PHC Research Conference update

Come to Canberra - be a part of the PHC Research Conference 

Here are two excellent reasons for being at this key annual event in Australian PHC research…
1. Hear some of the best Australian PHC research from researchers passionate about what they are doing. Whether you are a researcher or a research user, this is the place to be.
2. Networking is widespread at this Conference. Connections and careers are made here.
Register now to catch the earlybird rates.
Closing date: May 25 2012
See: www.phcris.org.au/conference/2012/

Articles of interest

Primary care and care for older persons: Position Paper of the European Forum for Primary Care 

Pauline Boeckxstaens, Pim De Graaf. (2012). Quality in Primary Care, 19(6): 369-389
This paper explores the needs of the growing number of older patients in primary care. A key challenge is to provide care adapted to the needs of individual patients, taking into consideration multimorbidity, frailty, disability and dependence. Older people may benefit from measures that support their health and independence. Providing end-of-life care in the community remains a challenge, as it requires continuity and coordination with specialist care. With the GP as the central care provider, collaboration with nurses and other health professionals is increasingly required. Alignment with home care and social services remains a challenge. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22340900

An empirical investigation of the efficiency effects of integrated care models in Switzerland

Reich O, Rapold R, Flatscher-Thoni M. (2012). International Journal of Integrated Care, 12: e144
The authors investigated the efficiency gains of integrated care models in Switzerland by applying an econometric approach with a mixed-effects model. The results indicated that the efficiency effects of integrated care models on health care expenditure are significant. Integrated care models have the potential to improve care for patients with chronic diseases and concurrently have a positive impact on health care expenditure. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22371691

Community participation in primary care: what does it mean ‘in practice’?

Neuwelt P. (2012). Journal of Primary Health Care, 4(1): 30-38
The New Zealand 2001 Primary Health Care Strategy requires primary health organisations to involve communities in their governance and be responsive to communities’ needs. It is less clear what the implications of this policy are for general practices. In this qualitative study it was found that views on community participation varied among different stakeholder groups in the sector. Most described it as a complex process of relationship-building over time, and one that is quite distinct from consumer feedback processes in general practice. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22377547

Impact of electronic medical record on physician practice in office settings: a systematic review [Free full text]

Lau F, Price M, Boyd J, Partridge C, Bell H, Raworth R. (2012). BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 12(1): 10
The authors conducted a systematic review to examine the impact of electronic medical records in the physician office, factors that influenced their success and the lessons learned following implementation. Currently there is limited positive impact of electronic records in the physician office. Several factors that improve success were identified: robust features that support clinical use; redesigning work practices for optimal fit; demonstrating value for money; having realistic expectations; and engaging patients in the process. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22364529

Mental Health Implications of Human Attachment to Companion Animals

Peacock J, Chur-Hansen A, Winefield H. (2012). Journal of Clinical Psychology, doi: 10.1002/jclp.20866
The purpose of this survey questionnaire study was to explore the relationship of attachment to companion animal and human psychological distress after controlling for demographic variables, and to investigate whether the relationship between social supports and psychological distress would be moderated by attachment to a companion animal. Results highlight the psychological vulnerability of individuals reporting a strong bond with their companion animal. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for mental health services. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jclp.20866/abstract

Patient characteristics associated with GP referral to the Access to Allied Psychological Services Program: a case-control study

Maddock G, Startup M, Carter G. (2012). The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, doi: 10.1177/0004867412440341
GPs have referred patients for psychological treatment under the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care, Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) Program since 2003. It is unclear how GPs might select patients for referral. The study found that any mood disorder, any anxiety disorder, higher K-10 score and higher DASS-21 score were associated with being an ATAPS case. Cases had higher levels of mental disability and greater substance misuse, but lower levels of physical disability. The findings have implications for policy development. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22368241

Predictors of intent to vaccinate against HPV/cervical cancer: a multi-ethnic survey of 769 parents in New Zealand

