PHC RIS update

Queen's Birthday 2012 Honours

Congratulations to Associate Professor Libby Kalucy (past PHC RIS Director) on being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to community health, and to the development of professional standards.
See: www.itsanhonour.gov.au/

The June edition of the PHC RIS Infonet is now available on-line!

The June 2012 PHC RIS infonet is now available in PDF and HTML versions. PHC RIS infonet is a bi-monthly newsletter designed to inform, influence and enhance primary health care practice, policy and research. It aims to maximise communication sharing between the Divisions Network, primary health care researchers and policy advisors. The June edition contains the editorial Dissemination: sending messages or building bridges by Gawaine Powell Davies, CEO, UNSW Research Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity; a new section by and for Medicare Locals; articles of interest; PHCRED updates; and much more.
See: www.phcris.org.au/publications/infonet/2012/june/

PHC Research Conference update

Meet the exhibitors at the 2012 PHC Research Conference

The exhibition at this year’s conference is bound to have something for everyone. Delegates will be able to share ideas, learn, talk, and enrich their conference experience by interacting with the exhibitors. For more information visit the exhibitors in Canberra.
See: www.phcris.org.au/conference/2012/exhibitors.php

Articles of interest

The 'pet effect' - Health related aspects of companion animal ownership [Free full text]

Smith, B. (2012). Australian Family Physician, 41(6), 439-442.
Research has suggested that companion animal ownership is associated with a wide range of health advantages. This article fills a gap in the literature by discussing practical ways to integrate companion animals into health care and health promotion. Both a summary of health-related aspects of companion animal ownership and recommendations as to how GPs can integrate discussions about pet interaction into everyday practice are provided. Initiating these conversations would allow GPs to develop an understanding of the human-pet dynamic and deliver more tailored patient management and personalised lifestyle recommendations. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.racgp.org.au/afp/201206/47084

A cluster randomized controlled trial of a telephone-based parent intervention to increase preschoolers' fruit and vegetable consumption [Free full text]

Wyse R, Wolfenden L, Campbell E, Campbell K, Wiggers J, Brennan L, Fletcher A, Bowman J, Heard T. (2012). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.030585.
There is limited evidence in the literature of interventions which increase preschoolers' fruit and vegetable consumption. The Australian 'Healthy Habits' trial demonstrates the efficacy of a telephone-based intervention for parents to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in their 3-5 year old children. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ajcn.org/content/early/2012/05/22/ajcn.111.030585.long

Coping with multimorbidity in old age - A qualitative study [Free full text]

Loffler C, Kaduszkiewicz H, Stolzenbach C, Streich W, Fuchs A, Bussche H, Stolper F, Altiner A. (2012). BMC Family Practice, 13(1), 45.
Multimorbidity is a challenge for both general practitioners and patients. This European research analysed the way older adults (aged 65-85) cope with multimorbidity. Results indicate that although suffering from multimorbidity the participants had positive attitudes towards life, with implications on all of social, emotional and practical levels discussed. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/13/45/abstract

Digital technology use among disadvantaged Australians: Implications for equitable consumer participation in digitally-mediated communication and information exchange with health services [Free full text]

Newman L, Biedrzycki K, Baum F. (2012). Australian Health Review, 36(2), 125-129.
This qualitative research investigated access to, and use of, digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) by South Australians from lower income and disadvantaged backgrounds. Findings suggest that the variation in ICT access and use within vulnerable groups must be addressed by health initiatives and services when delivering digitally-mediated consumer-provider interaction, online health information, or online self-management of health conditions, in order to avoid exacerbating health inequities. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.publish.csiro.au/paper/AH11042.htm

Physical activity in patients with advanced-stage cancer: A systematic review of the literature

Albrecht T, Taylor A. (2012). Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 16(3), 293-300.
This review investigated the state of the science for physical activity in the advanced-stage disease subset of the cancer population. Results indicate that exercise in various forms has health benefits for many people. Specifically for individuals with cancer, including those at an advanced stage, exercise can improve psychological and physical health. The authors recommend that people diagnosed with cancer should discuss methods of incorporating exercise into their lives with their oncologist. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22641322

The 'pet effect' - health related aspects of companion animal ownership [Free full text]

