Colin H Cortie, David Garne, Lyndal Parker-Newlyn, Rowena G Ivers, Judy Mullan, Kylie J Mansfield, Andrew Bonney
{"title":"Australian medical practitioners: trends in demographics and regions of work 2013-2022.","authors":"Colin H Cortie, David Garne, Lyndal Parker-Newlyn, Rowena G Ivers, Judy Mullan, Kylie J Mansfield, Andrew Bonney","doi":"10.1071/AH24101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/AH24101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine changes in the demographics and regions of work of Australian doctors over a period of 9years.MethodsA retrospective study of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration data was performed. Data were sourced from the Health Workforce Dataset Online Data Tool which was derived from annual registration data from AHPRA for 2013-2022. The demographic factors analysed were gender, age, and origin of qualification. Regions of work were defined using the Modified Monash (MM) model.ResultsThe number of registered doctors increased from 82,408 in 2013 to 111,908 in 2022 but mean hours worked per week decreased from 41 to 39 leading up to 2020. Trends in age and origin of qualification remained stable, but the proportion of female workers increased from 38.5% in 2013 to 44.5% in 2022. While female hours per week (~37) were consistent from 2013 to 2020, male hours per week decreased from 43 to 41. The number of registrations and total full-time equivalent (FTE) outcomes increased consistently in metropolitan (MM1) and rural (MM2-5) regions but did not increase for remote and very remote (MM6-7) regions.ConclusionThe Australian medical workforce both grew and changed between 2013 and 2022. An overall decrease in mean hours worked appears to be driven by a decline in hours worked by male workers and the increased proportion of female workers. While increased gender parity and a decrease in hours worked per week were positive outcomes, a lack of growth in the medical workforce was noted in remote and very remote regions of Australia.</p>","PeriodicalId":93891,"journal":{"name":"Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142057572","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":"Turnover factors and retention strategies for chief executive officers in Australian hospitals.","authors":"Nebu Mathew, Chaojie George Liu, Hanan Khalil","doi":"10.1071/AH24185","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/AH24185","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveHospital chief executive officers (CEOs) in Australia encounter various challenges such as financial constraints, changing regulations, and the necessity to uphold patient care standards. These challenges can contribute to rates of CEO turnover, which can disrupt healthcare organisations and affect the quality of services provided. This research aims to pinpoint the factors influencing hospital CEO turnover and explore effective strategies for retaining these vital leadersMethodsA survey was carried out among hospital CEOs throughout Australia. The survey, distributed through email and online platforms, gathered information on reasons behind turnover and methods for retaining CEOs. Data from 51 CEOs were analysed using statistical regression techniques and thematic analysis.ResultsThe findings from the survey indicated that 82.35% of CEOs identified stress and work-related pressure as the causes of turnover. Other significant factors included managing under-resourced organisations (68.62%), lack of support from the board (66.66%), and facing internal/external criticisms (58.82%). On average, respondents reported 5.16 reasons for leaving their positions with no significant differences found based on sociodemographic characteristics. It was pointed out that key ways to retain CEOs include building respect and trust between CEOs and board chairs, meeting the training and development needs of CEOs, and defining roles within the organisation. The importance of succession planning was also emphasised, with 94.12% of respondents acknowledging its significance for maintaining stability.ConclusionThe study underscores the multifaceted nature of CEO turnover in Australian hospitals influenced by organisational dynamics, performance factors, and personal elements. Effective retention strategies necessitate a culture within the organisation, defined roles, sufficient resources, and robust succession planning. Addressing these aspects can bolster leadership continuity and enhance the performance of healthcare organisations.</p>","PeriodicalId":93891,"journal":{"name":"Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142001567","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":"Reducing surgical site infections: prioritising change in Australian and New Zealand healthcare.","authors":"Kevin Tetsworth","doi":"10.1071/AH24190","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/AH24190","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":93891,"journal":{"name":"Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141984156","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}
Kristen Grove, Vinicius Cavalheri, HuiJun Chih, Varsha Natarajan, Meg Harrold, Sheeraz Mohd, Elizabeth Hurn, Lisa Van der Lee, Andrew Maiorana, Jessica Tearne, Carol Watson, Jane Pearce, Angela Jacques, Ann White, Caitlin Vicary, Caroline Roffman, Emma-Leigh Synnott, Ian Suttie, Ivan Lin, Jade Larsson, Louise Naylor, Linda Woodhouse, Mercedes Elliott, Paul Gittings, Peta Winship, Robyn Timms, Sheldon Wulff, Tracy Hebden-Todd, Dale W Edgar
