Rural Research Collaborative Learning Network - Epidemiology Education Opportunity!

 

Cause and effect: an introduction to epidemiology

Seminar overview:

Confounded by confounders? Incensed by incidence rates? This session will provide an overview and introduction to epidemiology with practical examples for Australian health professionals and researchers. Epidemiology is the science and practice that describes and explains patterns of disease in populations. The information gained through epidemiological study of disease can help to prevent and control disease, and ultimately improve health. 

Who should attend?

All NSW Health staff are welcome to attend. 

Why should I attend?

This session has been designed for health professionals and researchers who would like to become more familiar with epidemiological principles, how to design and interpret epidemiological studies, or who want to be able to critically appraise epidemiological studies.

During this session, we will cover:

-                       General epidemiological principles and terminology

-                       Types of epidemiological studies

-                       Bias and confounding

-                       Critical appraisal of epidemiological studies 

Session date(s): Wednesday 5th February 2025, 3:00pm-4:00pm (NSW), 2:00pm-3:00pm (QLD)

 

Register now: https://www.trybooking.com/1312950

About the presenter:

Dr Rebecca Venchiarutti is a Senior Research Fellow at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Sydney. She is a health services researcher whose work focuses on improving access to cancer services, optimising patient outcomes, and addressing variations in practice. She currently leads the research stream within the Head and Neck Rural Access Program at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a comprehensive cancer centre in Sydney.

 

Who are the Rural Research Collaborative Learning Network (RR-CLaN)?

The RR-CLaN is a rural led initiative that aims to provide high-quality research education and training to healthcare staff working in rural, regional and remote areas. Our aim is to provide you with the education and training opportunities to build key skills in how to use and undertake research to improve healthcare delivery.

RR-CLaN collaborators:

NSW: Central Coast Local Health District; Far West Local Health District; Hunter New England Local Health District; Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District; Mid North Coast Local Health District; Murrumbidgee Local Health District; Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District; Northern New South Wales Local Health District; Southern New South Wales Local Health District; Western New South Wales Local Health District; Health Education and Training Institute (HETI).

QLD: Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre (supporting Townsville Hospital and Health Service; Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service; Mackay Hospital and Health Service; North West Hospital and Health Service; Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service); Darling Downs Health Innovation and Research Collaborative; Darling Downs Health and South West Hospital and Health Service

 

The Importance of Health Libraries in Australia

Health libraries play a crucial role in the Australian healthcare system, providing invaluable resources and support to clinicians, researchers, and policy makers. These libraries are not just repositories of medical knowledge; they are dynamic hubs that enhance patient care, support professional development, and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the community.

Enhancing Patient Care

Health libraries are integral to improving patient outcomes. They provide access to a vast array of curated information resources, including journals, textbooks, databases, and point-of-care tools. These resources enable healthcare professionals to stay updated with the latest medical research and best practices, ensuring that patient care is based on the most current evidence[1]. Expert health librarians assist in conducting literature searches and providing relevant information, directly supporting evidence-based practice[1].

Supporting Professional Development

Health libraries offer managed study facilities equipped with computers, study spaces, and other essential amenities. These spaces are crucial for hospital staff engaged in professional development, further studies, or research[1]. Health librarians also provide training and support in using information resources effectively, which is particularly important for medical trainees who need to engage in research and publish their findings[1].

Facilitating Research and Innovation

Research is a cornerstone of medical advancement, and health libraries play a pivotal role in facilitating this process. They provide access to specialized databases and resources necessary for conducting systematic reviews and other research activities[1]. Health librarians collaborate with researchers from the start of their projects, ensuring that they have the information and support needed to produce high-quality research[1].

Promoting Health and Wellbeing

Beyond their role in hospitals, health libraries contribute to the broader health and wellbeing of the community. Public libraries, for instance, offer programs and resources that support literacy, lifelong learning, and community connection[2]. Engaging with public libraries has been shown to improve individuals' subjective health and wellbeing, providing a safe and comfortable space for learning and social interaction[2].

