pump set‐up includes two major components (Box 4): Insulin pump — case with display, battery and an insulin reservoir connected to a plunger that controls the passage of insulin into the line tubing. The insulin pump is programmed to deliver continuous quick‐acting insulin in equal aliquots (0.01–0.025 mL) across an hour depending on the pre‐set rate to replicate basal insulin. Programmed rates can be customised to vary across a 24‐hour period, distinguishing delivery from long‐acting insulin delivered at an inflexible basal rate. The user must initiate bolus doses for meals or for correction of an elevated glucose reading, but pre‐programmed settings provide dose calculations (insulin‐to-carbohydrate ratio for meals, and insulin sensitivity factor for correction doses). Line tubing and infusion set — up to 60 cm of thin plastic tubing connects the insulin reservoir to a subcutaneous teflon cannula (tubeless insulin patch pumps with variable hourly rates are not currently available in Australia). Potential benefits of insulin pumps include: ► Flexibility in dosing — useful for extreme insulin sensitivity, erratic schedules, more convenient and frequent bolusing, to accommodate exercise, or to manage the dawn phenomenon (increased insulin requirements in the early morning period due to counter‐regulatory hormone secretion). ► Bolus calculation capacity. ► Less frequent insertion events (about every 3 days) — favourable for individuals with needle phobia. ► Insulin delivery and glucose data can be generated electronically and remotely for review. As only quick‐acting insulin is used in insulin pumps, insulin deficiency (leading to possible diabetic ketoacidosis) may occur within 2–3 hours of discontinuation of the insulin pump, or in the event of set occlusion. Set occlusion is one of the leading causes of ketoacidosis in insulin pump‐treated individuals but is rapidly corrected with recommencement of insulin in the absence of intercurrent infection (Box 5). However, insulin pump use has not resulted in the increased diabetic ketoacidosis events anticipated when first introduced, aided by appropriate education.10 There are out‐of‐pocket costs, especially for individuals without private health insurance, and running costs are higher than with insulin injection. Wearing an externally attached device to the body 24 hours a day is a deterrent to some, but a convenience for others who dislike carrying needle tips and insulin pens. Insulin pumps can be used either as a stand‐alone device or in conjunction with CGM sensors (Box 6). Sensor‐augmented insulin pumps have the added benefits of suspended insulin delivery for predicted low glucose (predictive low glucose suspend), or at the threshold of hypoglycaemia (low glucose suspend) to reduce the frequency and duration of hypoglycaemia. In a study of individuals with documented nocturnal hypoglycaemia, those randomised to insulin pumps with low glucose suspend function for 3 months had 32% less frequent hypoglycaemia than without suspend function.11 Other trials have also demonstrated reduced time in hypoglycaemia without increase in time in hyperglycaemia.12 The latest insulin pump systems (hybrid closed loop; HCL) can provide a further degree of automation of insulin delivery. HCL pumps provide real‐time adjustment of insulin delivery in response to ambient glucose levels detected by a CGM sensor, via an inbuilt control algorithm. The user is still required to manually deliver boluses for meals or adjust insulin for exercise. A recent study comparing HCL to sensor‐augmented insulin pump therapy reported improved TIR during daytime hours as well as overnight, and a small reduction in time in hypoglycaemia over 6 months.13 There is currently only one registered HCL insulin pump in Australia. Future technologies may provide further integration of CGM and insulin pump devices via phone‐based applications. Tailoring treatments to individual needs The optimal approach for the management of type 1 diabetes depends on individual and practical considerations. Initiation of insulin pump therapy requires extended consultation to discuss device selection and cannula insertion technique, and review carbohydrate counting and troubleshooting (including diabetic ketoacidosis risk mitigation). It also requires a multidisciplinary approach involving an endocrinologist, credentialled diabetes educator and dietitian.14 In concert with the individual with diabetes, factors to discuss include: the need for alerts and alarms: presence of hypoglycaemia unawareness and susceptibility to alarm fatigue; affordability and eligibility for CGM supplied under the National Diabetes Services Scheme (Box 3); access to training and education; customisation of glucose targets for pregnancy, age and comorbidities; ability to use software to upload data and share reports with health professionals; and allergies to cannula or CGM site adhesives. Conclusion Diabetes technologies are being increasingly adopted by people with type 1 diabetes, and clinicians should familiarise themselves with the spectrum of