Rose S, Lawton B, Lanumata T, Hibma M, Baker M. (2012). New Zealand Medical Journal, 125(1350): 51-63
The aim of the study was to identify factors predictive of parents’ intent to have their daughters receive the HPV vaccine. Intent to vaccine was found to be significantly associated with having fewer negative views on vaccination, having adequate information about the vaccine, perceiving HPV infection and cervical cancer as serious and likely to occur, and considering efficacy and safety of the vaccine important. Pacific parents were more likely to have concerns about vaccination impacting negatively on girls’ sexual behaviour. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22382257

The first year counts: cancer survival among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders, 1997–2006 [Free full text]

Cramb S, Garvey G, Valery P, Williamson J, Baade P. (2012). MJA, 196(4): 270-274
The authors sought to examine the differential in cancer survival between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Queensland in relation to time after diagnosis, remoteness and area-socioeconomic disadvantage. Five-year survival was lower for Indigenous people diagnosed with cancer compared with non-Indigenous people. This differential varied by time after diagnosis. After a wide disparity in cancer survival in the first 2 years after diagnosis, Indigenous patients with cancer who survive these 2 years have a similar outlook to non-Indigenous patients. Access to services and socioeconomic factors are unlikely to be the main causes of the early lower Indigenous survival, as patterns were similar across remoteness and area-socioeconomic disadvantage. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.mja.com.au/journal/2012/196/4/first-year-counts-cancer-survival-among-indigenous-and-non-indigenous

Underdiagnosis of dementia in primary care: variations in the observed prevalence and comparisons to the expected prevalence

Connolley A, Gaehl E, Martin H, Morris J, Purandare N. (2012). Aging and Mental Health, 15(8): 978-984
This study investigated the magnitude and variation in the difference between observed and estimated prevalence of dementia in general practice. The average observed prevalence of dementia amongst patients aged 65 years and over was 3.0%. This observed prevalence was 54.5% lower than the prevalence observed in epidemiological studies. The observed prevalence of dementia was significantly lower among practices run by one GP compared to multiple GPs and in more affluent areas. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21777080

Reports

Guiding Transformation: How Medical Practices Can Become Patient-Centered Medical Homes

The Commonwealth Fund
The patient-centered medical home has been proposed as a model for transforming primary care and improving efficiency and effectiveness in the health care system. This report outlines and describes the changes that most medical practices would need to make to become patient-centered medical homes.
See: www.commonwealthfund.org/Publications/Fund-Reports/2012/Feb/Guiding-Transformation.aspx?omnicid=20

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program monitoring report: phase 2, July 2008- June 2011

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This report presents statistics on the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program for Australians invited to take part between July 2008 and June 2011. Just over 800,000 people were screened in that time, with about 60,000 found to require further assessment. One out of every 11 colonoscopies performed for further assessment detected and removed an advanced adenoma (pre-cancerous lesion), and a cancer was detected in 1 out of every 33 colonoscopies.
See: www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737421408

Nossal Institute for Global Health Working Papers

Nossal Institute for Global Health
The HPHF Knowledge Hub has produced a series of Working Papers. The Working Paper series is not a peer –reviewed journal; papers in this series are works in progress. The aim is to stimulate discussion and comment among policy makers and researchers.
See: www.ni.unimelb.edu.au/health_systems_strengthening/knowledge_hub/resources/working_paper_series

The Debunking Handbook

John Cook and Stephan Lewandowsky
Although there is a great deal of psychological research on misinformation, there's no summary of the literature that offers practical guidelines on the most effective ways of reducing the influence of myths. The Debunking Handbook boils the research down into a short, simple summary, intended as a guide for communicators in all areas (not just climate) who encounter misinformation.
See: www.skepticalscience.com/Debunking-Handbook-now-freely-available-download.html

Turning what we know into action: A commentary on the National Symposium on Patient Engagement

Health Council of Canada
The Health Council of Canada has released a commentary calling for the inclusion of the patient voice when designing, planning and delivering health care services in Canada.
See: www.healthcouncilcanada.ca/rpt_det_gen.php