Economic Benefits

Investing in health libraries also makes economic sense. A cost-benefit analysis of Victorian public libraries revealed that the annual benefits generated are twice the annual provisioning costs[2]. This demonstrates that health libraries not only support the healthcare system but also provide significant economic value to the community.

Conclusion

Health libraries are indispensable to the Australian healthcare landscape. They enhance patient care, support professional development, facilitate research, and promote community health and wellbeing. By investing in and supporting these vital institutions, we can ensure that they continue to provide these essential services and contribute to a healthier, more informed society.

References

[1] ALIA Health Libraries Australia (HLA) Statement on Hospital Libraries ...

[2] The health and wellbeing benefits of public libraries - Australia Reads

Library Resources!

 Spotlight on Addiction

Oxford handbook of addiction medicine / John B. Saunders, Corinne M. Lim.

The handbook is a contemporary, broadly-based, and clinically grounded text that summarises the scientific basis and practice of addiction medicine. It provides practical guidance on clinical management but with a sound background of pharmacology, neurobiology, psychology, and epidemiology and public health.

From bud to brain : a psychiatrist's view of marijuana / Timmen L. Cermak.

The trend toward liberalizing medical and recreational marijuana use is increasing the obligation on clinicians to provide useful information to the public. This book summarizes the science all healthcare professionals need to know in order to provide objective and relevant information to a variety of patients, from recreational and medicinal users to those who use regularly, and to adolescents and worried parents. The author brings two and a half decades of studying cannabinoid research, and over forty years' experience in psychiatric and addiction medicine practice, to shed light on the interaction between marijuana and the brain. Topics range from how marijuana produces pleasurable sensations, relaxation and novelty (the 'high'), to emerging medical uses, effects of regular use, addiction, and policy. Principles of motivational interviewing are outlined to help clinicians engage patients in meaningful, non-judgmental conversations about their experiences with marijuana. An invaluable guide for physicians, nurses, psychologists, therapists, and counsellors.

The recovery handbook : understanding addictions and evidenced-based treatment practices / Nicholas D. Young, Melissa A. Mumby, Jennifer A. Smolinski.

Millions of lives have been destroyed by addiction. 'The Recovery Handbook: Understanding Addictions and Evidenced-Based Treatment Practices' is a promising tool for those who care for individuals with addictions as well as those who are ready to make new choices for themselves. This practical guide offers a look at statistics, behaviors, short- and long-term effects as well as promising strategies, protocols and programs that can assist the recovering addict. Important topics such as substance abuse, and gambling, sex, and food addictions are included as well. This is a book that will need to be read more than once to fully capture the wealth of information contained within its page. It will quickly become a valuable reference guide for all who seek to understand addictions and related clinical practice.

The ASAM principles of addiction medicine [electronic resource] / senior editor, Shannon C. Miller ; associate editors, David A. Fiellin, Richard N. Rosenthal, and Richard Saitz.

The ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine is the go-to textbook in the specialty field of addiction medicine. Clinicians, doctors, and researchers rely on The ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine to define the terminology of addiction and provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and treatment.

The Cambridge handbook of substance and behavioral addictions edited by Steve Sussman.

Written by leaders in the addictions field, 100 authors from six countries, this handbook offers a guide to the breadth and depth of addiction processes. Through a detailed explanation of appetitive motivation, incentive sensitization, reward deficiency, and behavioural economics it provides readers with the necessary conceptual underpinnings to fully grasp this area. Both clinical and research methods are clearly mapped out alongside an outline of their strengths and weaknesses, giving the reader the tools needed to help guide their research and practice aims. The etiology of addiction at various levels of analysis is discussed, including neurobiology, cognition, culture, and environment, which simultaneously lays out the foundations and high-level discourse to serve both novice and expert researchers and clinicians. The volume also explores the prevention and treatment of addictions including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, food, gambling, sex, work, shopping, the internet, and several seldom-investigated behaviors (e.g., love, tanning, exercise). This practical advice is accompanied with suggestions for future research.