devices. These advancements offer potential benefits for people with diabetes, although prescribing these devices requires evaluation of cost and benefit for the individual. Human factors are the main determinant of success and satisfaction, highlighting the importance of consideration of the needs of the individual. Box 1 – Types of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems2,3 Professional (retrospective): professional CGMs were the first CGM systems approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1999. They provide blinded glucose data for review by a health care provider. The iPro (Medtronic) and Freestyle Libre Pro (Abbott) are currently available systems in Australia. Real‐time CGM: patient‐inserted systems include Guardian (Medtronic), Guardian Connect (Medtronic) and G6 (Dexcom). The Eversense (Senseonics) CGM implantable system is inserted subcutaneously by a physician and worn for 90–180 days with a transmitter adherent to the overlying skin with alert capacity (not currently available in Australia). Intermittently viewed CGM or flash glucose monitoring: Freestyle Libre for continuous glucose measurements shown retrospectively at the time of physical scanning of the sensor does not have alert capacity. Freestyle Libre 2 will have optional alerts but is not yet available in Australia. Box 2 – Internationally accepted continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics for clinical use and comparison between devices (adapted from guidelines)2,6,7 Percentage sensor wear and data captured — to gauge completeness of data capture (optimal wear time assessed as > 70% capture across a 14‐day time period) Mean glucose — the sum of all glucose levels, divided by number of measurements; a surrogate of overall glucose control, with reasonable correlation with glycated haemoglobin Glucose variability — standard deviation of glucose/mean glucose × 100 = coefficient of variation (CV); goal is CV < 36% in type 1 diabetes Time in range (3.9–10.0 mmol/L) — aim > 70%; the ranges can be tailored to the individual depending on their age and comorbidities (eg, older individuals or pregnancy) and provide an estimate of level of current glycaemic control otherwise not reflected in a glycated haemoglobin measurement Time in hypoglycaemia: ► < 3.9 mmol/L — goal < 4% (includes proportion values < 3.0 mmol/L) ► < 3.0 mmol/L — goal < 1% ► number of CGM events < 3.0 mmol/L for 15 minutes or more in previous 2 weeks — focuses on the importance of moderate hypoglycaemia Time in hyperglycaemia: ► 10 mmol/L — goal < 25% (including time > 13.9 mmol/L) ► 13.9 mmol/L — goal < 5%. Other reportable data (from insulin pump downloads): ► total daily insulin, % basal — a summary of current total insulin delivery, split into dose delivered as basal and bolus insulin; this allows for comparison between visits Standardisation of CGM reporting improves comparisons between devices and treatments and enhances decisions in diabetes care for both clinicians and people with diabetes Box 3 – Access to subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)*9 The following groups can access CGM or flash glucose monitoring through the NDSS: Children and young people under 21 years of age with type 1 diabetes Children and young people with conditions very similar to type 1 diabetes, such as cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes or forms of genetic diabetes (including maturity onset diabetes of the young), who require insulin Women with type 1 diabetes who are actively planning pregnancy (up to 12 months before conception), pregnant or immediately post‐pregnancy (pregnancy plus 3 months from expected date of confinement) People with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older who have concessional status Applications can be made through the patient’s credentialled diabetes educator or endocrinologist *Criteria valid from 1 March 2020. Box 4 – Major components of insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) set‐up Box 5 – Steps in managing ketosis caused by insulin pump line occlusion (in the absence of vomiting) Insulin pen injection using pump‐advised correction dose for high blood glucose Replace insulin pump cannula set Run increased basal insulin rates (200%) temporarily for 2 hours to restore subcutaneous insulin reservoir and missed insulin At 2 hours, deliver correction insulin dose with insulin pump Monitor blood ketones every 3–4 hours using a ketone meter to ensure ketone levels < 1.5 mmol/L Box 6 – Options for insulin delivery and glucose monitoring CGM = continuous glucose monitoring; HCL = hybrid closed loop; MDI = multiple daily injections; PLGS = predictive low glucose suspend; SMBG = self‐monitoring of blood glucose.
Jennifer R Snaith · D Jane Holmes‐Walker
Medical education
Darier sign in mastocytoma
A 1-year-old boy presented with a 6-month history of a brown plaque on his left forearm
Samuel A Der Sarkissian · Deshan F Sebaratnam
Ethics and law
COVID‐19, rationing and the right to health: can patients bring legal actions if they are denied access to care?
