{"title":"Reframing rural health inequities: a norm-critical approach.","authors":"Kyle Eggleton","doi":"10.1071/HC24130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC24130","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"16 3","pages":"230-231"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142348932","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":"Can SSRI's help women suffering with PMS?","authors":"Vanessa Jordan","doi":"10.1071/HC24135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC24135","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"16 3","pages":"317-318"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142348915","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}
A H Ludlam, H Petousis-Harris, B Arroll, P J W Saxton
{"title":"Comfort with having sexual orientation recorded on official databases among a community and online sample of gay and bisexual men in Aotearoa New Zealand.","authors":"A H Ludlam, H Petousis-Harris, B Arroll, P J W Saxton","doi":"10.1071/HC23107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC23107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Sexual orientation minorities have worse health outcomes than the heterosexual majority. In 2023, Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) added sexual and gender identity items to the Census, offering actionable data for improving sexual identity and gender identity (SOGI) community health. However, this also raises questions about individuals' willingness to provide such information to Government and their comfort with data privacy and governance. Methods Using data from gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) participants of the Gay Auckland Periodic Sex Survey and Gay Men's Online Sex Survey 2014 cross-sectional surveys, the study question examined comfort having their sexual orientation recorded in official databases. A logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of comfort, including sociodemographic and behavioural variables. Results Of 3173 participants who completed the question, 63.1% were comfortable with recording sexual orientation. Adjusted odds ratios showed less comfort among those identifying with an 'Other' ethnicity (AOR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43-0.96), identifying as bisexual (AOR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.35-0.56), and those who did not believe their GP to be aware of their sexuality (AOR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.26-0.40). No sexual behaviours were independently associated with comfort. Discussion The majority of GBM participants reported comfort with having their sexual orientation recorded on official databases, but some are not, and this is patterned by sociodemographic variables. Officials should improve the safety and perceived relevance of sexual orientation data collection efforts to increase their representativeness and utility for sexual minority populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"16 3","pages":"243-249"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142348917","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}
Sally B Rose, Tracey Gardiner, Abigail Dunlop, Marama Cole, Susan M Garrett, Eileen M McKinlay
{"title":"Māori and Pacific young people's perspectives on testing for sexually transmitted infections via an online service: a qualitative study.","authors":"Sally B Rose, Tracey Gardiner, Abigail Dunlop, Marama Cole, Susan M Garrett, Eileen M McKinlay","doi":"10.1071/HC23136","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC23136","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction International research suggests free online postal self-sampling for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is an acceptable alternative to clinic-based testing. A user-pays online STI testing service exists in Aotearoa New Zealand, but acceptability among priority populations is unknown. Aim To explore Māori and Pacific young people's perspectives on online postal self-sampling for STI testing (as prospective service users). Methods Four wānanga (knowledge-sharing forum) were held between November 2022 and May 2023 with Māori and Pacific participants aged 15-24 years who were recruited via youth-focused community organisations. Three facilitators guided discussions about STI testing and use of an online service. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse data generated from audio-recorded discussions, group work notes and facilitator field notes. Results None of the 38 participants were aware of online STI testing and all considered it cost-prohibitive. Perceptions of online testing were mixed, and discussion about concerns outweighed perceived benefits. Three themes were identified: (i) potential to support autonomy (perceived benefits and positive features of self-sample collection kits); (ii) barriers and process-related concerns; and (iii) tailoring online STI testing to young people's needs (facilitating engagement with online testing). Discussion For online STI testing to be an accessible alternative to clinic-based testing for priority populations, cost, low awareness and other barriers in the testing pathway need to be addressed. Clinician follow-up on positive results and free treatment would be critical to ensure the cycle of best practice care is completed. Regardless of where testing is accessed, investment is needed to support young people's knowledge of when, why and how to access a sexual health check.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"16 3","pages":"258-269"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142348928","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":"Milk thistle.","authors":"Rayna Sharma, E Lyn Lee, Jo Barnes","doi":"10.1071/HC24131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC24131","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"16 3","pages":"319-321"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142348929","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}
