Supporting the Health of Australian Veterans

 Introduction

The health and well-being of Australian veterans is a topic of paramount importance. With nearly 600,000 veterans in Australia, representing 2.8% of the population aged 15 years and over, understanding their unique health needs is crucial for providing effective medical care and support.

Key Statistics on Australian Veterans

• Population: As of the latest census, there are 581,139 Australians who have served or are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This includes 496,276 former serving members and 84,865 current serving members.
• Demographics: The largest age group among veterans is 65-74 years, with 90% of these veterans being male. Additionally, 13.4% of the veteran population are female.
• Geographical Distribution: Townsville, home to the largest Army base in the country, has the highest number of veterans (8,700) and current serving ADF members (5,500).

Health Challenges Faced by Veterans

Veterans often face unique health challenges due to their service. Common issues include:

• Mental Health: Conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety are prevalent among veterans. The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) provides extensive mental health support, including counselling and rehabilitation services.
• Physical Health: Injuries sustained during service can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues. The DVA offers treatment and rehabilitation programs to help veterans manage these conditions.
• Access to Healthcare: Veterans are entitled to treatment at departmental expense through the DVA Gold or White card system. These cards cover a range of medical services, ensuring veterans receive the care they need.

Support Services for Veterans

The Australian government provides a variety of support services to veterans, including:

• Pension and Compensation: Veterans may be eligible for pensions and compensation under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), and Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA).
• Employment and Education: Programs are available to help veterans transition to civilian life, including employment assistance and educational opportunities.
• Community Engagement: Veterans are more likely to participate in volunteer work compared to the general population, highlighting their ongoing contributions to the community.

Suicide and Suicidality in Australian Defence Force Veterans

Increased suicidality and suicide deaths among veterans of the Australian Defence Force have gained recent prominence. A systematic scoping review identified several key findings:

• Increased Suicidality: Findings indicate increased suicidality in the veteran population, particularly during the transition out of the military.
• Mental Illness: Mental illness, especially depression and PTSD, is a significant risk factor for suicide and suicidality.
• Protective Factors: Current military service was identified as a protective factor against suicide.
• Research Gaps: Gaps were identified in understanding the relative contributions to risk from transition, psychosocial correlates, and health service utilization.

Veterans' Wellbeing Network Programs MNCLHD

The Veterans' Wellbeing Network Mid North Coast (VWNMNC) offers a variety of programs aimed at supporting the wellbeing of veterans and their families. These programs include:

• Hospital and Home Visits: Wellbeing Advocates visit hospitals, homes, and aged care facilities as needed.
• Bereavement Support: Assistance during times of loss.
• Liaison Services: Coordination with local government bodies, the Department of Veterans' Affairs, and other relevant organizations.
• Transitional Management: Support for discharging Australian Defence Force personnel.

Health Pathways Veterans Health Pages

The Health Pathways team has developed new Veterans Health pages to help clinicians assess and address the specific health needs of veterans. These pages include:

• Veterans’ Health Assessment
• Veteran Care Practice Management
• Guide to DVA Compensation Claim Forms
• Veteran Referral and Support
• Defence and Veteran Family Support

These pathways provide detailed information on navigating various services and programs available to veterans, including mental health support, treatment for service-related injuries, and guidance on DVA billing.

Link to Mid North Coast Local Health District

The Veterans' Wellbeing Network and the Health Pathways Veterans Health pages are both integral parts of the support system for veterans in the Mid North Coast Local Health District. The Veterans' Wellbeing Network collaborates with the Health Pathways team to ensure that veterans receive comprehensive care and support. This collaboration helps streamline access to health services, making it easier for veterans to find and utilize the resources they need.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing the health needs of Australian veterans is essential for their well-being. By providing comprehensive medical care and support services, we can honour their service and ensure they lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

For more information on veteran support services, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs

References

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Census of Population and Housing: Reflecting Australia - Stories from the Census, 2021
2. Health services for the veteran community. Department of Veterans' Affairs
3. Oltvolgyi, C. G., Meurk, C., & Heffernan, E. (2024). Suicide and suicidality in Australian Defence Force veterans: A systematic scoping review. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
4. Veterans' Wellbeing Network Programs
5.  Health Pathways Veterans Health Pages

4

How Healthcare Workers Can Help Increase Childhood Immunisation Rates

Recent statistics show a concerning decline in childhood immunisation rates in Australia 1. As of June 2024, only 92.82% of one-year-olds and 91.10% of two-year-olds are fully immunised, falling short of the national target of 95% 1. This drop in immunisation rates poses a significant public health risk, as herd immunity is compromised, making outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases more likely 2.  Healthcare workers play a crucial role in reversing this trend and ensuring that children receive the necessary vaccinations. Here are some ways they can contribute:

1. Education and Awareness

Healthcare workers are trusted sources of information for parents and caregivers. By providing clear, accurate, and consistent information about the importance of vaccines, the safety of immunisations, and the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases, they can help dispel myths and misinformation. Educational materials, such as brochures, posters, and social media posts, can be effective tools in this effort.

2. Personalised Communication

Every parent has unique concerns and questions about vaccines. Healthcare workers should take the time to listen to these concerns and provide personalized answers. Building a trusting relationship with parents can make a significant difference in their decision to vaccinate their children. This approach includes discussing the benefits of vaccines, addressing any fears, and providing reassurance.

3. Accessible Vaccination Services

Making vaccination services easily accessible is crucial. Healthcare workers can advocate for and support the establishment of more vaccination clinics, including mobile clinics that can reach remote or underserved areas. Offering flexible hours, walk-in appointments, and reducing wait times can also encourage more parents to get their children vaccinated.

4. Community Engagement

Engaging with the community through events, workshops, and partnerships with local organizations can raise awareness about the importance of immunisation. Healthcare workers can participate in community health fairs, school programs, and local media to spread the message. Collaborating with community leaders and influencers can also amplify the reach of immunisation campaigns.

5. Monitoring and Follow-Up

Keeping track of immunisation schedules and following up with parents can help ensure that children receive all necessary vaccines on time. Healthcare workers can use reminder systems, such as phone calls, text messages, or emails, to notify parents about upcoming vaccinations. Regular monitoring and follow-up can help identify and address any gaps in immunisation coverage.

6. Advocacy for Policy Support

Healthcare workers can advocate for policies that support higher immunisation rates. This includes supporting legislation that mandates vaccinations for school entry, providing funding for immunisation programs, and ensuring that vaccines are affordable and accessible to all families. By being vocal supporters of immunisation policies, healthcare workers can influence positive change at the local and national levels.

7. Leading by Example

Healthcare workers themselves should be vaccinated and can share their own vaccination experiences with patients and the community. By demonstrating their trust in vaccines, they can help build confidence in immunisation programs. Leading by example can be a powerful motivator for parents who may be hesitant about vaccinating their children.

In conclusion, healthcare workers have a vital role in increasing childhood immunisation rates in Australia. Through education, personalized communication, accessible services, community engagement, monitoring, advocacy, and leading by example, they can help ensure that more children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. By working together, healthcare professionals can make a significant impact on public health and the well-being of future generations.

References:

1. Immunisation coverage rates for all children.

2. Childhood immunisation coverage.

Welcome to the new JMOs!

 As the library welcomes the new JMOs to the Mid North Coast Local Health District for the new Term, we are putting a spotlight on relevant resources held by the library that might be useful at this stage of your career.  To borrow/access these resources, drop in to one of our sites or contact us.

On call : principles and protocols / Shane A. Marshall and John Reudy.

"Ideal for any on-call professional, resident, or medical student, this highly templated, best-selling reference covers the common problems you’ll encounter while on call in the hospital. On Call Principles and Protocols, 7th Edition, by Drs. Shane A. Marshall and John Ruedy, provides key information in time-sensitive, challenging situations. You’ll gain speed, skill, and knowledge with every call - from diagnosing a difficult or life-threatening situation to prescribing the right medication.." --Publisher.