Clinical manual of youth addictive disorders / edited by Yifrah Kaminer, Ken C. Winters

This long-awaited follow-up to the classic text Clinical Manual of Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment presents the latest research on substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs) in adolescents 12-18 and emerging adults 18-25 years of age. This new manual offers a substantive update of the previous manual's 16 chapters, offering 7 additional chapters devoted to important new topics, such as pediatric primary care assessment and intervention, electronic tools, specific substances (e.g., cannabis, opioids, alcohol), and much more. Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and substance abuse specialists, as well as applied researchers and public health professionals, will find this new manual a research-rich and clinically compelling resource for understanding disease course, prevention, diagnosis, substance-specific interventions, co-occurring disorders, and issues related to special populations

Addiction Journal
01/1997 - Current (with gaps)

Addiction publishes peer-reviewed research reports on pharmalogical and behavioural addictions, bringing together research conducted within many different disciplines. The publication is an official journal of the Society for the Study of Addiction, and has been in publication since 1884.

Journal of Addiction Medicine
03/2007 - Current

Journal of Addiction Medicine (JAM) is a leading peer-reviewed journal that promotes excellence in clinical research and the practice of addiction medicine. Published bi-monthly under the guidance of an esteemed Editorial Board, JAM editors select articles that focus on research developments, treatment innovations, and ethical, economic, forensic, and social topics. Each issue offers CE opportunities.

Addiction Science and Clinical Practice
01/2015 - Current

Addiction Science & Clinical Practice provides a forum for clinically relevant research and perspectives that contribute to improving the quality of care for people with unhealthy alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use and addictive behaviours across a spectrum of clinical settings.

Journal of Addictions Nursing
01/1989 - Current

The Journal of Addictions Nursing , the official journal of the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA), is a peer reviewed quarterly international journal publishing original articles on current research, issues, practices and innovations as they relate to the field of addictions. Submissions are solicited from professional nurses and other healthcare professionals engaged in treatment, prevention, education, research, and consultation.

MNCLHD Staff Publications October to December 2024

 Congratulations to MNCLHD staff who have had their papers published!

Cohen, G., B. Rapoport, S. W. Chan, P. Ruff, A. Arance, K. Mujika Eizmendi, B. Houghton, M. P. Brown, R. M. Zielinski, E. Muñoz Couselo, M. Lyle, J. R. Anderson, L. Jain, D. de Alwis, M. Lala, O. Akala, E. Chartash and C. Jacobs (2024). "Pembrolizumab 400 mg every 6 weeks as first-line therapy for advanced melanoma (KEYNOTE-555): Results from cohort B of an open-label, phase 1 study." PLoS One 19(11): e0309778.

Grimison, P., A. Mersiades, A. Kirby, A. Tognela, I. Olver, R. L. Morton, P. Haber, A. Walsh, Y. Lee, E. Abdi, S. Della-Fiorentina, M. Aghmesheh, P. Fox, K. Briscoe, J. Sanmugarajah, G. Marx, G. Kichenadasse, H. Wheeler, M. Chan, J. Shannon, C. Gedye, S. Begbie, R. J. Simes and M. R. Stockler (2024). "Oral Cannabis Extract for Secondary Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Final Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase II/III Trial." Journal of Clinical Oncology 42(34): 4040-4050.

Jegathesan, Y., P. P. Stephen, I. Sati, P. Narayanan, M. Monif and M. N. A. Kamarudin (2024). "MicroRNAs in adult high-grade gliomas: Mechanisms of chemotherapeutic resistance and their clinical relevance." Biomedical Pharmacotherapy 172: 116277.

Kinsman, L. D., G. Mooney, G. Whiteford, T. Lower, M. Hobbs, B. Morris, K. Bartlett, A. Jacob and D. Curley (2024). "Increasing the uptake of advance care directives through staff education and one-on-one support for people facing end-of-life." BMJ Open Quality 13(4): e002727.

Lim, B., I. Seth, K. Joseph, J. Cevik, H. Li, Y. Xie, A. M. Hernandez, R. Cuomo and W. M. Rozen (2024). "Optimal Use of Drain Tubes for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Comprehensive Review." J Clin Med 13(21): 6586.

