PHC Research Conference update

2012 Primary Health Care Research Conference - Event Sponsorship

Does your organisation have an interest in primary health care?
Do you want to promote your organisation to primary health care researchers, decision makers, practitioners and consumers?
Then why not become a event sponsor of the 2012 PHC Research Conference!
Join us in Canberra for the 2012 PHC Research Conference, Inform, influence, implement: Research improving policy and practice, and participate in one of the premier primary health care networking events. 
For further information on Sponsorship & Exhibition opportunites and prospectus.
See: www.phcris.org.au/conference/2012/sponsorship.php

Articles of interest

Application of an integrated multidisciplinary economic welfare approach to improved wellbeing through Aboriginal caring for country [Free full text]

Campbell D. (2011). The Rangeland Journal, 33(4): 365-372
For Indigenous Australians who have a cultural connection with the land, ‘caring for country’ (managing the land by applying Indigenous ecological knowledge) provides many health and economic benefits. This is important to encourage, given the psychological and social determinants of health is fundamental to closing the gap in health outcomes. [Abstract precis by PHC RIS]
See: dx.doi.org/10.1071/RJ11025

A conceptual framework identifying sources of risk to patient safety in primary care

McLeod L, Kingston-Riechers J, Jonsson E. (2012). Australian Journal of Primary Health, 23 January 2012
Sources of risk to patient safety in primary care are presented in the five layer model Patient Safety in Primary Care Framework. The layers in the model consist of organizational leadership, management, situations for unsafe practice, provider performance and patient performance. Differences in patient safety between the acute care and primary care setting are discussed. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS] 
See: www.publish.csiro.au/nid/261/paper/PY11062.htm

Is it time to drop the 'knowledge translation' metaphor? A critical literature review [Free full text]

Greenhalgh T, Wieringa S. (2011). Journal of The Royal Society of Medicine, 104(12): 501-509
The authors propose broadening the view of knowledge translation to include different conceptualizations of knowledge from fields such as philosophy, sociology and organization science will enable a more creative and critical research agenda between knowledge and practice. Ways to move research beyond the ‘know-do gap” to incorporate phronesis, ‘mindlines’, power and knowledge links, and facilitating macro-level knowledge partnerships are explored. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: jrsm.rsmjournals.com/content/104/12/501.abstract

Recommendations by Queensland GPs to be more physically active: which patients were recommended which activities and what action they took

Robertson R, Jepson R, Shepherd A, McInnes R. (2011). Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 35(6): 537-542
A telephone survey of 1,291 people in Queensland was undertaken to ascertain which patients were provided with a recommendation to increase their physical activity by their general practitioner and how they responded. Eighteen percent of respondents were recommended to increase their physical activity due to overweight or medical problems and most patients are pleased to receive the recommendation and comply. Implications for health care professionals are discussed. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-6405.2011.00779.x

The Hypertension Team: The Role of the Pharmacist, Nurse, and Teamwork in Hypertension Therapy

Carter B, Bosworth H, Green B. (2012). Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich), 14(1): 51-65
This literature review examines models of care delivery in hypertension control. The Chronic Care Model and Patient-Centred Medical Home are reviewed along with systematic reviews published prior to 2000 as part of a historical analysis. Contemporary studies from 2005 are discussed in relation to the role of the pharmacist, nurse and technological interventions. Future research needs and policy implications are discussed.  [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22235824

Who should receive recruitment and retention incentives? Improved targeting of rural doctors using medical workforce data

Humphreys J, McGrail M, Joyce C, Scott A, Kalb G. (2012). Australian Journal of Rural Health, 20(1): 3-10
Factors known to influence recruitment and retention of rural general practitioners are analysed and the authors propose an improved six-level geographical classification scheme for allocating incentives. Using data from Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) the authors mapped: total hours, public hospital, on-call, time-off, partner employment, and schooling against workplace location. The proposed classification scheme found population size is a sensitive measure for equitable allocation of incentives. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1584.2011.01252.x

Reports

An Evaluation of the Primary Healthcare Needs of Refugees in Southeast Metropolitan Melbourne