Audio & Video

Panel discussion: Dental health care

ABC Radio National, 28 February 2012, 15 mins
The federal government's National Advisory Council on Dental Health has recommended Australia work towards universal dental care. But because of the potentially high cost, it's recommended an initial focus on improving access to dental care for children and lower-income adults. But is it the best way to ensure fewer Australians are suffering bad teeth?
See: www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/panel-discussion3a-dental-health-care/3858064

Tackling Indigenous youth suicide, and kicking goals

Jokic V, 27 February 2012, 16:45 mins
Suicide has reached crisis proportions in some Indigenous communities with remote communities some of the worst affected.
See: www.abc.net.au/rural/telegraph/content/2012/s3440186.htm

Resources

Challenges of Managing Multimorbidity

Annals of Family Medicine
The current issue of the Annals of Family Medicine features 3 research studies and an editorial that advance understanding of providing integrated care for people with multiple health conditions. The next issue of the journal will continue this theme with articles relating to the methodology for investigating and managing multimorbidity. Multimorbidity is becoming the rule rather than the exception for patients seen in primary care as the population ages.
See: www.annfammed.org/content/10/1/2.full

Patient Opinion Website

An independent site about your experiences of Australian health services, good or bad. We pass your stories to the right people to make a difference.
See: www.patientopinion.org.au/

Plain language version of the Review of Indigenous oral health

A plain language version of the Review of Indigenous oral health is now available on the HealthInfoNet website. The plain language review means that the content is written in such a way that it is easier to understand by people who don’t have specialist knowledge in the area and provides an alternative to the full review. The plain language review includes information out about dental caries, periodontal disease (gum disease), tooth loss and other oral health problems among Indigenous children and adults. It also contains information on oral health services and the barriers to oral health for Indigenous Australians.
See: www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/other-health-conditions/oral/plain-language/pl-our-review

News items

Commission proposes new rules for deciding doctors' fitness to practise

Dyer C, BMJ, 2 March 2012
A new, simplified test for the General Medical Council and other regulators in deciding whether a health professional’s fitness to practise is impaired has been recommended in a wide ranging review commissioned by the UK government.
See: www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e1601?etoc=

Happiness is a U shaped curve, highest in the teens and 70s, shows survey

Hawkes N, BMJ, 28 February 2012
The results come from a national programme of experimental statistics designed to add an extra element to economic data such as the gross domestic product by measuring how people feel about their lives.
See: www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e1534?etoc=

Media induced anti-vaccination sentiment can even affect health workers, vaccine researcher says

Roehr B, BMJ, 1 March 2012
Opposition to vaccination, which has been induced in large part by media scare stories, extends even to healthcare workers, a vaccine expert and co-inventor of a rotavirus vaccine told a research meeting this week.
See: www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e1563?etoc=

Poor body image linked with Facebook time

Flinders News, South Australian Policy Online, 22 February 2012
Teenage girls are spending a concerning amount of time on the Internet, potentially leading to low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction, research by Flinders University reveals.
See: www.sapo.org.au/opin/opin20763.html

Rise in GP mental health care plans

Smith P, Australian Doctor, 1 March 2012
The number of GP mental health care plans claimed by doctors appears to be increasing despite the controversial rebate cuts to Better Access.
See: www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/rise-in-gp-mental-health-care-plans

Media releases

Convenient access to birth control pills and high cholesterol medication

Hon Tanya Plibersek, 1 March 2012
The passing of the National Health (Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement) Bill 2011 means that patients whose prescriptions have run out will be able to obtain birth control pills and high cholesterol medication from a pharmacy if they’re unable to see a doctor in time for a renewal.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-tp-tp020.htm

More support for Indigenous communities to tackle alcohol and substance abuse

Hon Jenny Macklin MP, 1 March 2012
Indigenous communities will get extra help to tackle alcohol and substance abuse, with a share in $20 million in funding from the Gillard Government.
See: www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2012/pages/substance_abuse1march2012.aspx

