{"title":"Use of silver diamine fluoride in New Zealand public dental services: a scoping review on caries prevention and management in children.","authors":"Xinyu Rachel Zhang, Heuiwon Han, Julie Trafford","doi":"10.1071/HC24134","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC24134","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Despite government-funded dental care for children in New Zealand, dental caries was the leading cause of children's hospitalisations in 2019, with 10.4% of children aged Aim The review aims to map international literature on the use of silver diamine fluoride in preventing and managing dental caries, and to assess its contribution to achieving better and more equitable oral health outcomes for children aged 0-14years. Methods The scoping review adhered to the scoping review guideline from the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Six databases were searched for primary studies addressing the uses of silver diamine fluoride as a caries management tool in paediatric dentistry. Results Of 1185 records screened, 88 studieswere included. The results were categorised into five themes: (1) effectiveness; (2) enablers; (3) adverse effects and barriers; (4) cost-effectiveness; and (5) promotion of oral health equity. The capability of silver diamine fluoride to arrest dental caries is well-supported by evidence, offering benefits such as non-invasiveness and improved quality of life for children. However, aesthetic concerns post-treatment and limited public awareness pose challenges to its broader application. Discussion Silver diamine fluoride has the potential to significantly reduce caries rates among New Zealand children. Further research is needed to explore its role in promoting oral health equity, and tailored policies and protocols need to be developed to align with the local context.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"17 2","pages":"183-193"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How is the user base of general practices associated with Open or Closed Books in Aotearoa New Zealand? An analysis of administrative data.","authors":"Megan Pledger, Maite Irurzun-Lopez, Jacqueline Cumming","doi":"10.1071/HC24177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC24177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), general practices are able to close their books, meaning that they do not enrol any new patients at all. This can increase the barriers that people face in accessing health care and may affect different groups disproportionately. Aim This study aimed to examine the link between the enrolling status of general practices and the characteristics of the population in areas served by these practices, ie the user base, across New Zealand. Methods Regression models, with bootstrapping, were used to explore the relationship between Open and Closed Books general practices and the variables: sex, median age, total count ethnicity, being born in New Zealand, median personal income, the New Zealand Deprivation Index 2023, health status, and the Urban Accessibility Index in the area surrounding the general practices. Results Being a Closed Books general practice was more likely when the user base had higher proportions of people born in New Zealand, had lower health status, were Māori or European, were female, and lived in a large or medium urban area. It was less likely when there were higher proportions of males and Asian peoples. After adjusting for Health Districts, only one variable, being born in New Zealand, remained significant. Discussion Characteristics of the user base were associated with a general practices' enrolling status and mediated by location. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the inequalities affecting access to primary health care and point to the potential of geographically tailored approaches to minimise disparities and promote healthcare equity.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"17 2","pages":"115-122"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anthony Dowell, Sue Huang, Christine McIntosh, Michelle Balm, Isabella Cheung, Lorraine Castelino, Nikki Turner
{"title":"Towards new forms of communication and surveillance: a mixed methods study of rapid respiratory virus assessment in general practice during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.","authors":"Anthony Dowell, Sue Huang, Christine McIntosh, Michelle Balm, Isabella Cheung, Lorraine Castelino, Nikki Turner","doi":"10.1071/HC24051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC24051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Improvements in diagnostic test accuracy across multiple pathogens have resulted in multi-viral point-of-care testing (POCT) via a rapid antigen test (RAT). Aim This study aimed to describe general practice practitioners' reactions to a pilot respiratory virus surveillance programme during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which enabled surveillance for influenza and other respiratory viruses alongside POCT for SARS-CoV-2. Methods Participating general practices collected viral swabs between May and December 2022. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken for both an immediate COVID-19 RAT and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for testing SARS-CoV-2, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory viruses. A questionnaire explored practitioners' experiences and perceptions, addressing project setup, swabbing process and perceived overall value. Results Of 4135 swabbed patients, 54% were positive for one of the tested viruses. Involved nurses and doctors reported high adaptability to the swabbing process. Clinicians valued obtaining rapid diagnostic information for patient management and patient communication. While no significant barriers were identified, practitioners acknowledged additional time requirements and potential challenges with swabbing young children. Discussion The study demonstrated the feasibility and clinical utility of using POCT swabbing for immediate RAT and subsequent PCR testing for respiratory viruses in general practices when managing a viral pandemic. The data assisted in identifying community transmission of respiratory viruses, provided information for patient management and reinforced positive health messages about viral illnesses. The study suggests potential benefits for both individual patient care and population-based surveillance. The study also identified the potential value of multi-viral POCT testing via a RAT.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"17 2","pages":"161-166"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chelsea Harris, Susan Bidwell, Ben Hudson, Maira Patu, Christina McKerchar, Ibrahim S Al-Busaidi
