Article Types
Research
Do outlier inpatients experience more emergency calls in hospital? An observational cohort study
Outlier patients may be at risk if their therapeutic and monitoring needs are only met on their home ward
John D Santamaria MD BS, FRACP, FCICM · Antony E Tobin MB BS, FRACP, FCICM · Matthew H Anstey MB BS, FCICM, FACEM · Roger J Smith BN, MPH · David A Reid
Carrying weapons and intent to harm among Victorian secondary school students in 1999 and 2009
Objective: To examine comparable survey data across 10 years to assess whether rates of self-reported weapon carrying and intent to harm others have increased as suggested in reported trends in violent offences.Design, setting and participants: Population-based surveys administered to Victorian secondary school students in 1999 (8984 students) and 2009 (10 273 students) attending government, Catholic and independent schools.Main outcome measures: Student self-reports of carrying a ...
Sheryl A Hemphill BBSc(Hons), PhD · Michelle A Tollit BPsych(Hons), MEdPsych · Helena Romaniuk BSc, MSc, PhD · Joanne Williams BSc(Hons), MAppEpid, PhD · John W Toumbourou MA, PhD · Lyndal Bond PhD · George C Patton MD, MB BS, FRANZCP
Coping support factors among Australians affected by terrorism: 2002 Bali bombing survivors speak
Survivors of terrorism need counselling and easily accessible government support
Garry J Stevens BSc(Hons), MClinPsych · Julie C Dunsmore BSc(Psych)(Hons), MPH, MAPS · Kingsley E Agho BSc(Hons), PhD, MPH · Melanie R Taylor BSc(Hons), PhD, CPsychol · Alison L Jones MD, FRCP, FRCPE · Beverley Raphael MB BS, MD, FRANZCP
Use of Royal Darwin Hospital emergency department by immigration detainees in 2011
Half of asylum seekers needed ED care in 2011, suggesting primary health care in closed detention is lacking
Adrienne K Deans MB BS, FRACGP, FACEM · Clare J Boerma MB BS · James Fordyce MB BS, MPH, FACEM · Mark De Souza MB BS, FACEM · Didier J Palmer FRCP, FRCS, FACEM · Joshua S Davis MB BS, FRACP, PhD
Medical graduates becoming rural doctors: rural background versus extended rural placement
What stops students losing interest in a rural career?
Tyler R Clark BA, MA · Saul B Freedman FCSANZ, FACC, FESC · Amanda J Croft BBus(AgrCom) · Hazel E Dalton BSc(Hons), PhD · Georgina M Luscombe BSc(Hons), PhD · Anthony M Brown MPH, FAFPHM, FAFOEM · David J Tiller MB BS, FRACP · Michael S Frommer MB BS, FAFPHM, FAFOEM
Four centuries of suicide in opera
Western opera is, perhaps not surprisingly, rife with suicidal deeds and thoughts
Saxby A Pridmore MB BS, MD, FRANZCP · Stephane Auchincloss MB BS, MRCP, FRANZCP · Nerissa L Soh BMedSc, MNutrDiet, PhD · Garry J Walter MB BS, PhD, FRANZCP
Lung cancer in Victoria: are we making progress?
There is room for improvement in the management of patients with lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of death from cancer in this country. Tissue diagnosis, active treatment for all patients, postsurgical adjuvant chemotherapy and case discussion at multidisciplinary meetings would all help, as would screening those at high risk to detect cancers earlier.
Paul L R Mitchell MB ChB, FRACP, MD · Vicky J Thursfield BSc, GradDipAppStat · David L Ball MD, FRANZCR · Gary E Richardson MB BS, FRACP · Louis B Irving MB BS, FRACP, FRACGP · Yvonne Torn-Broers BA(Hons) · Graham G Giles BSc, Msc, PhD · Gavin M Wright MB BS, FRACS
Preventing breast and ovarian cancers in high-risk BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers
The use of risk-reducing surgery and medications by women who carry mutations known to predispose them to cancers of the breast, ovary, fallopian tubes and peritoneum is not as common as might be expected; this means that the full potential of genetic testing is not being realised.
Ian M Collins MB, MSc, FRACP · Roger L Milne BSW, MSc, PhD · Prue C Weideman GradDipHealthPromEd · Sue-Anne McLachlan MB BS, MSc, FRACP · Michael L Friedlander PhD, FRACP · Kathleen Cuningham Foundation Consortium for Research into Familial Breast Cancer Kathleen Cuningham Foundation Consortium for Research into Familial Breast Cancer · John L Hopper PhD · Kelly-Anne Phillips MB BS(Hons), MD, FRACP
Low awareness of adverse drug reaction reporting systems: a consumer survey
Although consumers have been able to directly report possible adverse drug reactions to the Therapeutic Goods Administration since 1964, most such reports still come from health professionals and pharmaceutical companies. It seems that lack of awareness of the reporting mechanisms is a major limiting factor for consumers, and promotion and education of reporting systems are required.