{"title":"Informing the management of the post-COVID condition: insights from the Western Australian experience comparing those who tested positive and negative to early COVID-19 strains.","authors":"Kristen Grove, Vinicius Cavalheri, HuiJun Chih, Varsha Natarajan, Meg Harrold, Sheeraz Mohd, Elizabeth Hurn, Lisa Van der Lee, Andrew Maiorana, Jessica Tearne, Carol Watson, Jane Pearce, Angela Jacques, Ann White, Caitlin Vicary, Caroline Roffman, Emma-Leigh Synnott, Ian Suttie, Ivan Lin, Jade Larsson, Louise Naylor, Linda Woodhouse, Mercedes Elliott, Paul Gittings, Peta Winship, Robyn Timms, Sheldon Wulff, Tracy Hebden-Todd, Dale W Edgar","doi":"10.1071/AH23271","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/AH23271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the relative physical recovery and symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection between groups confirmed positive or negative to early strains of COVID-19.MethodsA prospective, longitudinal cohort study compared outcomes of metropolitan adults polymerase chain reaction-tested for COVID-19 between March and November 2020 in Western Australia. Control matching was attempted: inpatients (gender, age) and ambulatory clinic (gender, age, asthma, chronic pulmonary disease). One-year follow-up involved three repeated measures: physical function (grip strength and 1-min sit-to-stand) and patient-reported outcomes (Fatigue Severity Scale, modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale and Euroqol-5D-5L).ResultsThree hundred and forty-four participants were recruited (154 COVID+, age 54±18years, 75 females [49%]); 190 COVID-, age 52±16years, 67 females [35%]) prior to national vaccination roll-out. No between-group differences in physical function measures were evident at any time point. Fatigue (OR 6.62, 95% CI 2.74-15.97) and dyspnoea (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.14-4.30) were higher in the COVID+ group at second assessment (T2). On Euroqol-5D-5L, no between-group differences were evident in the physical function domains of self-care, mobility or usual activities at any time point. However, COVID+ participants were less likely to report an absence of anxiety or depression symptoms at T2 (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.89).ConclusionsNeither statistical nor clinically meaningful differences in physical function were evident between COVID+ and COVID- participants to 12-months after acute illness. Symptoms of fatigue, dyspnoea, anxiety or depression were more prevalent in the COVID+ group til ~8months after illness with between-group differences no longer evident at 1 year.</p>","PeriodicalId":93891,"journal":{"name":"Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141903870","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":"'The [AMA] doth protest too much, methinks'.","authors":"Jonathon Bruce Ryan","doi":"10.1071/AH24198","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/AH24198","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":93891,"journal":{"name":"Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141903871","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":"The current state of sustainable healthcare in Australia.","authors":"Krista Verlis, Rebecca Haddock, Alexandra Barratt","doi":"10.1071/AH24065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/AH24065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo provide the first document map of sustainability and decarbonisation actions across the Australian healthcare sector, as reported in publicly available documents online, and to identify gaps in actions.MethodsHealthcare providers were identified across all state and territories. Structured Google searches between August and December 2022 were followed by document searches. Updates were undertaken, most recently in December 2023. Targeted documents included position statements, strategies, and reports. Key points from these documents pertaining to sustainability and/or decarbonisation were extracted and descriptively analysed.ResultsA total of 294 documents were included, mostly focused on power generation, transport, building design, and circular procurement/waste pathways. In contrast, relatively few plans for decarbonisation of clinical care were identified (n=42). National and two state governments (New South Wales, Western Australia) have established healthcare sustainability and decarbonisation units, and two further states have publicly committed to doing so (Queensland, Tasmania). However, these documents generally reported separate, siloed actions. While attempts were made to make this review comprehensive, some documents may have been missed or are only available inside an organisation, and new actions will continue to emerge.ConclusionBroad sustainability plans have been developed by many healthcare providers; however, to achieve net zero, decarbonising of clinical practices is also needed, and this is where the least action is currently occurring. To decarbonise clinical care, the sector needs to come together in a more coordinated way.</p>","PeriodicalId":93891,"journal":{"name":"Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141895083","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":"Leveraging the full expertise of radiographers for improved healthcare delivery.","authors":"Andrew Murphy, Michael J Neep","doi":"10.1071/AH24173","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/AH24173","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The role of radiographers in healthcare has evolved significantly from operating imaging equipment to being essential in patient care and diagnosis. In Australia, radiographers play a crucial role in image interpretation, identifying and communicating significant findings to enhance patient outcomes. Preliminary image evaluation (PIE) allows radiographers to interpret images and ensure significant findings are noted, particularly in urgent situations, complementing diagnoses when radiologist reports are unavailable. Despite their potential, many radiographers lack empowerment, leading to delays and adverse patient outcomes. This underutilisation stems from a lack of support and systemic barriers. Radiographers, with their extensive expertise in imaging, are vital for ensuring patient safety and care quality. Policy changes are needed to integrate PIE into standard workflows, allowing radiographers to fully utilise their skills. Recognising and leveraging their expertise will enhance patient care, foster collaboration, and ensure radiographers contribute fully to the healthcare team, ultimately improving patient safety and care quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":93891,"journal":{"name":"Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association","volume":"48 4","pages":"366-368"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141876955","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}