Rona Carroll, Sally B Rose, Alex Ker, Michaela A Pettie, Susan M Garrett
{"title":"Priorities for data collection through a prospective cohort study on gender-affirming hormone therapy in Aotearoa New Zealand: community and clinical perspectives.","authors":"Rona Carroll, Sally B Rose, Alex Ker, Michaela A Pettie, Susan M Garrett","doi":"10.1071/HC23170","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC23170","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is an important aspect of health care for many transgender and non-binary (TNB) people, but little is known about the long-term outcomes for TNB people in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Pathways to access GAHT are shifting from secondary care towards primary care, so this is an opportune time to commence local research on long-term health and wellbeing outcomes for people initiating GAHT. Aim This paper aims to report on the key findings from four meetings held to inform the design of a prospective cohort study to follow the journey of people initiating GAHT in primary and secondary care settings in NZ. Methods We worked with a community advisory group of six TNB young people and sought input from 14 health care providers involved in the care of TNB people initiating GAHT (GPs, secondary care doctors, and mental health providers). Semi-structured interview schedules were used to guide discussions. Template analysis was used to initially code data based on themes identified from the interview schedule and new themes from discussions were added. Results Participants shared ideas about recruitment and data collection priorities for baseline and follow-up surveys. These included understanding the journey to starting hormone therapy (information-seeking, decision-making), access to services for GAHT initiation, appropriateness of information provision, receipt of the first prescription, goals for and experience of GAHT, and the unique needs of non-binary people. Discussion Input from a TNB advisory group and health care professionals has informed the development of a survey that will be used to understand the experience of, and outcomes for, people starting GAHT in NZ. Findings from this planned prospective cohort study have the potential to improve access to GAHT for TNB people who wish to pursue this option.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"16 3","pages":"301-307"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142348931","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}
Stephen Ram, Karen Carlisle, Sarah Larkins, Katharina Blattner
{"title":"Rural hospital contributions to community health: community perspectives from a New Zealand rural hospital.","authors":"Stephen Ram, Karen Carlisle, Sarah Larkins, Katharina Blattner","doi":"10.1071/HC24058","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC24058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Rural hospitals provide secondary care for much of the rural New Zealand population. Little is known about community perspectives of the health and social contribution. Aim This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore community views on the role of their rural hospital in a low socioeconomic rural district with a high Māori and Pacific population. Methods Semi-structured individual and focus group interviews were conducted with rural community members about the perceived role of their rural hospital. Iterative thematic analysis was undertaken. Results In total, 22 participants were interviewed. Thematic analysis yielded four themes: (i) rural hospitals as a safety net - providing access to emergency care and mitigating limited primary care access; (ii) providing personalised, culturally aware care; (iii) facilitating family/whanau support; and (iv) doing the best with limited resources. The latter included pragmatism about resource constraints, but a preference for the hospital to remain open. Discussion Rural hospitals contribute to community safety by enhancing access to emergency care and mitigating difficulties in access to primary care. The local contextual knowledge of rural hospital providers allows personalised, family-centred and culturally-responsive care. Despite service centralisation, rural hospitals are wanted by their communities. Rural health planners should consider how to maximise the breadth of locally-provided services to reduce the impacts of travel and transfer for care.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"16 3","pages":"278-287"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142348934","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":"Ethical assessment of virtual consultation services: scoping review and development of a practical ethical checklist.","authors":"Madeleine Reid, Tania Moerenhout","doi":"10.1071/HC24027","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC24027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction The use of telephone and video consultations has vastly increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care providers in traditional clinical practices have embraced these virtual consultations as an alternative to face-to-face consultations, but there has also been a simultaneous increase in services offered directly to consumers via commercial entities. One of the main challenges in telemedicine (and the broader field of digital health) is how to conduct a meaningful ethical assessment of such services. Aim This article presents a novel framework for practical ethical