Smith B. (2012). Australian Family Physician, 41(6): 439-42
Research has suggested that companion animal ownership is associated with a wide range of health advantages. This article fills a gap in the literature by discussing practical ways to integrate companion animals into health care and health promotion. Both a summary of health-related aspects of companion animal ownership and recommendations as to how GPs can integrate discussions about pet interaction into everyday practice are provided. Initiating these conversations would allow GPs to develop an understanding of the human-pet dynamic and deliver more tailored patient management and personalised lifestyle recommendations. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22675689?dopt=Abstract

The future of community-centred health services in Australia - An alternative view

Cunningham P. (2012). Australian Health Review, 36(2), 121-124.
Community-centred health care works in conjunction with hospital-centred care and each has its strengths and weaknesses. In this discussion it is suggested that community-centred care has not been widely demonstrated to be a more cost efficient and cost-effective alternative to hospital-centred care for acute conditions. In this article the author, a hospital-based emergency specialist, responds to earlier work published in this journal and makes a plea for a reasoned and evidence-based approach to the distribution of health resources. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22624629?dopt=Abstract

The migration and transitioning experiences of internationally educated nurses: A global perspective

Newton S, Pillay J, Higginbottom G. (2012). Journal of Nursing Management, 20(4), 534-550.
This review explored the migration and transitioning experiences of internationally educated nurses (IENs). The themes described relate to reasons for and challenges with immigration, cultural displacement, credentialing difficulties and deskilling, discriminatory experiences and strategies to smooth transition. Results suggest that the advantages in professional skill and cultural diversity IENs can bring to any nursing unit will not be fully realised without reducing practice limitations and discrimination. Recommendations for easing the transition are discussed. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2834.2011.01222.x/abstract

Reports

Health Indicators 2012

Canadian Institute for Health Information and Statistics Canada
Health Indicators 2012 is the 13th in a series of annual reports containing the most recently available health indicators data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information and Statistics Canada. In addition to presenting the most recent indicator results, this year's report introduces a suite of new acute-care readmission indicators, as well as three new indicators focusing on avoidable mortality. An in depth analysis of Avoidable mortality indicators is presented in the In-Focus section of the report.
See: secure.cihi.ca/estore/productFamily.htm?locale=en&pf=PFC1791

Leadership and engagement for improvement in the NHS: Together we can

The King’s Fund
The NHS faces a number of challenges – driving up quality of care, making significant productivity gains, ensuring the government’s reforms work. To meet these challenges, individuals and organisations need to rethink the way in which power and responsibility are shared within teams and organisations and across the health and care system. Leaders need to cultivate a strong culture of engagement for patients and staff and to deploy a range of leadership styles and behaviours. Leadership and engagement for improvement in the NHS: together we can makes the case for engaging staff, patients and boards and for building relationships across systems of care. Building on the work of The King's Fund's 2011 Leadership Commission, the 2012 review has taken evidence from a number of national and international experts.
See: www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/leadership_review_12.html

The cost of inaction on the social determinants of health

Catholic Health Australia and the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling
The cost of government inaction on the social determinants of health, leading to health inequalities for the most disadvantaged Australians of working age, is substantial. This was measured in terms not only of the number of people affected but also their overall well-being, their ability to participate in the workforce, their earnings from paid work, their reliance on Government income support and their use of health services. Substantial differences were found in the proportion of disadvantaged individuals satisfied with their lives, employment status, earnings from salary and wages, Government pensions and allowances, and use of health services between those in poor versus good health and those having versus not having a long-term health condition. Improving the health profile of Australians of working age in the most socio-economically disadvantaged groups therefore would lead to major social and economic gains with savings to both the Government and to individuals.
See: apo.org.au/research/cost-inaction-social-determinants-health

Well-being evidence for policy: A review

The New Economics Foundation
Over the last 30 years, there has been a considerable growth in academic research on the causes of well-being. In general, this literature gives a fairly consistent picture of which factors have associations with subjective well-being. However, it is only in the last few years that there has been the corresponding level of interest from policymakers at national level. This is seen, for example, by the start of a programme of work at the UK Office for National Statistics, commissioned by the Prime Minister, on Measuring National Well-being. This document aims to provide the tools necessary to transfer this academic knowledge into a practical format for policymakers.
See: www.neweconomics.org/publications/well-being-evidence-for-policy-a-review