Marshall, A. D., A. Conway, E. B. Cunningham, H. Valerio, D. Silk, M. Alavi, S. Tillakeratne, A. Wade, T. Lam, K. Zohrab, A. Dunlop, C. Connelly, V. Cock, C. Burns, C. Henderson, M. Christmass, G. J. Dore and J. Grebely (2024). "A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Involving Financial Incentives to Facilitate Hepatitis C Treatment Uptake Among People Who Inject Drugs: ETHOS Engage Study." Viruses 16(11). 

Moloney, G., D. Ghelani, R. Lakshmanan, L. Upcroft, M. Hutchinson, M. Norton, M. Sutherland, I. Walker and S. Rienks (2024). "How doctors can lead the way in their communities: Co-creation, the Indian community and organ donation registration." Internal Medical Journal 54(12): 1952-1959. 

Petrushnko, W., J. Perry, Z. Bunjo, R. Vather, M. Lewis and T. Sammour (2024). "Patient satisfaction with nurse-led coordination of colorectal cancer treatment: a short survey." ANZ Journal of Surgery 94(10): 1678-1680.

Prussing, E., L. Kinsman, A. Jacob, J. Doust, F. Guy and O. Tierney (2024). "Everyone should have their own midwife: Women's and staff experiences during the implementation of two midwifery continuity of care models in regional Australia." Women and Birth 37(6): 101807. 

Wong, P. K. K., A. Roberts, T. Ho, S. Fraser, J. Thompson, J. Williamson and E. Hay (2024). "The Effect of an Osteoporosis Refracture Prevention Program-A Comparison of Two Australian Rural Centers Using Population Database Linkage." International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases 27(11): e15421.

Zhao, S., A. V. Langford, Q. Chen, M. Lyu, Z. Yang, S. D. French, C. M. Williams and C. C. Lin (2024). "Effectiveness of strategies for implementing guideline-concordant care in low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials." EClinicalMedicine 78: 102916.

Library Resources!

 Spotlight on Research

The library has several resources related to research.  Some of the most recent items are detailed below.  If you would like to borrow any of these books, please drop in, or contact us at the District Library Service.

The Sage Handbook of Mixed Methods Research Design / edited by Cheryl N. Poth.

The SAGE Handbook of Mixed Methods Research Design provides a comprehensive overview of the existing typologies and future potential applications of this fast evolving field. With a unique focus on design, this handbook prepares researchers for the changing conditions in which they will conduct their studies.

The SAGE handbook of qualitative research / edited by Norman K. Denzin, Yvonna S. Lincoln, Michael D. Giardina, Gaile S. Cannella.

"This new edition of the SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research represents the sixth generation of the ongoing conversation about the discipline, practice, and conduct of qualitative inquiry. As with earlier editions, the Sixth Edition is virtually a new volume, with 27 of the 34 chapters representing new topics or approaches not seen in the previous edition, including intersectionality; critical disability research; postcolonial and decolonized knowledge; diffraction and intra-action; social media methodologies; thematic analysis, collaborative inquiry from the borderlands; qualitative inquiry and public health science; co-production and the politics of impact; publishing qualitative research; and academic survival. Authors in the Sixth Edition engage with questions of ontology and epistemology, the politics of the research act, the changing landscape of higher education, and the role qualitative researchers play in contributing to a more just, egalitarian society." -- Provided by publisher.

Navigating the maze of research : enhancing nursing and midwifery practice / Debra Jackson, Tamara Power, Helen Walthall.

Written for the undergraduate nursing and midwifery student, the fourth edition of Navigating the Maze of Research: Enhancing Nursing and Midwifery Practice introduces the research process and provides insight into both how and why research is conducted. For this fourth edition, authors Sally Borbasi and Debrah Jackson highlight the connection between research, critical evaluation of findings and the use of these findings to inform and improve clinical practice. Borbasi and Jackson's Navigating the Maze of Research is divided into three sections guiding the beginner to confidently engage in the research process and arrive at considered, informed clinical practice. Written for the undergraduate nursing and midwifery student, this text introduces the research process and provides insight into both how and why research is conducted. This eidtion highlights the connection between research, critical evaluation of findings and the use of these findings to inform and improve clinical practice.