There is little legal recourse in Australia for someone who is denied care on resource grounds, particularly in the context of a pandemic
Michelle A Gunn · Fiona J McDonald
Editorials
Closing the Gap: where to now?
Let us move our focus to building health care relationships and partnerships that optimise care for every Indigenous patient
Talila Milroy · Lilon G Bandler
The general practitioner and the pharmacist: a policy enigma?
Integrating pharmacists into general practice, aged care, and hospital services will enhance the quality use of medicines
Justin Beilby
Research
Reducing Medical Admissions and Presentations Into Hospital through Optimising Medicines (REMAIN HOME): a stepped wedge, cluster randomised controlled trial
Objective: To investigate whether integrating pharmacists into general practices reduces the number of unplanned re‐admissions of patients recently discharged from hospital. Design, setting: Stepped wedge, cluster randomised trial in 14 general practices in southeast Queensland. Participants: Adults discharged from one of seven study hospitals during the seven days preceding recruitment (22 May 2017 ‒ 14 March 2018) and prescribed five or more long term medicines, or having a primary discharge diagnosis of congestive heart failure or exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Intervention: Comprehensive face‐to‐face medicine management consultation with an integrated practice pharmacist within seven days of discharge, followed by a consultation with their general practitioner and further pharmacist consultations as needed. Major outcomes: Rates of unplanned, all‐cause hospital re‐admissions and emergency department (ED) presentations 12 months after hospital discharge; incremental net difference in overall costs. Results: By 12 months, there had been 282 re‐admissions among 177 control patients (incidence rate [IR], 1.65 per person‐year) and 136 among 129 intervention patients (IR, 1.09 per person‐year; fully adjusted IR ratio [IRR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.52‒1.18). ED presentation incidence (fully adjusted IRR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.22‒0.94) and combined re‐admission and ED presentation incidence (fully adjusted IRR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48‒0.99) were significantly lower for intervention patients. The estimated incremental net cost benefit of the intervention was $5072 per patient, with a benefit‒cost ratio of 31:1. Conclusion: A collaborative pharmacist‒GP model of post‐hospital discharge medicines management can reduce the incidence of hospital re‐admissions and ED presentations, achieving substantial cost savings to the health system. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12616001627448 (prospective).
Christopher R Freeman · Ian A Scott · Karla Hemming · Luke B Connelly · Carl M Kirkpatrick · Ian Coombes · Jennifer Whitty · James Martin · Neil Cottrell · Nancy Sturman · Grant M Russell · Ian Williams · Caroline Nicholson · Sue Kirsa · Holly Foot
Research letter
Successful containment to date of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission in the Northern Territory
Hospitals in the Northern Territory often operate beyond capacity and serve a sparsely distributed population with rates of chronic disease and household overcrowding that are higher than in many other parts of Australia. The NT consequently adopted particularly strict public health measures to avert the potentially catastrophic consequences of community transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), including supervised isolation until viral clearance of all people with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infections (Supporting Information 1). This measure provided a unique opportunity to study the duration and trajectory of viral shedding in relation to clinical illness. In this article, we describe epidemiologic, clinical, and virological aspects of the first 28 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in the NT. The Top End and Central Australian Human Research Ethics Committees approved the study (reference, 2020‐3737). Between 4 March and 4 April 2020, 28 cases of COVID‐19 were diagnosed in the NT, all linked to overseas or interstate travel. The median age of patients was 45.0 years (range, 1.5–75 years); 16 were women (Supporting Information 1, table). Two patients required supplemental oxygen, one of whom also required intubation. There were no deaths. Symptoms had been present for a median 3 days (range, 0–16 days) before oro‐nasopharyngeal swab collection and lasted a median 9.5 days (range, 4–18 days). Viral RNA could be detected by multiplex tandem real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (AusDiagnostics; Supporting Information 1) for a median 25 days after symptom onset (range, 14–41 days; interquartile range [IQR], 21–32 days), and in most patients for more than two weeks after symptom resolution (median, 17.5 days; range, 2–31 days; IQR, 14.5–22.5 days) (Box 1). Within‐patient variability in viral target cycle threshold values during follow‐up was considerable (Box 2; Supporting Information 1, figure), despite adequate and consistent amounts of human biologic material in test samples (data not shown). Prolonged compulsory isolation was distressing for several