Jane Robertson BPharm, MMedSc, PhD · David A Newby BPharm, GradDipEpi, PhD
Chiropractic Observation and Analysis Study (COAST): providing an understanding of current chiropractic practice
A cross-sectional study using the BEACH (Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health) methods for general practice assessed the clinical practices of chiropractors in Victoria and found that they manage a range of conditions, mostly musculoskeletal-related. This study’s results can be used by stakeholders of the chiropractic profession in workforce development, education and health care policy.
Simon D French PhD, MPH, BAppSc(Chiro) · Melanie J Charity MSc, BSc · Kirsty Forsdike BA(Hons), PgDipLaw, PgDipLegalPractice · Jane M Gunn PhD, FRACGP, MB BS · Barbara I Polus BAppSc(Chiro), MSc, PhD · Bruce F Walker DC, MPH, DrPH · Patty Chondros BSc(Hons), MSc, PhD · Helena C Britt BA, PhD
Antimicrobial stewardship in Victorian hospitals: a statewide survey to identify current gaps
Public regional and private hospitals need more antimicrobial stewardship support, particularly in the areas of policy development, antimicrobial approval systems, prescription review and auditing.
Rodney S James BMedSci, BMed, FRCPA · Kylie A McIntosh BPharm(Hons), PhD · Susan B Luu BPharm, MPH · Menino O Cotta BPharm · Caroline Marshall MB BS, FRACP, PhD · Karin A Thursky MB BS, FRACP, MD · Kirsty L Buising MB BS, FRACP, MD
The sources of pharmaceuticals for problematic users of benzodiazepines and prescription opioids
This study shows that different approaches may be required to reduce unsanctioned use of different pharmaceuticals due to differences in how drugs are sourced. The data also highlight that plans to monitor only Schedule 8 benzodiazepines and prescription opioids may have limited effects on prescription opioid users who use non-prescribed sources and may represent a lost opportunity for reducing unsanctioned benzodiazepine use.
Suzanne Nielsen BPharm, BPharmSc(Hons), PhD · Raimondo Bruno PhD · Louisa Degenhardt BA(Hons), MClinPsych, PhD · Mark A Stoove PhD, BAAppSci(Hons) · Jane A Fischer BA, MSPD · Susan J Carruthers MPH, PhD · Nicholas Lintzeris MB BS, FAChAM, PhD
Psychological distress and streamlined BreastScreen follow-up assessment versus standard assessment
Women attending streamlined StepDown clinics did not experience significantly different levels of psychological burden than women attending the standard assessment clinic. However, those who felt uneasy about returning to screening were less likely to do so, irrespective of their baseline likelihood of attending screening or assessment clinic type.
Kerry A Sherman PhD · Caleb J Winch BPsych(Hons) · Natacha Borecky MB BS, Doctor of Radiology (Belgium) · John Boyages MB BS(Hons), FRANZCR, PhD
Australia is continuing to make progress against cancer, but the regional and remote disadvantage remains
A comparison of mortality rates in regional and remote areas with those in metropolitan areas from 2001 to 2010 found 8878 excess cancer deaths; no improvement in age-standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) in men, and an increase in SMRs in women; and a slower decrease in the age-standardised cancer death rate in regional and remote areas, compared with metropolitan areas.
Michael D Coory MB BS, PhD, FAFPHM · Tsun Ho BE(Hons), PhD · Susan J Jordan MB BS, PhD
Nature and outcomes of the increased incidence of colorectal malignancy after liver transplantation in Australasia
Objectives: To examine whether incidence of colorectal malignancy is increased in Australasian liver transplant recipients compared with the general population of Australia, and to assess the characteristics and outcomes of colorectal malignancy in this patient group.Design, setting and patients: Data on patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) and had a diagnosis of de-novo colorectal malignancy after transplantation during the period ...
Deborah J Verran MB ChB, FRACS · Marie H Mulhearn BAppSc (Nursing), GradDipHPEd · Pamela J Dilworth RN · Glenda A Balderson BSc · Stephen Munn MB ChB, FRACs · John W Chen MB BS, FRACS, PhD · Michael A Fink MB BS, FRACS · Michael D Crawford MB BS, FRACS, MMed · Geoffrey W McCaughan MB BS, PhD, FRACP
Human papillomavirus vaccine coverage among female Australian adolescents: success of the school-based approach
Objective: To describe quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage achieved in the HPV vaccination catch-up program for girls aged 12–17 years.Design: Analysis of data from the Australian National HPV Vaccination Program Register.Participants: Girls aged 12–17 years as at 30 June 2007.Main outcome measures: HPV vaccine coverage by dose (1, 2 and 3), age and state of residence, using Australian Bureau of ...
Julia M L Brotherton BMed(Hons), MPH(Hons), FAFPHM · Sharron L Murray RN, RM, GradDipChildHealth · Madeline A Hall MPH · Lynne K Andrewartha BHSc(Nur) · Carolyn A Banks · Dennis Meijer BA, MHL · Helen C Pitcher · Megan M Scully BSc(Nsg), DPH, MHA · Luda Molchanoff BN
Estimated impacts of alternative Australian alcohol taxation structures on consumption, public health and government revenues
Is there a politically feasible way to meet the urgent need for reducing alcohol-related harm in Australia?