Thousands More Australians Talking About Organ and Tissue Donation

Hon Catherine King MP, 1 March 2012
Following the most successful DonateLife Week to date, thousands more Australians around the country have been encouraged to discuss their organ and tissue donation intentions with their loved ones.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-ck-ck010.htm

Conferences/seminars/forums/workshop

Cleveland 2012 - 5th meeting of Ca-PRI

Learning from Our Differences
Primary care remains at the forefront of cancer prevention, early diagnosis and management. The 5th annual Ca-PRI meeting in Cleveland will be a showcase of primary care and cancer research. Plenary speakers will highlight the broad scope of primary care and cancer research and explore the potential of primary care to improve cancer outcomes from a clinical, public health and international perspective. The meeting will highlight international differences in the role of primary care and will provide unique opportunities for delegates from broad and multi-disciplinary backgrounds to exchange ideas.
Date: Jun 05 2012 - Jun 07 2012
Call for abstracts: Mar 20 2012
Location: Cleveland, Ohio USA
Email: kcs@case.edu
Website: www.ca-pri.com/

National Australian Conference on Evidence-Based Clinical Leadership

Transforming Clinical Leaders to Reform Healthcare
The focus of this conference is to:
- Promote the exchange of knowledge related to evidence-based leadership in health care
- Explore opportunities for collaboration across health disciplines to promote and support evidence-based approaches to clinical decision making
- Share and explore different approaches to evidence utilisation at the point of care
- Encourage clinical leaders and promote and foster leadership skills in clinical settings at all levels.
The Conference will also present important networking opportunities by bringing together: evidence-based researchers, students, guideline developers, clinicians, educators, policy makers, administrators and consumers - all with the shared goal of reforming healthcare into the future.
Date: Aug 13 2012 - Aug 14 2012
Call for abstracts: Apr 27 2012
Early bird registration: Jun 22 2012
Registration close: Jul 20 2012
Location: Adelaide SA
Convenor: The Joanna Briggs Institute
Contact: Kym Elson
Phone: +61 (0)8 8313 3637
Email: kym.elson@adelaide.edu.au
Website: www.joannabriggs.edu.au/Access%20Evidence/Events/Adelaide%202012

Vacancies, fellowships & scholarships

Evaluation Advisor

We are looking for an Evaluation Advisor to lead the implementation of beyondblue’s Evaluation Policy. Specifically, you will:
Support beyondblue staff to develop and implement project evaluation plans
Develop and enhance beyondblue’s evaluation systems and processes, including online survey and analysis tools
Increase the capacity and skills of beyondblue staff to develop and implement evaluation plans, through training and mentoring
Provide support and advice to beyondblue staff on how to effectively promote and disseminate evaluation findings
Closing date: 13 March 2012
See: www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=2.408&tmp=FileDownload&fid=2438

Head of Research Program

Job No.: A609-11MY
Location: Canberra
Fixed term of 3 years
Grade: level E
Salary package: $144,187 - $144,187 pa plus 17% superannuation
We are seeking a senior academic with a recognised record of achievement in any primary health care field which addresses the research interests of the Institute to provide leadership to our academic programs, the APHCRI team at ANU and the APHCRI network across Australia. The Head of Research Programs will participate in and build upon existing programs, participate in post-graduate supervision, generate research collaborations and applications for research funding and develop relationships with other ANU organisations, federal and state government sectors and a range of stakeholder organisations and non-government organisations.
Closing date: 4 April 2012
See: jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=2416

International Visiting Fellowships program

The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute (APHCRI) is now calling for applications for the 2012 International Visiting Fellowships program. International Visiting Fellowships allow Australia’s primary health care sector to benefit from the expertise of internationally acclaimed academics. The program will embed international experts in a research group for a period of time to allow collaborative work that is focused on undertaking an aspect of the national primary health care reform agenda.
Research groups may bid for funds, to a maximum of $40,000, to support the travel and related costs of bringing international primary health care experts to Australia.
Closing date: 20 April 2012
See: aphcri.anu.edu.au/research-program/aphcri-network-research-progress/2012-international-visiting-fellowships