patients. The phylogeny of the 27 available NT viral genomes was consistent with acquisition in locations on all inhabited continents (Box 3). Five genetic clusters were evident (maximum of one single nucleotide polymorphism within each cluster) that were also epidemiologically linked by shared travel or household contact. The SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes from two independent travellers without epidemiologic connections were identical, but matched other publicly available genomes, highlighting the importance of interpreting genomic analyses in their epidemiologic context. The priority of the strict NT isolation requirements for patients with COVID‐19 was viral containment at a time when data on the duration of viral transmissibility were sparse. More recent evidence suggests that viable SARS‐CoV‐2 is rarely isolated more than 10 days after symptom onset,1,2,3 and requirements have consequently been eased, while maintaining supervised isolation with health management during the period of greatest infectivity. The high degree of temporal variability in viral shedding during follow‐up indicates that a single assay is not adequate for excluding infection in patients at epidemiologic risk of COVID‐19. The NT implemented particularly aggressive public health measures to contain SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission. Epidemiologic and genomic analyses suggest that this response has successfully prevented local community transmission of the virus. Box 1 – Time course of 28 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) diagnosed in the Northern Territory, 4 March – 4 April 2020 Each line represents a single patient. Day zero is the day of collection of the first SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive specimen; thickened sections indicate the period of COVID‐19 symptoms. Closed circles indicate positive SARS‐CoV‐2 assay results, hollow circles negative assay results. Patients 13 and 15 (lighter marking) required supplemental oxygen. The bottom line summarises the median duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis, the median duration of symptoms, and the median time to viral clearance. Box 2 – Multiplex tandem polymerase chain reaction cycle threshold values for detection of the SARS‐CoV‐2 open reading frame 1a gene (ORF1a) Box 3 – Maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree, depicting SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes from the Northern Territory and elsewhere SARS‐CoV‐2 = severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The phylogenetic tree shows that SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes in the Northern Territory (on the inner side of the outer ring) were drawn from across the range of genomes reported elsewhere (outer ring). NT travel‐related cases with epidemiologic links formed genomic clusters. Two cases without epidemiologic links also comprised a cluster, but the genomes were identical with overseas genomes. The context genomes were obtained from GISAID (https://www.gisaid.org), with region based on location of the submitting laboratory; the Wuhan‐Hu‐1 genome was used as an outgroup, and the scale bar indicates substitutions per site.
for the Northern Territory COVID‐19 Response Group
Guideline summary
The 2020 Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease
Introduction: Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) cause significant morbidity and premature mortality among Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. RHDAustralia has produced a fully updated clinical guideline in response to new knowledge gained since the 2012 edition. The guideline aligns with major international ARF and RHD practice guidelines from the American Heart Association and World Heart Federation to ensure best practice. The GRADE system was used to assess the quality and strength of evidence where appropriate.Main recommendations: The 2020 Australian guideline details best practice care for people with or at risk of ARF and RHD. It provides up‐to‐date guidance on primordial, primary and secondary prevention, diagnosis and management, preconception and perinatal management of women with RHD, culturally safe practice, provision of a trained and supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, disease burden, RHD screening, control programs and new technologies.Changes in management as a result of the guideline: Key changes include updating of ARF and RHD diagnostic criteria; change in secondary prophylaxis duration; improved pain management for intramuscular injections; and changes to antibiotic regimens for primary prevention. Other changes include an emphasis on provision of culturally appropriate care; updated burden of disease data using linked register and hospitalisations data; primordial prevention strategies to reduce streptococcal infection addressing household overcrowding and personal hygiene; recommendations for population‐based echocardiographic screening for RHD in select populations; expanded management guidance for women with RHD or ARF to cover contraception, antenatal, delivery and postnatal care, and to stratify pregnancy risks according to RHD severity; and a priority classification system for presence and severity of RHD to align with appropriate timing of follow‐up.