{"title":"Te hāpai i te mana wāhine, te takahi i te mana wāhine: Māori women's experiences of empowerment and disempowerment in sexual and reproductive healthcare.","authors":"Chelsea Harris, Susan Bidwell, Ben Hudson, Maira Patu, Christina McKerchar, Ibrahim S Al-Busaidi","doi":"10.1071/HC25037","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC25037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Māori have poorer sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes compared to non-Māori New Zealanders. Patient experiences of SRH services affect how they access, utilise, and benefit from services. Learning about how wāhine Māori (Māori women) experience care related to SRH could inform improvements in how services provide care for wāhine. Aim This study aimed to explore the experiences wāhine have when accessing SRH services. Methods This qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews to explore the lived experiences of wāhine when accessing sexual healthcare. Inductive thematic analysis was performed to generate themes from the data. Results Twelve wāhine were interviewed. An overarching theme, Te Hāpai i te mana wāhine, te takahi i te mana wāhine (empowering women, disempowering women), was identified. This theme had four subthemes: creating comfortable spaces; manaakitanga (kindness and respect) overcomes barriers to care; patients are people, not numbers; and the importance of mana-enhancing care. The data showed that wāhine benefit from services and care that make them feel comfortable and respected and that dehumanising care can impact further engagement with services. Discussion Wāhine have variable experiences when accessing sexual healthcare, and although some of those experiences showed how positive interactions with healthcare staff facilitated effective care, many experiences demonstrated how dehumanising clinical care can sometimes be. Such care risks perpetuating health inequities indirectly by eroding the trust wāhine have in healthcare services, and directly by limiting the effectiveness of healthcare encounters. Recommendations are made to improve care provided to wāhine in sexual health settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"17 2","pages":"154-160"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing dental caries experiences and dental service delivery for children with disabilities in Auckland, New Zealand: a mixed-method study.","authors":"Anishma Mohini Ram, Heuiwon Han","doi":"10.1071/HC25054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC25054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Despite free dental care for children under 18 in New Zealand, children with disabilities face significant barriers to accessing these services, leading to disproportionately poorer oral health outcomes. A detailed understanding of the oral health status and service delivery for children with disabilities is essential to identify existing gaps and areas for improvement. Aim The study aims to examine the oral health status of children with disabilities in Auckland, New Zealand and explore the perspectives of clinicians and service managers working in the community dental service regarding oral health care for these children. Methods An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was utilised. The initial quantitative phase involved retrospective analysis of dental records of children with disabilities who received care through the community dental service. This was followed by the qualitative phase, which consisted of semi-structured interviews with clinicians and service managers. Results The study identified high caries rates and significant unmet dental care needs among children with disabilities. Clinicians and service managers recognised individual-level challenges, such as insufficient confidence and training. Additionally, broader systemic issues, including inadequate service design and barriers in service delivery, were also highlighted, contributing significantly to oral health disparities. Discussion This study highlights the urgent need for tailored dental services for children with disabilities in Auckland. It emphasises the importance of integrated care approaches and enhanced training for dental professionals to improve accessibility and outcomes in paediatric dental health care.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"17 2","pages":"176-182"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Do antidepressants help people with low back pain?","authors":"Vanessa Jordan","doi":"10.1071/HC25046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC25046","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"17 1","pages":"94-95"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143735895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nurses' and general practitioners' perspectives on oral health in primary care: a qualitative study.","authors":"Moira B Smith, Elizabeth Hitchings, Lynn McBain","doi":"10.1071/HC23153","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC23153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Integrating oral health into primary health care (PHC) is recommended, thereby ensuring comprehensive patient care. Primary care teams are well placed to promote and protect patients' oral health, and frequently see oral health-related complaints, and so need to be sufficiently knowledgeable to manage such presentations. There is limited local evidence to inform acceptable and feasible ways of integrating oral health into PHC in Aotearoa New Zealand. Aim To explore the views of doctors and nurses on the place of oral health, and how to improve its inclusion, in PHC. Methods Focus groups with nurses and doctors from six practices were conducted. Data were analysed thematically. Results Several factors influenced the inclusion of oral health in PHC and management of oral health presentations, at individual, professional and system levels: low oral health knowledge, skill and confidence in managing presentations, and lack of communication with local dental services (individual level); considering oral health as out-of-scope of practice, competing priorities, time constraints and ethical considerations (professional level); and lack of affordable and timely definitive oral health care and referral pathways (systems level). Suggestions to facilitate integration of oral health in PHC included information sessions on oral health, developing relationships with local dental professionals, and health system changes. Discussion Primary care practitioners are open to incorporating oral health into their practice; however, several barriers exist to do so sustainably. For effective integration, a series of individual-, professional- and system-level changes are likely required.