analysis of direct-to-consumer virtual general practitioner consultation services in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods First, a scoping review of academic and policy documents identified the core ethical challenges arising from virtual consultations. Second, a qualitative analysis was conducted to translate the main ethical themes and subthemes into practical questions to assess virtual general practice services. Results A total of 49 relevant documents were selected for review. The six key ethical themes related to telemedicine were: privacy, security, and confidentiality; equity; autonomy and informed consent; quality and standards of care; patient empowerment; and continuity of care. A practical ethical checklist consisting of 25 questions was developed from these themes and their subthemes. Discussion The checklist provides an accessible way of incorporating ethics into technology assessment and can be used by all relevant stakeholders, including patients, health care providers, and developers. Application of the framework contributes to improving the quality of virtual consultation services with a specific focus on ethics.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"16 3","pages":"288-294"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142348919","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":"Ethical assessment of virtual consultation services: application of a practical ethical checklist to direct-to-consumer services in Aotearoa New Zealand.","authors":"Madeleine Reid, Tania Moerenhout","doi":"10.1071/HC24030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC24030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Evaluating digital health services from an ethical perspective remains one of the more difficult challenges in telemedicine and health technology assessment. We have previously developed a practical ethical checklist comprising 25 questions covering six ethical themes: privacy, security, and confidentiality; equity; autonomy and informed consent; quality and standards of care; patient empowerment; and continuity of care. The checklist makes ethical analysis more easily accessible to a broader audience, including health care providers, technology developers, and patients. Aim This project applies the previously developed practical ethical checklist to direct-to-consumer virtual primary care consultation services in Aotearoa New Zealand to conduct an ethical assessment. Method We first mapped the available services. The ethical framework was then applied to assess these services based on publicly available information. Results Our findings show that the examined virtual consultation services adequately address ethical considerations, particularly regarding patient data privacy and informed consent. We identified areas for improvement in equity, patient empowerment, and continuity of care. Discussion The application of this framework raises fundamental questions on how continuity of care, equity, and comprehensive care can be protected when virtual care becomes more ubiquitous. The checklist can help virtual consultation services identify areas of improvement and ensure they meet ethical criteria, thus contributing to quality of care. The framework may be adapted to other digital health services and tools, providing ethical guidance to technology developers, clinicians, and patients and their whānau (family).</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"16 3","pages":"295-300"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142348918","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}
Elizabeth A-L Holt, Latasi Koro, Fiona Langridge, Vili Nosa
{"title":"Worldviews of hearing health for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand: a mixed methods study.","authors":"Elizabeth A-L Holt, Latasi Koro, Fiona Langridge, Vili Nosa","doi":"10.1071/HC23123","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC23123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Pacific peoples experience inequity in accessing hearing health care and are disproportionately exposed to the underlying determinants impacting ear and hearing health in Aotearoa New Zealand. Understanding community members' worldviews, including perspectives, beliefs and values, is essential in developing appropriate and responsive hearing healthcare services to meet the needs of Pacific peoples. Aim The purpose of this paper is to understand the worldviews, knowledge and beliefs held by Pacific peoples regarding hearing health in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used. Twelve semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with Pacific community members. Twenty-five participants completed an online questionnaire. A simultaneous, integrated mixed-methods approach was used to analyse the qualitative and quantitative data. Results Five main themes were established, which were: The Meaning of Hearing; Causes of hearing loss; Consequences of hearing loss and Disability; and Improving health care for ear disease and hearing loss. Discussion Pacific peoples value hearing health to communicate and connect with their families and communities. Participants highlighted the importance of hearing health across the life course. Although the study findings revealed there is potentially less stigma and shame around hearing loss in New Zealand, denial and fatalistic attitudes towards hearing loss may delay some people from seeking healthcare services. Participants expressed key ways in which the health system can be more responsive to the hearing health needs of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"16 3","pages":"250-257"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142348937","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}