Anna P Ralph · Sara Noonan · Vicki Wade · Bart J Currie
Otitis media guidelines for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children: summary of recommendations
Introduction: The 2001 Recommendations for clinical care guidelines on the management of otitis media in Aboriginal and Torres Islander populations were revised in 2010. This 2020 update by the Centre of Research Excellence in Ear and Hearing Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children used for the first time the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Main recommendations: We performed systematic reviews of evidence across prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and management. We report ten algorithms to guide diagnosis and clinical management of all forms of otitis media. The guidelines include 14 prevention and 37 treatment strategies addressing 191 questions. Changes in management as a result of the guidelines: A GRADE approach is used. Targeted recommendations for both high and low risk children. New tympanostomy tube otorrhoea section. New Priority 5 for health services: annual and catch‐up ear health checks for at‐risk children. Antibiotics are strongly recommended for persistent otitis media with effusion in high risk children. Azithromycin is strongly recommended for acute otitis media where adherence is difficult or there is no access to refrigeration. Concurrent audiology and surgical referrals are recommended where delays are likely. Surgical referral is recommended for chronic suppurative otitis media at the time of diagnosis. The use of autoinflation devices is recommended for some children with persistent otitis media with effusion. Definitions for mild (21–30 dB) and moderate (> 30 dB) hearing impairment have been updated. New “OMapp” enables free fast access to the guidelines, plus images, animations, and multiple Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language audio translations to aid communication with families.
Amanda J Leach · Peter S Morris · Harvey LC Coates · Sandra Nelson · Stephen J O'Leary · Peter C Richmond · Hasantha Gunasekera · Samantha Harkus · Kelvin Kong · Christopher G Brennan‐Jones · Sam Brophy‐Williams · Kathy Currie · Sumon K Das · David Isaacs · Katherine Jarosz · Deborah Lehmann · Jarod Pak · Hemi Patel · Chris Perry · Jennifer S Reath · Jessica Sommer · Paul J Torzillo
Letters
The impact of Victoria’s real time prescription monitoring system (SafeScript) on a cohort of people who inject drugs
To the Editor: Fetene and colleagues1 describe refusal to prescribe or dispense prescriptions to some of their study cohort of people who inject drugs (PWIDs) and concern that their mental health treatment needs may not be met due to SafeScript, Victoria’s real time prescription monitoring system. SafeScript is a live electronic database providing information about the prescribing and dispensing of monitored medicines to each patient, instantly available in real time on a prescriber’s or pharmacist’s desktop (https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/safescript). SafeScript alerts prescribers and pharmacists to the risk of uncoordinated treatment by multiple providers or to the overdose risk of drug–drug interactions. Prescribers and pharmacists may have responded appropriately by offering more effective treatments instead of providing a continued supply of the medication. For instance, benzodiazepines are not recommended for first line or prolonged treatment of anxiety. Many people who misuse drugs have comorbid mental health disorders and need medical support. SafeScript is helping to identify this group of at‐risk patients so they can receive the appropriate medical treatment they require. SafeScript provides a clinical decision support system for prescribers and pharmacists, enabling more informed decisions for safer prescribing or dispensing of high risk monitored medicines. By providing proactive alerts, strong real time prescription monitoring systems, such as SafeScript, reduce overdose deaths from prescription opioids2 and decrease the number of opioid prescriptions, diversion, and opioid‐related morbidity and substance use disorder outcomes.3 Since the rollout of SafeScript, the number of multiple provider episodes and the average morphine equivalent dose have both been trending gradually but consistently downwards. SafeScript was designed with the lessons learnt from the United States. The implementation of this system included several measures to encourage and support a professional response for high risk patients, such as podcasts and face to face and online training, in which more than 4500 prescribers and pharmacists have participated. Furthermore, the SafeScript implementation included upgrading the Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service, providing trained general practitioner clinical advisors to offer peer support, a consumer pharmaceutical helpline, and increased funding to support professionals and consumers manage benzodiazepine problems. In addition, $273.1 million were invested in drug treatment, support and harm reduction services in 2019–2020,4 representing a 65% increase in investment through the last five Victorian state budgets. This new initiative helps prescribers and pharmacists provide the appropriate clinical care and professional response needed by high risk patients.