Qualitative research in nursing and healthcare / Immy Holloway, Kathleen Galvin.

This fifth edition of the book is an update of earlier versions. Approaches in qualitative research are constantly evolving, and this is shown in the new edition. The fundamental principles of qualitative research, of course, stay the same, reflecting the firm epistemological ground on which this research approach stands; hence, there are not many drastic changes; the formula of writing and extending individual approaches with integrating updated examples from healthcare research has been retained. -- Provided by Publisher

Understanding nursing research : building an evidence-based practice / Susan K. Grove, Jennifer R. Gray.

"Understanding Nursing Research: Building an Evidence-Based Practice', 4th Edition is a market-leading textbook written by two of the most renowned experts in the nursing research field. Now in full-color, this thoroughly updated 4th edition reflects today's emphasis on evidence-based practice. Refined format and features enhance the book's readability and bring include examples and critiques that help students better understand the concepts. The book also features an enhanced emphasis on the emerging, cost-driven field of outcomes research, as well as an improved balance of quantitative and qualitative research. In addition to a full complement of student and faculty ancillaries, a companion Nursing Research Online course is now available for separate purchase with this edition." -- Publisher's website.

Thematic analysis : a practical guide / Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke

"Developed and adapted by the authors of this book, thematic analysis (TA) is one of the most popular qualitative data analytic techniques in psychology and the social and health sciences. Building on the success of Braun & Clarke's 2006 paper first outlining their approach which has over 100,000 citations on Google Scholar - this book is the definitive guide to TA and your support system throughout your TA journeys. It addresses the common questions surrounding TA as well as developments in the field, offering a highly accessible and practical discussion of doing TA situated within a clear understanding of the wider terrain of qualitative research."-- Publisher

Designing clinical research / Warren S. Browner, Thomas B. Newman, Steven R. Cummings, Deborah G. Grady, Alison J. Huang, Alka M. Kanaya, Mark J. Pletcher

(this item is an eBook available via CiAP, find it via the Library's Discovery Site)

"For over 30 years, this title sets the standard as a practical guide for physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other practitioners involved in all forms of clinical and public health research. It presents the epidemiologic concepts in a reader-friendly way and suggests common sense approaches to the challenging judgments involved in designing, funding and implementing a study. Translated in many languages over the years, it is a manual for clinical research in it various flavors: clinical trials, observational epidemiology, translated science, patient-oriented research. Epidemiologic- terms and principles, presented advanced conceptual material in a practical and reader friendly way and suggested common sense approaches to many judgments involved in designing a study"-- Publisher

Research methodology in the health sciences : a quick reference guide / Prasanta K. Bhattacharya

(this item is an eBook available via CiAP, find it via the Library's Discovery Site)

"The current book on research methodology is primarily meant for students, scholars and interested faculty members of biomedical sciences like medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmaceuticals, physiotherapy, etc. Format: The format and content of the book has been kept concise for easy readability, with examples drawn exclusively from real healthcare scenarios for easy understanding, and at the same time without compromising on the basic principles of research methodology. Math Issue for Health Science Students--doesn't and wont be too high level of math. Appropriate level for the health science student Biomedical Ethics, Review of Medical Literature also discusses how to write a dissertation"-- Publisher

Introducing research and evidence-based practice for nursing and healthcare professionals / Jeremy Jolley

(this item is an eBook, find it via the Library's Discovery Site)

"Research can seem difficult to get to grips with. However, this book shows you that research is essentially a simple activity and its principles can be quickly and easily understood, even if you're new to the subject. Each chapter guides you to uncover the mysteries' of research, exposing each aspect in turn, while demonstrating how research in healthcare is a practical activity, linked directly to patient care. If you're a student of nursing or an allied health profession studying research for the first time, this books is for you. Research is illustrated through examples of activities which will be familiar to you from your day-to-day life, to help build your confidence in undertaking research and evidence-based practice." -- Publisher.