Christopher M Doran BEc(Hons), PhD · Joshua M Byrnes MHealthEcon, MEcon, PhD · Linda J Cobiac PhD · Brian Vandenberg BAppSc, BA(Hons), MPH · Theo Vos PhD
Mental health consumer and carer participation: why we bother
To the Editor: It is becoming increasingly recognised that consumer and carer participation improves both quality and outcomes of health care.1 The Children of Parents with Mental Illness (COPMI) national initiative is a health promotion program supporting better mental health outcomes for children whose parents have a mental illness (http://www.copmi.net.au). COPMI produces and provides information ...
Lydia C Trowse · Joanne G Cook · Tyson J A Clooney
Intervention programs for children whose parents have a mental illness: a review
AbstractObjective: To identify and describe intervention programs to improve outcomes for children whose parents have a mental illness.Data sources: Grey and black literature was sourced from (i) three previous reviews/scoping studies, (ii) PsycINFO and MEDLINE searches of English, German and Dutch papers, and (iii) in consultation with researchers, clinicians, consumers and ...
Andrea E Reupert PhD, GradDipCounsPsych, BA · Rose Cuff DipOT · Louisa Drost MSc · Kim Foster PhD · Karin T M van Doesum PhD · Floor van Santvoort MSc
Obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with severe mental illness at a specialist antenatal clinic
AbstractObjective: To evaluate the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with severe mental illness (SMI) who attended a specialist multidisciplinary antenatal clinic in Perth, Western Australia.Design, setting and participants: A retrospective case-note audit of outcomes from the Childbirth and Mental Illness Antenatal Clinic (CAMI clinic) at King Edward Memorial Hospital ...
Thinh N Nguyen MB BS, FRANZCP, CertChildAdolPsych · Deb Faulkner MPsych, PhD · Jacqueline S Frayne MB BS, DRANZCOG, FRACGP · Suzanna Allen RN, RM, BScN · Yvonne L Hauck BScN, MSc, PhD · Daniel Rock PhD, FRSPH · Jonathan Rampono MB BS, FRANZCP
Enhancing parenting skills for parents with mental illness: the Mental Health Positive Parenting Program
AbstractObjective: To determine the effect of the Mental Health Positive Parenting Program (MHPPP) on parenting practices of parents reporting a mental health problem.Design, setting and participants: A prospective before-and-after examination of positive parenting skills and parent-reported child outcomes among parents of children aged 2–10 years who had self-reported a mental health problem. One hundred ...
Ruth F Phelan BA, DipEd, AccredTriplePFacilitator · Deborah J Howe BA(SocSci), MPH, MHA · Emma L Cashman BSc(Psych)(Hons) · Samantha H Batchelor BAppSci(OT), GradCertPH
Goal setting within family care planning: families with complex needs
AbstractObjective: To identify the key goals that are established by children and parents from families in which parents have substance use and/or mental health problems, and the level of progress achieved towards goals over 1 year of case management.Design, setting and participants: Participants from three rural sites of a New South Wales non-government agency ...
Darryl J Maybery PhD · Melinda J Goodyear BBSc, MBSc · Andrea E Reupert BA, GradDipCounsPsych, PhD · Marillyn K Harkness
Difficult-to-treat-depression: what do general practitioners think?
AbstractObjective: To understand the perspectives of a group of general practitioners regarding management of patients with difficult-to-treat depression (DTTD).Design, setting and participants: A qualitative approach using a focus group and semi-structured telephone interviews conducted in 2011 with 10 GPs from urban and rural Victoria. Five main topics were explored: (1) understanding of DTTD; (2) understanding of other terms used to describe DTTD; (3) ...
Kay M Jones BSW, MT · David J Castle MD, FRANZCP, FRCPsych · Eleanor M Curran MB BS(Hons), BMedSc(Hons), MPM · Leon Piterman MB BS, MD, FRACGP
Measuring the incidence of hospital-acquired complications and their effect on length of stay using CHADx
The Classification of Hospital Acquired Diagnoses reporting system might seem complex, but this study shows that automating it can allow users to analyse complication rates by clinically meaningful factors, such as specialty or ward. Potential applications include assessing the benefits of patient safety initiatives and identifying ways of preventing lengthy hospital stays.
Kevin M Trentino BCom · Stuart G Swain BCM · Sally A Burrows BMath, GradDipMedStat · Peter C Sprivulis MB BS, PhD, FACEM · Frank F S Daly MB BS, FACEM, FLWA
Global trends in testosterone prescribing, 2000–2011: expanding the spectrum of prescription drug misuse
A multinational survey finds substantial increases in testosterone prescribing over the past two decades, encouraged by permissive guidelines that promote off-label prescribing for older men. This overuse of testosterone may lead to increased incidence of cardiovascular disease among older men.
David J Handelsman MB BS, FRACP, PhD