Malcolm Dobbin
The impact of Victoria’s real time prescription monitoring system (SafeScript) in a cohort of people who inject drugs
In reply
Dagnachew M Fetene · Peter Higgs · Suzanne Nielsen · Filip Djordjevic · Paul Dietze
Influenza vaccination in aged care: improving uptake
To the Editor: Influenza vaccination of residents and staff in aged care homes is recommended by national guidelines1 and has been demonstrated to decrease transmission and burden of infection.2 During the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, influenza vaccination of both groups potentially also reduces the risk of mortality associated with influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 co‐infection. We sought to evaluate uptake of influenza vaccination by residents and staff in public sector residential aged care services in Victoria, where non‐mandatory vaccination programs are currently used. There are 178 public sector residential aged care services in Victoria, with the majority located in rural communities. In 2018 and 2019, infection prevention staff in public sector residential aged care services were requested to complete a point prevalence survey of all residents on a set date and a period prevalence survey of all staff employed during the influenza season, in order to estimate vaccine uptake. A standardised data collection tool was used, with online submission of summary data via a secure portal hosted by the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infections Surveillance System Coordinating Centre. Consistent with quality assurance activities defined according to National Health and Medical Research Council recommendations, non‐identifiable aggregate data were collated by participating public sector residential aged care services to support quality improvement initiatives. Ethics approval was therefore not required.3 Of surveyed residents, 87% were vaccinated in both 2018 and 2019. Small proportions of residents declined vaccination or had unknown status. In 2018, 87% of surveyed staff were vaccinated, with 8% and 6% reported as declining vaccination or having unknown status, respectively. In 2019, 88% of surveyed staff were vaccinated, with 9% and 4% declining vaccination or having unknown status, respectively (Box). Public sector residential aged care services provide services for older people with complex care needs, representing a population at high risk for poorer clinical outcomes in the setting of influenza infection. Reassuringly, we observed high uptake of vaccination among surveyed residents, comparable to recently reported uptake in New South Wales aged care homes.4 Review of successful vaccination strategies would be beneficial to improve and sustain future programs in individual aged care homes. Our findings also reflect high uptake of vaccination by aged care staff. Looking ahead, mandatory vaccination of staff employed in Victorian hospitals and public sector residential aged care services is planned,5 and this will likely result in additional uptake.6 While we observed low proportions of staff to have unknown status or to decline vaccination, implementation of the new policy will require an ethical and legal focus on these groups, including reasons for acceptable declination and required workforce planning (eg, redeployment). Box – Influenza vaccination uptake by residents and staff in Victorian public sector residential aged care services, 2018–2019 Target population Year No. of facilities surveyed No. of residents or staff surveyed Vaccinated Declined Unknown Residents 2018 177 5162 4482 (87%) 357 (7%) 323 (6%) 2019 178 5082 4427 (87%) 302 (6%) 353 (7%) Staff 2018 177 12536 10894 (87%) 948 (8%) 694 (6%) 2019 175 13844 12181 (88%) 1179 (9%) 484 (4%)
Noleen J Bennett · Alex Hoskins · Leon J Worth
Notes from afar: reflections from two Australian intensivists in Sweden during the COVID‐19 pandemic
To the Editor: As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic spread across Europe, we worked in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a Swedish university hospital. We share our experiences and offer some thoughts regarding Sweden’s pandemic response. The decentralised Swedish health system works on three levels (Box). These traditional divisions may partially account for the lack of coordination between care services in the initial phases of the pandemic, where large numbers of deaths occurred in care homes. As the pandemic intensified, safety checks were implemented to protect residents of aged care facilities. This resulted in a quick containment of infections, although tragically too late for many. Our health care region received the fourth highest number of hospitalisations in Sweden.1 We were privileged to work in a system that was well organised, without political conflict and with pre‐existing disaster plans that were quickly converted to pandemic plans. A