Audio & Video

AMA discussion on mental health

6Minutes, 31 May 2012
At the AMA annual conference in Melbourne in May, a session provided the opportunity for doctors to discuss the latest issues in mental health. Dr Choong-Siew Yong, AMA psychiatry representative provides a summary.
See: www.6minutes.com.au/video/more-videos/6minutes-online-video-ama-discussion-on-mental-hea

Vegetarian diet safe for young children

ABC Radio National, 10 mins
Traditional thinking has long supported the idea that growing bodies need nutrients, such as protein and iron, that have usually been associated with eating meat. Now, a new study just published in the Medical Journal of Australia shows that a well-planned, plant-based diet can meet the nutritional needs of all adults and children, whatever their age.
See: www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/vegetarian-diet-safe-for-young-children/4049926

Resources

Emerging professions: Knowledge Broker

As a scientist, do you routinely notice opportunities for research to be translated into tangible benefits for society? Do you believe that science often fails to benefit from what society has to offer? If you would answer 'yes' to these questions, and you're someone who enjoys explaining research to non-scientists, bringing people together from diverse professional backgrounds, and acting as a facilitator, then a career in an emerging area—knowledge brokering—could be an excellent choice for you.
See: sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2012_06_08/caredit.a1200064

Private health insurance: How the changes affect you

Johnson, C., ABC Health and Wellbeing, 5 June 2012
From July 1, new rules relating to the cost of private health insurance come into effect. What do they mean for you?
See: www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2012/06/05/3518737.htm

Traditional Complementary and Integrative Medicine – An International Reader  

Adams J., Andrews, G., Barnes, J., Broom, A., & Magin, P. (Editors).
A ground-breaking collection of contemporary TCIM literature featuring respected research articles alongside fresh material. Bringing together the perspectives of a diverse range of international practitioners and academics, this book provides essential guidance, insight and inspiration for those embarking upon study, practice or research in this field.
See: www.palgravemacmillan.com.au/palgrave/onix/isbn/9780230232655

News items

Ban on recreational drugs is impeding science, says former government drugs adviser

Limb, M., BMJ News, 1 June 2012
People in the United Kingdom should have “regulated” access through pharmacies to drugs that are currently illegal such as cannabis and MDMA (ecstasy), a leading scientist has said.
See: www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e3936?etoc=

Childhood obesity increases blood pressure in adolescence, study shows

Mayor, S., BMJ News, 1 May 2012
Children who are overweight or obese throughout childhood show raised blood pressure at the age of 14, a new study has found.
See: www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e3065?etoc=

CT scans can triple risk of brain cancer, leukaemia

The Conversation, 7 June 2012
Just two CT (computed tomography) scans of the head in childhood can triple the risk of brain cancer in later life, and as few as five to 10 scans can triple the risk of leukaemia, a study has found.
See: theconversation.edu.au/ct-scans-can-triple-risk-of-brain-cancer-leukemia-7532

Disney to ban junk foods

ABC News, 7 June 2012
US media giant Walt Disney says it will ban junk food advertising on its TV channels and websites from 2015 to help fight obesity among children in the United States.
See: www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-06/disney-to-ban-junk-food-ads/4055340

NSW outlines 10-year medical research strategy

Health Career, 5 June 2012
The NSW Government has committed an additional $70 million over the next four years to medical research and development in response to the NSW Health and Medical Research Strategic Review 2012 released by NSW Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, Jillian Skinner.
See: www.healthcareer.net.au/news/nsw-outlines-medical-research-funding

Media releases

$35.6 million to help NSW seniors stay independent, active and healthy

Hon Mark Butler, 1 June 2012
Seniors in NSW will receive more support to stay in their homes thanks to a $35.6 million boost to the Home and Community Care Program.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-mb-mb045.htm

Antidepressants top the list of frequently asked medicines questions: NPS

NPS, 12 June 12
More calls answered by NPS Medicines Line pharmacists relate to questions involving antidepressants than any other class of medicine.
See: www.nps.org.au/news_and_media/media_releases/repository/Antidepressants_top_the_list_of_frequently_asked_medicines_questions_NPS