Lecturer in Health

Charles Darwin University
Job Reference: 212045
Location: Casuarina Campus
Remuneration Package – Research Active or Teaching Focused Academic Level B
Base salary of $74,235 to 87,823 per annum plus superannuation employer contribution of 17 percent.
Conditions include 6 weeks annual leave.
Closing date: 15 March 2012
See: www.unijobs.com.au/show.php?title=lecturer_in_health_59289

Research Associate/Research Assistant Professor

Job Reference: 3901
SCHOOL OF WOMEN’S AND INFANTS’ HEALTH, The University of Western Australia
An opportunity to join a productive, multidisciplinary team to explore the use of anti-inflammatory agents in pregnancy for the prevention of preterm birth.
3 year appointment
Salary range: Level A $56,983 - $77,328 p.a. - minimum starting salary for appointee with PhD will be $77,328 p.a.
Salary range: Level B $81,400 - $96,663 p.a.
Plus 17% superannuation
Closing date: 16 March 2012
See: www.unijobs.com.au/show.php?title=research_associate_research_assistant_professor_58456

Research Officer (Women's Health)

Job No.: 500795
Faculty / Portfolio: Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Jean Hailes Centre
Location: Monash Medical Centre, Clayton
Employment Type: Full-time
Duration: Two year fixed-term appointment
Remuneration: $60,418 - $69,398 pa HEW Level 05 (includes 9% employer superannuation)
Closing date: 15 March 2012
See: www.unijobs.com.au/show.php?title=research_officer_womens_health_59279

Senior Fellow - Program Development

Job No.: A608-11MY
Location: Canberra
Fixed term of 3 years
Grade: level D
Salary package: $116,347 - $123,772 pa plus 17% superannuation
The Senior Fellow – Program Development will participate in and build upon existing research programs and participate in post-graduate supervision, research collaborations and applications for research funding. The Senior Fellow will also develop relationships with other areas of the ANU, federal and state government bodies and a range of stakeholder business and non-government organisations.
Closing date: 24 March 2012
See: jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=2415

Grants & tenders

2013 Diabetes Australia Research Trust (DART) Grant Round

The Directors of the Diabetes Australia Research Trust (DART) are pleased to offer the following grants for commencement in 2013 with announcements to be made on or around World Diabetes Day, 14 November 2012:
• The Viertel Postdoctoral Fellowship in Diabetes of $300,000
• The Type 2 Diabetes Underworks Millennium Award of up to $150,000
• The Type 1 Diabetes Millennium Award of up to $150,000
• A number of one year DART General Research Grants up to $60,000
• Three one year DART Behavioural Research Grants up to $60,000
DART’s objective is to encourage young researchers, starting researchers off in a career in quality diabetes research.
Closing date: 27 April 2012
See: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/en/Research/DART/

APNA Best Practice Nurse Awards 2012

With five award categories, the APNA Best Practice Nurse Awards aim to recognise and reward outstanding nurses working in primary health care and general practice.
In 2012, five awards are on offer, with prizes worth $5,000 (see nomination form for details) for each winner to use in enhancing their continuing professional development. Previous recipients have used their monetary prize to undertake work experience and education in both local and international locations.
Closing date: 30 March 2012
See: www.apna.asn.au/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=APNA/ccms.r?PageId=11149

Calls for submissions

Call for Papers

International Journal of Endocrinology special issue on Diabetes Management and Prevention in People with Clinically Significant Depression or Anxiety. Authors are invited to submit original research as well as review articles that describe the aetiological role of psychopathology, endocrine, and behavioural risk factors, which could help inform diabetes treatment and prevention planning.
Manuscripts due: 3 August 2012
See: www.hindawi.com/journals/ije/osi/