Understanding the Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record—Sharing by Default) Bill 2024

The Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record—Sharing by Default) Bill 2024 represents a pivotal development in Australia’s healthcare landscape, including health professionals operating within the Mid North Coast Local Health District. This legislation aims to enhance the My Health Record system by mandating the sharing of key health information among healthcare providers, thereby improving patient care and outcomes. 

The Need for Change

Historically, participation in the My Health Record system has been voluntary for healthcare providers when it comes to uploading patient information. This has often resulted in significant gaps in patient records, where crucial data such as pathology and diagnostic imaging results may not be readily available. Consequently, patients frequently find themselves having to recount their medical histories multiple times to different providers, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Key Features of the Bill

The Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record—Sharing by Default) Bill 2024 introduces several key changes aimed at addressing these issues:

1. Mandatory Data Sharing:

   - The bill requires specific healthcare providers, particularly those in pathology and diagnostic imaging, to upload relevant health information to a patient's My Health Record by default. This ensures that critical data is consistently available across all platforms.

2. Improved Patient Participation:

   - By facilitating easier access to their health records, patients will be empowered to take a more active role in managing their health. They will no longer need to repeatedly inform different healthcare providers about their medical history.

3. Streamlined Care Coordination:

   - With comprehensive health information readily available, all members of a patient's healthcare team can better coordinate care. This is expected to enhance communication among providers, leading to more effective treatment plans.

4. Reduction in Duplicate Testing:

   - The amendment aims to minimise unnecessary repeat tests and appointments by ensuring that all relevant test results are accessible within the My Health Record system. This not only saves time for patients but also reduces costs associated with redundant procedures.

5. Accountability Measures:

   - New civil penalties will be imposed on healthcare providers who fail to comply with these mandatory sharing requirements. This accountability is crucial for ensuring adherence and maintaining the integrity of the system.

Implications for Healthcare Providers

For health professionals working in the Mid North Coast Local Health District, these changes present both opportunities and challenges:

Enhanced Clinical Decision-Making

With access to a patient’s complete health information, healthcare providers can make more informed clinical decisions. This is particularly important in emergency situations where timely access to medical history can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Improved Workflow Efficiency

The requirement for mandatory data sharing is expected to streamline workflows within healthcare settings. Providers will spend less time gathering patient histories and more time focusing on delivering quality care.

Training and Adaptation

Healthcare organisations will need to adapt their systems and processes to comply with the new legislation. This may involve training staff on how to effectively utilise the My Health Record system and ensuring that they understand the importance of data sharing.

Benefits for Patients

The primary beneficiaries of this legislative change will be patients themselves:

1. Better Informed Patients:

   - Patients will have access to their complete health records, allowing them to be better informed about their health status and treatment options.

2. Active Participation in Care:

   - With comprehensive information at their fingertips, patients can engage more actively in discussions with their healthcare providers about their care plans and treatment choices.

3. Reduction in Frustration:

   - The elimination of repetitive recounting of medical histories will reduce frustration for patients, leading to a more positive healthcare experience overall.

4. Increased Safety:

   - Access to complete health records reduces the risk of medication errors and adverse events resulting from incomplete information during treatment.

In Conclusion

The "Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record—Sharing by Default) Bill 2024" marks a significant advancement in Australia’s approach to digital health management. By mandating that key health information be shared automatically among healthcare providers, this legislation aims to create a more cohesive and efficient healthcare environment that benefits both patients and professionals alike.

As health professionals within the Mid North Coast Local Health District prepare for these changes, it is essential to embrace the opportunities presented by enhanced data sharing. By doing so, we can ensure that our patients receive timely, informed care that meets their needs effectively and efficiently. The journey towards a fully integrated digital health system is underway, promising improved outcomes for all stakeholders involved in patient care.

Citations:

[1] My Health Records Amendment (Strengthening Privacy) Bill 2018

[2] Frequently Asked Questions Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record –

Sharing by Default) Bill 2024 

[3] Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record—Sharing by Default) Bill 2024

[4] My Health Record - Privacy Legislation

[5] My Health Record legislation and governance

[6] My Health Records guidelines

[7] My Health Record participation obligations

[8] Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record – Sharing by Default) Bill 2024 – Frequently asked questions

Will a Social Media Ban Prevent Important Health Messages to Australian Teens?