Inaugural CEO appointed to health performance authority

Hon Tanya Plibersek, 6 June 2012
Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has welcomed the appointment by the National Health Performance Authority of Dr Diane Watson as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-tp-tp052.htm

Investing in better health care for rural Australians

Hon Catherine King, 10 June 2012
The Australian Government has made significant investments to help people in rural and regional Australia get the health care they need and deserve, a gathering of rural health professionals has been told.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-ck-ck027.htm

Young Australians have their say on National mental health report card

Hon Mark Butler, 1 June 2012
25 young people from across Western Australia will attend a Youth Roundtable in Perth to have their say on Australia’s first national Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-mb-mb046.htm

Conferences/seminars/forums/workshop

Exercise for improving balance and bone mineral density: A workshop on assessment and exercise principles

Why is balance training and exercise to improve Bone Mineral Density (BMD) so important? 25% of people in their 60’s & 40% of people in their 70’s suffer at least one fall each year; Targeted exercise can reduce a person’s chance of falling by 40%; 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men aged over 60 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their life-time; The annual incidence of osteoporotic fractures in women is greater than the combined incidence of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer.
Cost: $385 per person (inclusive of GST)
Date: Aug 24 2012 - Aug 24 2012
Location: Melbourne VIC
Convenor: School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University
Contact: Catherine Pound
Phone: +61 (0)3 9903 0891
Email: catherine.pound@monash.edu
Website: www.crepatientsafety.org.au/seminars/2012seminars.html

Innovation in Cancer Treatment and Care NSW Conference 2012

The Cancer Institute NSW will be hosting the first ever Innovation in Cancer Treatment and Care NSW Conference in September which will showcase innovation in NSW cancer services.
The all day event will feature a keynote address on Rapid Learning Cancer Systems by international guest speaker Associate Professor Amy P. Abernethy, Associate Director of the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Centre, which will be streamed live via a video webcast.
Attendees are encouraged to submit an abstract for consideration in the day's program.
Registration for this event is free, however registration is essential.
Date: Sep 07 2012 - Sep 07 2012
Call for abstracts: Jul 20 2012
Registration close: Aug 10 2012
Location: Eveleigh NSW
Convenor: Cancer Institute NSW
Contact: Emily Potts
Phone: +61 (0)2 8374 3600
Email: events@cancerinstitute.org.au
Website: www.cancerinstitute.org.au/events/i/innovation-in-cancer-treatment-and-care

Southgate Policy Club

The potential role of Medicare Locals in promoting population health and preventing disease
Come and hear from key players involved in developing Medicare Locals
about the possibilities for their role in promoting health
and join the discussion following the presentations.
Date: Jun 26 2012 - Jun 26 2012
Location: Adelaide, SA
Contact: Tori Saint
Phone: +61 (0)8 7221 8486
Email: victoria.saint@flinders.edu.au
Website: www.flinders.edu.au/events/show/event/southgate-policy-club

Women with Breast Cancer

Surviving Breast Cancer: Does Psychosocial Support Help?
Half day workshop 2pm - 5pm.
Presenters: Carol Manning and Malcolm Robinson
Date: Jul 25 2012 - Jul 25 2012
Registration close: Jul 25 2012
Location: Adelaide, SA
Convenor: Bower College
Email: info@bowerplace.com.au
Website: www.bowerplace.com.au/workshops.php?id=100

Vacancies, fellowships & scholarships

Lecturer Nursing

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University
Reference number: 155/2012
Classification: Level B
Type: Full time, ongoing
Location: Joondalup Campus, WA
Salary: $82,043-$97,429 plus 17% University superannuation contribution
The successful applicant must possess a relevant postgraduate qualification as well as either a Doctorate or substantial progress towards one and be eligible for registration with the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia. Demonstrated expertise in one or more clinical nursing areas and the ability to teach relevant theoretical, physical and psychosocial health issues both on campus and online are essential requirements. This position offers a unique opportunity to be part of an energetic forward-thinking transdisciplinary team at the cutting edge of nursing education and research.
Closing date: Jun 24 2012
See: ecu.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplication&returnToEvent=jobs.listJobs&jobid=63f54dc9-223a-6ba4-46ad-6dafa3b00d52&CurATC=EXT&CurBID=422C3E0D-4E21-4DD9-ABB8-9DB40135CA83&JobListID=52d30031-d147-1b48-1974-6d5424ffc295&jobsListKey=1dc6009e-02bb-4604-9788-90d9dde5e5a8&persistVariables=CurATC,CurBID,JobListID,jobsListKey,JobID&lid=51495810039