Southern Academic Primary Care Research Unit, Melbourne
Up to one twelfth of Australia’s refugee and humanitarian entrants settle in Melbourne’s southeast each year. They can have complex health and settlement needs. The region’s Refugee Health Research Consortium commissioned “An evaluation of the primary healthcare needs of refugees in south east metropolitan Melbourne” to examine whether the health needs of refugee residents were met by local primary care services.
This report describes the demography of the refugee populations in Melbourne’s southeast. It identifies a greater burden of disease among refugees compared to non-refugees, particularly in mental health, maternal health, infectious disease and chronic disease. It details the local refugee health services and programs, and their increasing utilisation. It recommends key areas for service development, routine data collection and research to improve health service delivery to refugees.
Contact: Dr. I-Hao Cheng, Southern Academic Primary Care Research Unit, (03) 8792 1900, i-hao.cheng@monash.edu. The Refugee Health Research Consortium partners are: Dandenong Casey General Practice Association, Southern Health, Monash University, The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture (Foundation House), AMES Settlement, Victorian Department of Human Services and Victorian Department of Health.
See: sapcru.org/services/consulting/

Legally invisible – how Australian laws impede stewardship and governance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

The Lowitja Institute
This paper explains the options available for Australian governments to articulate and allocate responsibilities for the health and health care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in an enduring, reliable form. It was commissioned by the Lowitja Institute – Australia’s National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research in response to widespread recognition of problems in the policy and administrative arrangements for health and health care for Australia’s First Peoples, including lack of clarity about the responsibilities of governments at various levels. 
See: www.lowitja.org.au/lowitja-institute-publishing

National Strategies to Address Dementia

Alzheimer’s Australia
This paper provides an overview of a range of approaches that a selection of countries have taken to address dementia. It should be noted that this paper is not a comprehensive review of all national strategies and is only based on readily available information.
See: www.fightdementia.org.au/national-action-on-dementia.aspx

Primary Care 2025: A Scenario Exploration

Institute for Alternative Futures. US
Primary Care 2025: A Scenario Exploration is a project developed by the Institute for Alternative Futures (IAF) with support from the Kresge Foundation to consider the range of forces, challenges, and opportunities shaping primary care in the United States. Complex change comes as new technologies meet an aging society in a time of growing economic and political divides. This is not a time for reactive decisions based only on a view of past trends in health care. The inherently uncertain future of primary care in a time of great flux means that a systemic understanding of future possibilities is all the more important for informing what we do today and tomorrow.
See: www.altfutures.org/primarycare2025

Audio & Video

Creating incentives to improve quality and promote integration

The Kings Fund, Creating incentives for integration conference: range from 5:00 mins to 18:00 mins
- Steve Field: NHS Future Forum report on integrated care
- Panel debate: How can policy support better models of health care delivery?
- Dana Safran: What can the NHS learn from the Alternative Quality Contract (AQC)?
- Hugh Reeve: How is the NHS in Cumbria adapting to the lessons from the AQC?
- Martin McShane: Driving quality up with integration
- Katrina Percy: Working with partners to deliver high quality health and social care services
- Daniel Elkeles: Making the business case for integrated working
See: www.kingsfund.org.uk/events/past_events_catch_up/incentivising.html

Resources

Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record Concept of Operations – Addendum

Australian Government
This addendum to the PCEHR Concept of Operations describes the key points of policy refinement resulting from consideration by DoHA and NEHTA, of the identified issues and is provided to communicate items of significant change. In 2012, DoHA plans to release a revised edition of the PCEHR Concept of Operations that incorporates the policy refinements.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/yourhealth/publishing.nsf/Content/pcehr-conops-adden-toc

News items

A new way of delivering health services in Queensland

Queensland Government
Queensland is now working towards the implementation of the reforms that will change the way public health and hospital services are managed. A new way of delivering health services in Queensland sets out the proposed new structure for Queensland Health and planned implementation milestones.
See: www.health.qld.gov.au/health-reform/