The Junior doctor survival guide / Paul Watson & Joseph M. O'Brien

Written by residents, for interns and residents, the Junior Doctor Survival Guide is a thorough, focused summary of everything you need to know to get through your internship and residency (relatively) intact. It provides advice on seeking help from your senior clinicians, ensuring ethical practice and decision making, conducting an efficient ward round and carrying out emergency assessments and includes a concise overview of the salient features of specialist medical and surgical care in both in- and outpatient settings. Covering both clinical and professional contexts, this guide will support you to build your confidence in applying the principles you learned in medical school to the real world. -- Publisher's site.

The junior medical officer's guide to the hospital universe : a survival manual / John Shi.

"Look no further. This is the essential guide to the real life of and in the hospital. Providing invaluable guidance throughout, with this book as your companion you will be able to clear those discharges, get those consults, survive after hours, get your work-life balance in order and, ultimately, be the doctor you really want to be. Addressing every facet of the JMO's true role, the book enables and supports junior doctors and medical students to thrive in their new position within the hospital system, aiding the streamlined completion of administration, maximising efficiency with no compromise in accuracy, all with the final objective of ensuring the best possible outcome for patients while maintaining the health, function and happiness of the health care provider."

The hands-on guide for junior doctors / Anna Donald, Michael Stein, Ciaran Scott Hill.

The Hands-on Guide for Junior Doctors, Fourth Edition, is the ultimate, practical guide for junior doctors and medical students. It helps you tackle the emotional, intellectual and physical demands of being a new doctor and allays common insecurities to help you make the most of your time in clinical practice. This book tells you how to prepare for the daily rigours of hospital life and will help you meet the required standard. It provides advice on getting started in placements, and helps you develop confidence, with tips on what to do as a junior member of the hospital team, and how to deal with common calls and emergencies. 

Every doctor : healthier doctors = healthier patients / Leanne Rowe, Michael Kidd, Vihangi Abeygunawardana.

"`Every Doctor' is about thriving in medicine at a time of massive advances and changes in global health systems and medical services. The book is a must-read for doctors of all specialties at all stages of their careers wherever they practise in the world, because exemplary care of patients, peers, profession and self is a lifelong journey." -- Publisher.

First do no harm : being a resilient doctor in the 21st century / Leanne Rowe and Michael Kidd.
"Refmes the traditional doctors' rule, demonstrating that it should apply not only to patients, but also to doctors themselves. With their extensive medical, professional and academic experience, Leanne Rowe and Michael Kidd have created a legacy to be shared with medical students, junior doctors and experienced medical practitioners across all medical specailties."

MNCLHD Staff Publications - December 24 to January 25

 Congratulations to MNCLHD staff who have had their papers published!

Chia, J., A. Wilson, D. Law, M. Kelly and B. Lambert (2024). "The safety of same-day discharge following percutaneous coronary intervention in regional Australia." Internal Medical Journal 54(11): 1821-1826.

McLeod, K., R. Woodward-Kron, P. Rashid and D. Nestel (2024). ""A clean slate": Insights for improving remediation from the perspectives of underperforming surgical trainees." American Journal of Surgery 237: 115942.

Messa, R. M., M. A. Benfica, L. F. P. Ribeiro, C. M. Williams, S. R. E. Davidson and E. S. Alves (2024). "The effect of total sleep deprivation on autonomic nervous system and cortisol responses to acute stressors in healthy individuals: A systematic review." Psychoneuroendocrinology 168: 107114.

Qian, W. and M. Romero (2024). "Infected Haematoma Fistulating Through Adjacent Colorectal Anastomosis Mimicking an Anastomotic Leak." Cureus 16(11): e74136.

Sandford, M. J., J. G. Steel, J. R. Goodworth and P. J. Lodge (2024). "Quality management of head and neck patient treatments using statistical process control techniques." Phys Eng Sci Med 47(4): 1781-1787.

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