Research and Evaluation Coordinator

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD), NSW Health
Reference number: 80165
Type: Permanent full time
Salary: $1,608.20-$1,741.60 per week
This senior position is responsible for the development, implementation and management of a range of health promotion research and evaluation activities, to achieve health promotion deliverables and contribute to the attainment of population health strategic priorities for the SESLHD and the NSW Ministry of Health.
Closing date: Jun 17 2012
See: nswhealth.erecruit.com.au/ViewPosition.aspx?Id=80165

Research Associate/Research Fellow

PHC RIS, Flinders University
Position number: 12167
Classification: Res A/B
Salary: $61,504-$74,907 (Res A) or $78,855-$93,638 (Res B) pa (full time salary)
Type: Full time or part time, available until 20 June 2013
The incumbent will undertake research and evaluation activities with the PHC RIS team, and disseminate information arising from this research.
Closing date: Jun 25 2012
See: www.flinders.edu.au/employment/vacancies/academic.cfm

Research Fellow (Grade 2)

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University
Reference number: 120232
Classification: Level B
Type: Fixed term
Location: Primarily based at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton and Melbourne Burwood Campus
Salary: $79,473-$94,373 pa (plus 17% superannuation)
The Research Fellow will initiate and conduct research in the area of Quality, Safety and Risk Management particularly in the area of Clinical and Aged Care and is expected to contribute to the research output of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and Southern Health. The Research Fellow may need to undertake limited postgraduate teaching and administrative responsibilities.
Closing date: Jun 17 2012
See: jobs.theconversation.edu.au/jobs/2054-research-fellow-grade-2?utm_source=jobalert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=subscriber

Research Fellow, Implementation Research Group

The Sax Institute
Type: Full time, fixed term (up to March 2013)
The Sax Institute is seeking a Research Fellow who will provide high level technical research support to an NHMRC funded program of research examining the association between external support, organisational and program factors, and indicators of success among NSW clinical networks. This position is suited to a postdoctoral researcher who has experience in a range of research methods including mixed methods approaches, expertise in data analysis and enjoys writing peer-reviewed papers.
Closing date: Jul 04 2012
See: www.saxinstitute.org.au/aboutus/CareerOpportunities.cfm?objid=130

Grants & tenders

2012 National Disability Research and Development Grants

National Disability Research and Development grants will be awarded to researchers for research that supports the National Disability Agreement, the National Disability Strategy and future reforms such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme. A total of $750,000 (ex GST) is available in 2012 for the open competitive funding round. A maximum amount of $100,000 per year will be available for each project (unless a compelling case is made to exceed this limit). Projects can run over more than one year. A proportion (approximately 20%) of the total funding can be approved for seed funding to prepare for grants applications through this funding or through other processes such as NHMRC and/or ARC Linkage grants.
Closing date: Jun 29 2012
See: tenders.nsw.gov.au/?event=public.rft.show&RFTUUID=10EBC3ED-DE96-235E-49E9C64F593231B6

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Well Women Workshops Grant initiative

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Well Women Workshops Grant initiative provides an opportunity to health organisations and individual health professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to promote and encourage breast awareness and early detection of breast cancer through locally-run workshops. These workshops will help participants to understand the importance of early detection, the role of mammographic screening and how to identify breast symptoms and be breast aware. The total available funding is $32,500.00 and will comprise of 5 grants offered to metropolitan communities of up to $2,500 each and 5 grants awarded to regional communities of up to $4,000 each.
Closing date: Jul 03 2012
See: www.canceraustralia.gov.au/about-us/news-and-notices/call-grant-applications-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-well-women-workshops-breast-cancer