Doubts over opt-in e-health scheme

Cresswell A, The Australian, 21 January 2012
Doctors and consumer groups have warned that the federal government's $466 million scheme to introduce electronic health records this year is likely to be hobbled by low take-up rates, and have called for basic changes to keep the scheme on track.
See: www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/doubts-over-opt-in-e-health-scheme/story-e6frg8y6-1226248654666

Introducing the National Campaign for Consumer-Centred Health Care

Sweet M, Croakey the Crikey Health Blog, 19 January 2012
The information below has been provided by a new group, the National Campaign for Consumer-Centred Health Care.
See: blogs.crikey.com.au/croakey/2012/01/19/introducing-the-national-campaign-for-consumer-centred-health-care/

Scientists are urged to oppose new US legislation that will put studies behind a pay wall

Epstein K. (2012). British Medical Journal, 344:e452
The US government could end guarantees of free access to publicly funded medical research under legislation introduced in Congress on 16 December that has backing from the publishing industry.
See: www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e452

Tackling Indigenous smoking: can the promise be kept?

Sweet M, Croakey the Crikey Health Blog, 20 January 2012
The previous post highlights some of the challenges ahead for the new Health Minister Tanya Plibersek. Reducing Indigenous smoking rates is one of them, says Associate Professor David Thomas from the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin and the Lowitja Institute.
See: blogs.crikey.com.au/croakey/2012/01/20/tackling-indigenous-smoking-can-the-promise-be-kept/

Media releases

Australian Journal of Rural Health: 20th anniversary

National Rural Health Alliance Inc., 23 January 2012
The Australian Journal of Rural Health (AJRH), the premier journal on rural and remote health in Australia, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. In his editorial in 20(1), Editor David Perkins evaluates the record of the Journal since its establishment in 1992 by Desley Hegney and the Association for Australian Rural Nurses (AARN).
PHC RIS congratulates the Australian Journal of Rural Health on its 20th anniversary. 
See: nrha.ruralhealth.org.au/mediareleases/?IntContId=14994&IntCatId=16

NBN to further boost Telehealth Takeup

Senator The Hon Stephen Conroy, The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, The Hon Mark Butler MP, 22 January 2012
A new $20.6 million telehealth program utilising the National Broadband Network (NBN) will provide new and innovative in-home telehealth services to older Australians, people living with cancer and those requiring palliative care.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-tp-tp008.htm

New Ads Encourage Australians to Shape Mental Health Reform

The Hon Mark Butler MP, 21 January 2012
From 21 January 2012, advertisements are appearing in newspapers across the country inviting Australians with a lived experience of mental illness to help shape national mental health reform.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-mb-mb002.htm

Open for Business: Australia's First National Mental Health Commission

The Hon Mark Butler MP, 23 January 2012
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, launched Australia's first National Mental Health Commission.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-mb-mb003.htm

Conferences/seminars/forums/workshop

2012 National Medicines Symposium

Building a medicinewise community
In the constantly evolving medicines environment, NMS brings together the partners to Australia’s National Medicines Policy along with international representatives to learn, discuss and debate contemporary quality use of medicines issues. With a stellar lineup of national and international speakers, you will:

- gain inspiration and information on the latest prescribing practice, therapeutic interventions and best practice patient care
- be at the forefront of the changing medicines landscape and engage with the latest and the controversial in the medicines and health environment
- be challenged to take part in building a medicinewise Australia
- network with those involved in policy, influence decision makers and collaborate with and learn from industry peers, leading health practitioners and experts on the quality use of medicines
- earn continuing professional development points.
Date: May 24 2012 - May 25 2012
Call for abstracts: Feb 20 2012
Early bird registration: Mar 30 2012
Location: Sydney NSW
Convenor: National Prescribing Service
Phone: +61 (0)7 3848 2100
Fax: +61 (0)7 3848 2133
Email: nms2012@expertevents.com.au
Website: www.nps.org.au/nms2012