An article in Health Services Daily poses the question of how communication to teens will occur when they are forced off social media in approximately 12 months time. 

Cate Swanwell's piece "When worlds collide: vaping education vs social media ban" highlights this potential problem, reporting on an interview by Patricia Karvelas, of Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care on ABC's RN Breakfast.

Butler announced earlier in the year that the government would use social media influencers to help get the anit-vaping message across to teens. Mr. Butler acknowledged that teens don't watch television or listen to health ministers so social influencers were the way to go. In this morning's interview, Karvelas asked how kids would be reached once social media bans were in place. Mr Butler seems sure that the government will find teenagers wherever they are to send health messages. Schools can register for the OurFutures anti-vaping in-school education. 

Key health messages about vaping in Australia:

1. Health Risks: Vaping can cause lung damage, throat irritation, cough, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and even seizures. It exposes users to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, acrolein, and heavy metals, which can cause cancer, heart disease, and lung damage.

2. Addiction: Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Nicotine dependence can develop quickly, leading to withdrawal symptoms when not vaping.

3. Youth Targeted: The use of e-cigarettes is increasing significantly among young people. Campaigns like "Every vape is a hit to your health" aim to educate and deter young people from vaping.

4. Regulations: The Australian Government has introduced stricter regulations on vaping, including limiting the sale of nicotine vapes to pharmacies and enforcing plain packaging.

Local healthcare workers in the Mid-North Coast can play a crucial role in spreading messages and advocating against vaping among young people. Some strategies are:

1. Education and Awareness: Healthcare workers can educate young people about the health risks associated with vaping, including lung damage, addiction, and exposure to harmful chemicals. They can use resources like fact sheets, videos, and interactive workshops to make the information engaging and relatable.

2. Community Engagement: Engaging with schools, community centers, and youth organizations to host informational sessions and discussions about the dangers of vaping. Collaborating with local authorities and organizations to create a unified message against vaping can also be effective.

3. Social Media Campaigns: Utilizing social media platforms to reach a wider audience. Creating shareable content, such as infographics, videos, and testimonials from young people who have quit vaping, can help spread the message quickly and effectively.

4. Support Programs: Offering support programs for young people who want to quit vaping. This can include counseling, nicotine replacement therapies, and support groups. Providing resources and guidance on how to manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms can also be helpful.

5. Training for Healthcare Providers: Ensuring that healthcare providers are well-informed about the latest research and trends related to vaping. Training sessions and workshops can help them identify and address vaping-related issues with their patients more effectively.

6. Youth Involvement: Involving young people in the creation and dissemination of anti-vaping messages. Peer-to-peer education can be particularly impactful, as young people are more likely to listen to and be influenced by their peers.

 

Perioperative Nurses Week 10 - 16 November!

 

(Source: https://www.acorn.org.au/pnw2024)

Library Resources for Perioperative Nurses

Journals:

ACORN:Journal of Perioperative Nursing - Ciap provides full text access from 2008.

AORN - Ciap provides full text access from 1995.

Journal of Perioperative Practice - Ciap provides full text access from 1999 - 2013, ask the library for other years.

ORNAC - Ciap provides full text access from 2003.

Books in the Library Collection:

Alexander's care of the patient in surgery / [edited by] Jane Rothrock (2023)

ACORN standards for perioperative nursing 2018: including nursing roles, guidelines, position statements, competency standards.

Perianesthesia nursing core curriculum : Preprocedure, phase I and phase II PACU nursing. / editors, Lois Schick  and Pamela E. Windle (2020)

Perioperative nursing : an introduction / Editors, Lois Hamlin (Lead Editor), Menna Davies, Marilyn Richardson-Tench, Sally Sutherland-Fraser (2021)

Other Resources:

Australian College of Perioperative Nurses Website

The Perioperative Toolkit / Agency for Clinical Innovation (2024)

If you would like to borrow any of the books above or are having trouble accessing the journals, please contact the library.