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"17 1","pages":"10-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143735942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rural Māori experiences of accessing heart health care: a Kaupapa Māori qualitative analysis.","authors":"Taria Tane, Vanessa Selak, Kyle Eggleton, Matire Harwood","doi":"10.1071/HC24111","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC24111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Rural Māori experience inequities in heart health outcomes compared to rural non-Māori and urban Māori. Access to health care is a significant contributor to these inequities. There is a wealth of literature that explores Māori access to health care; however, the voice of rural Māori within the literature is limited. Under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi), Māori have legislative rights to access, engage, and participate in the health care system equitably. Aim This study aimed to investigate the barriers and facilitators of accessing heart health care for rural Māori. Methods The study was informed by Kaupapa Māori Theory, which centres on Māori worldviews and epistemologies. Rural Māori (n =11) with lived experience of (or who had supported their whānau (family) member with) acute coronary syndrome, heart failure or cardiovascular risk assessment were interviewed, and reflective thematic analysis of the data was undertaken. Results Three overarching themes were generated: rural Māori desires and expectations of heart health care; how the system engages with rural Māori; and knowing what is important to rural Māori when it comes to heart health. Discussion Participants experienced many barriers to accessing quality heart health care, some of which were unique to rural settings. Participants sought heart health care that was close to home, culturally responsive, included a representative Māori workforce, involved their whānau, and valued partnership. System-level action is needed to adequately address inequities in health care access and outcomes in rural Māori and to meet obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"17 1","pages":"53-62"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143735984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lynne M Chepulis, Rebekah Crosswell, Suzanne Moorhouse, Helen Morton, Michael Oehley, Ryan Paul, Hamish Crocket
{"title":"Technology-enhanced, culturally-informed primary care results in sustained improvements in biomarkers for Indigenous patients with type 2 diabetes - a pilot study.","authors":"Lynne M Chepulis, Rebekah Crosswell, Suzanne Moorhouse, Helen Morton, Michael Oehley, Ryan Paul, Hamish Crocket","doi":"10.1071/HC24056","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC24056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects Indigenous Māori in New Zealand. The reasons for this are multifactorial but include a history of colonialism, barriers to health care access and a lack of culturally appropriate interactions/relationships with health care providers. There is currently a need to develop models of health care delivery that are tailored to the needs of this population. Aim This pilot study evaluates the use of technology, education and culturally-informed wrap-around care (including medication optimisation) to improve type 2 diabetes biomarkers and self-management in a high-needs, majority Indigenous population. Methods Twenty-three participants with HbA1c >80mmol/L received 2-4weeks of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) wear at baseline and at 3months alongside culturally-informed type 2 diabetes education and clinical care. Clinical biomarkers and psychometric measures were recorded at 0, 3, 6 and 12months and 0 and 3months respectively. Medication changes were recorded throughout the study. Results Mean (± s.d.) HbA1c significantly decreased from 93.4±15.7mmol/mol at baseline to 76.5±14.8mmol/mol at 3months, with reductions maintained at 6 and 12months by approximately three-quarters of participants (all P Discussion CGM informed, culturally-appropriate care has the potential to lead to sustained improvements in glycaemia in high-risk, Indigenous populations managed in primary care.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"17 1","pages":"83-87"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143735988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scott Davidson, Waldir Rodrigues de Souza, Kyle Eggleton
{"title":"Use of a smartphone-based, non-mydriatic fundus camera for patients with red flag ophthalmic presentations in a rural general practice.","authors":"Scott Davidson, Waldir Rodrigues de Souza, Kyle Eggleton","doi":"10.1071/HC24040","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC24040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Fundus examination by direct ophthalmoscopy is widely used in general practice; however, it offers limited field of view, requires close approximation to the patient, has a steep learning curve and is a difficult skill to master and maintain. Non-mydriatic fundus photography (NMFP) offers an alternative with a wider field of view, ability for image analysis and transmission, and is able to be conducted by allied healthcare staff. Aim This study aimed to compare the use of direct ophthalmoscopy with smart-phone NMFP in a large rural general practice. It also aimed to analyse the number of adequate views and positive findings achieved with each instrument and the impact of NMFP on ophthalmology referral decisions. Methods Patients aged ≥16 years presenting to Dargaville Medical Centre (Dargaville, New Zealand) with visual disturbance, headache, hypertensive urgency (systolic blood pressure (BP) >200 mmHg or diastolic BP >120 mmHg), transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke were enrolled prospectively into an observational study of visualisation, diagnosis and management impact for a 1-year period (n = 152, 304 eyes). Direct ophthalmoscopy findings and management plans were documented by the attending general practitioner (GP), and then again following assessment of the NMFP. Results NMFP significantly improved visualisation of the fundal structures with an increase in adequate views achieved of both the optic disc and the retina. Inter-rater agreement between the referring GP and ophthalmologist was good. Discussion The use of NMFP in general practice might result in greater accuracy in diagnosing retina and optic disc disease. Routine transmission of NMFP images to specialist eye clinics as part of the referral might improve management and result in health system efficiencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"17 1","pages":"4-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143736010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}