6th AMREP World Health Day Forum 2012

Healthy Ageing in a Global World: Opportunities & Challenges
KEYNOTE SPEAKER : Professor Jean Claude Mbanya, is President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). He is Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon and Consultant Physician, Director of the Health in Transition Research Group, Director of the National Obesity Centre University of Yaounde, Cameroon and Chief of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Unit at the Hospital Central in Yaoundé. Professor Mbanya also serves on several WHO advisory groups: the WHO African Advisory Committee on Health Research and Development, the WHO Expert Advisory Panel on Chronic Degenerative Diseases Diabetes, and the WHO Committee on Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes.
Date: Apr 03 2012 - Apr 03 2012
Early bird registration: Feb 15 2012
Registration close: Mar 15 2012
Location: Melbourne VIC
Convenor: AMREP Global Health Research Consortium which include Monash University, the Burnet Institute, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute and The Alfred hospital
Contact: Sheila Cyril
Phone: +61 3 9903 0254
Email: sheila.cyril@monash.edu
Website: www.phcris.org.au/eventsdiary/documents/amrep_forum12.pdf

Introduction to Evidence Based Medicine

Short course
Evidence based medicine is a course most suitable for Medical doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, clinicians,epidemiologists, psychologists, pharmacists, biochemists and public health researchers who are interested in understanding and applying the principles
of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM)

This short course in EBM will consist of formal lectures, small group discussions and workshops.
Day 1 of the course will introduce the first two steps of the EBM process, including research designs. Day 2 of the course will focus on steps 3 and 4 of the EBM process, focusing on the critical appraisal aspect of EBM.
*Course fee AUD $880 covers morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea each day, and an EBM resource and workbook.
Date: Apr 26 2012 - Apr 27 2012
Location: Prahran VIC
Convenor: University: School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Phone: +61 (0)3 9903 0693
Email: shortcourses.depm@monash.edu
Website: www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/shortcourses/ebm.html

Vacancies, fellowships & scholarships

Head of Research Program  

The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute 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 the 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.
- Australian National University, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment
- Position Level:  Level E
- Salary Package:  $144,187 - $144,187 pa plus 17% superannuation
- Reference:  A609-11MY
Closing date: Mar 04 2012
See: jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=2416

Lecturer: Chronic Condition Management

To contribute to the design, delivery and evaluation of education and training programs in chronic condition management, in the context of the Department of Veteran Affairs’ Coordinated Veterans’ Care Program and broader Flinders Human Behaviour and Health Research Unit (FHBHRU) activities.
- Vacancy Reference No: 12024
- Flinders University, Flinders Human Behaviour and Health Research Unit (FHBHRU), Psychiatry (Flinders Clinical Effectiveness), School of Medicine
- Academic Level B, $76,188 to $90,471 pa (full-time)
- Fixed-term, full-time (available until 31 December 2013). Appointment at 0.8FTE will be considered
Closing date: Feb 06 2012
See: www.flinders.edu.au/employment/vacancies/academic.cfm

Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Fellow

The Centre for Health Informatics (CHI) at UNSW is Australia's largest academic Health Informatics research group. We are undertaking an NHMRC funded research project to conduct trials to measure the impact of e-Health on patient health outcomes and service utilisation in a primary care setting.  
CHI are seeking an enthusiastic researcher with excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills to join the team in Consumer Informatics. The successful candidate will be responsible to conduct trials in the general practice setting, including participant recruitment and training, design and pilot of research instruments, data collection, and data analysis.
- Job Reference: 8512NET
- Salary Level A-B: A$75K - A$100K per annum (plus 17% employer superannuation and leave loading)
- Full-time fixed term available for 2 years with strong prospects for a further contract period
Closing date: Feb 10 2012
See: www.hr.unsw.edu.au/services/recruitment/jobs/20011201.html

Senior Fellow - Program Development

The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute was established in 2003 by a grant from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. The Centre facilitates research in primary health care and focuses on important sectoral questions relating to the organisation, including its interaction with public health and the secondary and the tertiary health care sectors.
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.
- Position Level:  Level D
- Salary Package:  $116,347 - $123,772 pa plus 17% superannuation
- Fixed term of 3 years
- Reference:  A608-11MY
Closing date: Feb 12 2012
See: jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=2415