New Resources!

 Spotlight on Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Midwifery

The library has just acquired several new resources related to this important area of health.  If you would like to borrow any of these books, please drop in, or contact us at the District Library Service.

Gynaecology by Ten Teachers edited by E. Crosbie & L. Kenny

"First published in 1919 as 'Diseases of Women', Gynaecology by Ten Teachers is well established as a concise, yet comprehensive, guide within its field. The 21st Edition has been thoroughly updated by its latest team of 'teachers', integrating clinical material with the latest scientific developments that underpin patient care. Each chapter is highly structured, with learning objectives, definitions, aetiology, clinical features, investigations, treatments and key point summaries and additional reading where appropriate. A key theme for this edition is 'professionalism' and information specific to this is threaded throughout the text." -- Publisher

Obstetrics by Ten Teachers edited by E. Crosby & F. McCarthy

"First published in 1917 as 'Midwifery', Obstetrics by Ten Teachers is well established as a concise, yet comprehensive, guide within its field. The twentieth edition has been thoroughly updated by a new team of 'teachers', integrating clinical material with the latest scientific developments that underpin patient care. Each chapter is highly structured, with learning objectives, definitions, aetiology, clinical features, investigations, treatments, case histories and key point summaries and additional reading where appropriate. New themes for this edition include 'professionalism' and 'global health' and information specific to both areas is threaded throughout the text. Along with its companion Gynaecology by Ten Teachers the book will continue to provide an accessible 'one stop shop' in obstetrics and gynaecology for a new generation of doctors." -- Publisher

Communication in Midwifery : Theory and Practice edited by Tania Staras

"Kind, honest and open communication is at the heart of midwifery care and maternity practice, and is vital in providing safe, person-centred care. This new book explores communication in midwifery from a range of perspectives and across different settings. It considers the theoretical and practical dimensions of communication, including how and why we communicate and who we communicate with. It uses case studies and practical examples to put ideas into real-world context and to explore topic areas in ways which are thought-provoking, accessible and useful to practitioners. Above all, Communication in Midwifery supports midwives in developing their theoretical understanding around communication and building a practical toolkit of ideas and strategies for use in a range of settings and with diverse groups of people. It helps midwives and other caregivers in navigating the nuanced and complex situations they encounter every day where clear, honest and collaborative communication is vital."--Publisher.

Stories in Midwifery : Reflection, Inquiry, Action by Allison Cummins, Katharine Gillet, Karne McLaughlin, Loretta Musgrave and Jessica Wood.

"This insightful book and accompanying video resource present a collection of perspectives relating to different issues around birthing and midwifery. Through the voices of mothers, midwives, students, health professionals and family members, you will build empathy and understanding, reflect, and learn to apply innovative approaches in your own practice. The book covers a range of topics, such as midwifery continuity of care, place of birth, multiple pregnancy, complex pregnancies, congenital birth abnormalities, supporting culturally and linguistically diverse women, anxiety and depression, and working with women with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Stories in midwifery provides teaching and learning strategies ideal for students and practising midwives alike. Readers will develop the skills, attitudes and mindfulness necessary for working in partnership with women, childbearing people and their families across a variety of settings."--Publisher.

Physiology in Childbearing: With Anatomy and Related Biosciences edited by Jean Rankin.

"With its straightforward writing style and extraordinary breadth of content, Physiology in Childbearing is an ideal textbook for students of midwifery wanting to master the physiology of pregnancy, childbirth, the neonate and breastfeeding. This popular book has been fully updated to incorporate new knowledge and guidelines, and has a stronger focus on diversity. It covers basic biochemistry, cellular biology, genetics and fertility, as well as embryology and fetal growth, the physiology of pregnancy, and complications of labour. It then goes on to examine the neonate, infant feeding and bio-behavioural aspects of parenting. The complexities of this fundamental topic area are explained with boxes of key points, full colour diagrams and images, and tips on applying content to practice, making this book a must-have for students and practising midwives alike."--Publisher.