Winston Cheung, Vasi Naganathan, John Myburgh, Manoj K Saxena, Fiona Blyth, Ian Seppelt, Michael Parr, Claire Hooker, Ian Kerridge, Nhi Nguyen, Sean Kelly, George Skowronski, Naomi Hammond, Antony Attokaran, Debbie Chalmers, Kalpesh Gandhi, Mark Kol, Shay McGuinness, Priya Nair, Vineet Nayyar, Neil Orford, Rachael Parke, Asim Shah, Atul Wagh
{"title":"<i>Corrigendum to</i>: A survey of Australian public opinion on using comorbidity to triage intensive care patients in a pandemic.","authors":"Winston Cheung, Vasi Naganathan, John Myburgh, Manoj K Saxena, Fiona Blyth, Ian Seppelt, Michael Parr, Claire Hooker, Ian Kerridge, Nhi Nguyen, Sean Kelly, George Skowronski, Naomi Hammond, Antony Attokaran, Debbie Chalmers, Kalpesh Gandhi, Mark Kol, Shay McGuinness, Priya Nair, Vineet Nayyar, Neil Orford, Rachael Parke, Asim Shah, Atul Wagh","doi":"10.1071/AH23265_CO","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/AH23265_CO","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":93891,"journal":{"name":"Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association","volume":"48 4","pages":"487"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141876952","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":"Referral reasons to a Victorian mental health triage service for individuals living with young-onset dementia.","authors":"Samantha M Loi, Dennis Velakoulis","doi":"10.1071/AH24117","DOIUrl":"10.1071/AH24117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objectives Mental health triage services are the first contact for people wanting support for their mental health and provide access to public mental health services in Victoria, Australia. People living with young-onset dementia and their families may contact triage services seeking assistance for behaviour changes and pathways to care as there are few alternative services available. Methods The authors reviewed the minimum triage dataset from one of the largest mental health services in Victoria, Australia from 2018 to 2021 investigating reasons for referral for people with young-onset dementia. Results Of the 1766 referrals for 'dementia', 145 were for young-onset dementia. Of these, 69% were referred for behaviour changes. About half of the referrals for behaviour changes were triaged as 'advice only'. One-third of referrals were from general practitioners. Conclusions The availability of dementia-specific support services that could provide advice on dementia as well as advice for behaviour changes related to the disease could potentially ease the burden of phone calls received by mental health triage services.</p>","PeriodicalId":93891,"journal":{"name":"Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association","volume":" ","pages":"358-363"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141447784","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}
Laura Ryan, Laetitia Hattingh, Joan Carlini, Kelly A Weir, Margaret Shapiro, Noela Baglot, Magnolia Cardona, Georgia Tobiano, Rachel Muir, Shelley Roberts, Sally Sargeant, Rachel Wenke
{"title":"Consumer involvement in health service research: a cross-sectional survey of staff in an Australian public hospital and health service.","authors":"Laura Ryan, Laetitia Hattingh, Joan Carlini, Kelly A Weir, Margaret Shapiro, Noela Baglot, Magnolia Cardona, Georgia Tobiano, Rachel Muir, Shelley Roberts, Sally Sargeant, Rachel Wenke","doi":"10.1071/AH24186","DOIUrl":"10.1071/AH24186","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objective Consumer involvement is when patients (their families, friends, and caregivers) work with researchers on research projects. While health services are expected to support consumer-researcher collaborations, conducive environments still need to be developed, with limited research into how Australian health services support this practice. This study explores current consumer involvement in research activity and staff perceptions at an Australian tertiary hospital and health service. Methods Research-active employees at a health service were invited to participate in an online cross-sectional survey. It assessed experience with and confidence in involving consumers in research, the perceived value of consumer involvement, and considerations related to challenges, facilitators, and solutions to enhance consumer involvement in health service research. Results Among 83 respondents, including medical, nursing, and allied health professionals, 54 completed the survey. Approximately half had experience with involving consumers in research. Over 80% recognised that involving consumers enhanced research relevance. Identified barriers included challenges in finding (46.6%) and compensating (59.3%) consumers, as well as deficiencies in researcher skills, knowledge (32.2%), and time constraints (39%). Facilitators comprised access to experienced researchers and educational opportunities. Moreover, 87% advocated for increased support to involve consumers within health services, with the appointment of a designated consumer involvement officer deemed the most beneficial solution by 92.5% of respondents. Conclusions While individual barriers inhibit consumer involvement in research, more prominent institutional factors such as financial and technical support may determine successful and meaningful collaborations. As health services evolve towards co-design models in research, the outcomes of this study will guide initiatives aimed at enhancing consumer involvement in the research process within Australian health services.</p>","PeriodicalId":93891,"journal":{"name":"Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142057573","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}