pandemic‐specific leadership established a centralised inventory and oversaw the acquisition and distribution of beds, staffing, medical equipment, essential drugs, personal protective equipment and disinfection agents. An eight‐step plan ensured a rapid escalation of regional ICU capacity. Intermediate care units were opened, reducing demand for ICU beds. Projected numbers of patients were calculated daily, based on models provided from the Public Health Agency of Sweden and local data. Anaesthesia and intensive care are a combined speciality in Sweden. This enabled the rapid deployment of a large workforce of anaesthetists and nurse anaesthetists to ICUs. Despite these resources, our tripled ICU capacity meant significant staffing challenges, with additional difficulties because of staff illnesses and quarantines. Our impression is that the Swedish response has been controlled and planned for the long term. Daily public announcements from the Public Health Agency became a regular part of our lives and Swedes were generally compliant with recommendations regarding physical distancing and hygiene routines. We are perplexed by reports in the media that life went on as usual in Sweden. In fact, life was very different. Most people worked from home, large numbers were furloughed, many institutions were closed and public events were cancelled. Travel was discouraged and fell dramatically.2 What sets the Swedish approach apart from others is that these measures were largely voluntary, with generally good public support. We avoided an overwhelming wave of patients with an undercapacity of ICU beds, as seen in many other countries. We maintained normal criteria for ICU admissions. This is notable given that Sweden has the second lowest number of ICU beds per capita in Europe.3,4 Results from intensive care are encouraging, with mortality rates generally lower than previously reported.5 Challenges included staff burnout, a shortage of usual sedatives and lack of clinical experience with this new disease, resulting in the use of futile and potentially harmful treatments. However, guidance from a national group of senior clinicians provided regular recommendations6 and there was excellent compliance with advice from regulatory authorities. Up to 70% of elective surgeries were cancelled during the first half of 2020. Cancer‐related surgeries continued to be prioritised during the pandemic, but the longer term effects of cancelled surgeries, outpatient clinics and altered illness behaviour are not known. We are heartbroken at our inability to provide enough comfort to relatives of our patients who succumbed to COVID‐19 when hospital visits were prohibited. As two Australian emigrants working in a Swedish ICU, we are humbled by our ability to contribute to the care of patients during the pandemic. Our Australian medical training instilled in us a sense of duty, tempering any feelings of helplessness. We applaud the tenacity of our Swedish colleagues. We wish our Australian colleagues well and hope that Australia will be protected from the horrors of COVID‐19. Box – Decentralised organisation of the Swedish health care system
Michelle S Chew · Thomas Halliday
Palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases at the end of life in Victoria
To the Editor: Palliative radiotherapy is effective for symptomatic management of bone metastases in cancer patients. However, it may take 2–4 weeks after completion of radiotherapy to achieve maximal clinical response.1 Radiotherapy can be delivered as a single fraction treatment (SFRT), or over a more protracted course of multifraction treatment (MFRT).2 Randomised trials have consistently shown that SFRT and MFRT provide equally effective symptom control,3 and SFRT is associated with lower medical and societal cost,4 allowing for better health services utilisation. Hence, in patients with poor prognosis, the use of SFRT over MFRT should be encouraged to minimise the time patients spend on treatment at the end of life without compromising efficacy. Using the population‐based Victorian Cancer Registry data linked to the Victorian Radiotherapy Minimum Data Set, we evaluated the use of SFRT for bone metastases at the end of life. The study sample included all cancer patients who received radiotherapy for bone metastases between 2013 and 2016, and died within 30 days of commencing radiotherapy. The primary outcome was SFRT use and the associated factors. The Cochrane–Armitage test for trend was used to evaluate temporal changes in SFRT use over time. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with SFRT use; variables with a P value below 0.1 in univariate analyses were included in multivariate model, which employed the robust standard error, with analyses clustered on patient identifiers to allow for clustering of patients who had multiple courses of radiotherapy. The study was approved by the Austin Health Human Research Ethics Committee (LNR/18/Austin/34). A total of 1069 patients received 1359 courses of radiotherapy for bone metastases at the end of life, of which 396 courses (29%) were SFRT, and 963 (71%) were MFRT (Box). There was no significant change in SFRT use over time: from 30% in 2013 to 32% in 2016. SFRT was more commonly used closer to death: 49%, 29% and 25% of radiotherapy courses delivered within 7 days, 8–14 days, and 15–30 days of death, respectively. There were large institutional provider variations in SFRT use: 33% and 19% of radiotherapy delivered in public and private institutions, respectively. In multivariate analyses, the site of bone metastases, time between radiotherapy and death, and treatment institution type were independently associated with SFRT use. Overall, in this large Victorian population‐based study, less than one in three courses of radiotherapy for bone metastases at the end of life were SFRT, and about one in two courses of radiotherapy delivered in the last week of life were MFRT, meaning that these cancer patients spent multiple days in their final week of life receiving radiotherapy. Acknowledging that estimation of prognosis towards the end of life can be difficult, there are models (eg, the TEACHH model)5 that can be useful in guiding clinicians in this process. Nonetheless, given the large body of evidence supporting the use of SFRT for bone metastases, there is a need to raise awareness of the recommendation to use of SFRT instead of MFRT, especially at the end of life, among radiation oncologists, other health professionals and patients. This can be achieved through health education initiatives such as the Choosing Wisely campaign (https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/). Box – Factors associated with single fraction palliative radiotherapy (SFRT) for bone metastases at the end of life in Victoria, 2013–2016 (1359 courses of radiotherapy) Variable SFRT (n = 396, 29%) MFRT (n = 963, 71%) Multivariate analysis (odds ratio [95%CI]) P Age (years) Mean (SD) 71.7 (11.9) 70.1 (12.3) < 60 62 (24%) 192 (76%) 1 60–69 95 (27%) 252 (73%) 1.04 (0.67–1.61) 0.9 70–79 149 (32%) 312 (68%) 1.29 (0.83–1.99) 0.3 ≥ 80 90 (30%) 207 (70%) 1.17 (0.73–1.88) 0.5 Sex Men 247 (28%) 622 (72%) Women 149 (30%) 341 (70%) Primary cancer type Lung 163 (30%) 373 (70%) Prostate 49 (29%) 118 (71%) Breast 32 (29%) 77 (71%) Gastrointestinal 53 (28%) 138 (72%) Melanoma 21 (25%) 62 (75%) Other 78 (29%) 195 (71%) Target site of radiotherapy Spine 202 (27%) 545 (73%) 1 Skull 9 (6%) 147 (94%) 0.15 (0.06–0.38) <0.001 Rib 35 (51%) 33 (49%) 3.82 (2.10–6.95) <0.001 Shoulder 35 (49%) 36 (51%) 2.80 (1.44–5.42) 0.002 Hip 19 (36%) 34 (64%) 1.67 (0.78–3.54) 0.2 Pelvic bone 20 (27%) 54 (73%) 1.10 (0.57–2.14) 0.8 Extremities 42 (52%) 39 (48%) 3.04 (1.74–5.29) <0.001 Multiple site 34 (31%) 75 (69%) 1.25 (0.73–2.14) 0.4 Time between radiotherapy start date and death 1–7 days 92 (49%) 97 (51%) 1 8–14 days 99 (29%) 246 (71%) 0.40 (0.25–0.65) < 0.001 15–30 days 205 (25%) 620 (75%) 0.33 (0.21–0.51) < 0.001 Socio‐economic status 1st quintile (most disadvantaged) 103 (35%) 194 (65%) 1 2nd quintile 63 (32%) 137 (69%) 0.88 (0.55–1.40) 0.6 3rd quintile 70 (26%) 203 (74%) 0.73 (0.46–1.17) 0.2 4th quintile 55 (22%) 194 (78%) 0.63 (0.39–1.02) 0.06 5th quintile (least disadvantaged) 105 (31%) 235 (69%) 1.00 (0.62–1.61) 0.9 Remoteness of area of residency Major city 262 (28%) 668 (72%) Inner regional 109 (31%) 241 (69%) Outer regional/ remote 25 (32%) 54 (68%) Treatment institution type Public 317 (33%) 633 (67%) 1 Private 79 (19%) 330 (81%) 0.44 (0.29–0.65) < 0.001 Treatment institution location Metropolitan 280 (27%) 746 (73%) 1 Regional 116 (35%) 217 (65%) 1.02 (0.71‐1.47) 0.9 Year of radiotherapy 2013 115 (30%) 262 (70%) 2014 93 (28%) 243 (72%) 2015 84 (26%) 241 (74%) 2016 104 (32%) 217 (68%) MFRT = multifraction radiotherapy.
Wee Loon Ong · Farshad Foroudi · Roger L Milne · Jeremy L Millar
COVID‐19 and changes in the National Immunisation Program: a unique opportunity to optimise the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
Jane Tuckerman · Christopher C Blyth · Frank H Beard · Margie H Danchin
Key steps in our journey to a COVID‐19 vaccine program
Christopher C Blyth · Katie L Flanagan · Robyn A Gibbs · Nigel W Crawford · Allen C Cheng
Improving knowledge and data about the medical workforce underpins healthy communities and doctors
Grant M Russell · Matthew R McGrail · Belinda O’Sullivan · Anthony Scott
Not in my backyard: COVID‐19 vaccine development requires someone to be infected somewhere
George S Heriot · Euzebiusz Jamrozik
Ophthalmology and the emergence of artificial intelligence
Jane Scheetz · Mingguang He · Peter Wijngaarden
Monitoring the genetic testing and life insurance moratorium in Australia: a national research project
Jane Tiller · Ingrid Winship · Margaret FA Otlowski · Paul A Lacaze