Articles of interest

K* Draft Concept Paper [Free full text] 

Shaxson L, Bielak A. (2012). Expanding our understanding of K* (KT, KE, KTT, KMb, KB, KM, etc.). Retrieved August 28, 2012
In April 2012 a global conference was convened by UNU-INWEH in Hamilton, Canada, with the support of a number of partners. It brought together people involved in a range of roles that improve the use of knowledge in policy, practice and research; variously calling themselves knowledge brokers, knowledge translators, knowledge and innovation brokers, information intermediaries, knowledge transferors, knowledge exchangers, knowledge mobilisers, knowledge managers, and more. The authors sought to trace the emergence of the term K* (the collective term for the set of functions and processes at the various interfaces between knowledge, practice, industry and policy that improve the sharing of knowledge and its application, uptake and value in the pursuit of progress). Instead of exploring the discrepancies between the different worldviews, this paper instead focuses on where the similarities occur.  The authors seek your comment on this draft. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.inweh.unu.edu/River/KnowledgeManagement/KstarConceptPaper.htm

Examining the evidence of the impact of health information technology in primary care: An argument for participatory research with health professionals and patients [Free full text]

Belanger E, Bartlett G, Dawes M, Rodriguez C, Hasson-Gidoni I. (2012). International Journal of Medical Informatics, Aug 18
Health information technology represents a promising avenue to improve health care delivery. The purpose of this study was to answer 'How can we use lessons learnt from existing health information technologies in primary care to inform the optimal design of newer developments such as personal health records?' The authors used results of systematic literature reviews about the impact of different information systems on health outcomes in primary care, with a focus on their implications for the development of personal health records. The authors found that in order to develop personal health records for primary care, studies are needed that involve the users, namely patients and primary care health professionals, in the design and evaluation of these systems from their inception, and suggest participatory research is a recommended methodological approach.[Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2012.07.008

Fight to tackle unhealthy lifestyles has widened gap in health inequalities

O'Dowd A. (2012). BMJ, Aug 23;345:e5707. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e5707
Efforts to persuade people to follow a healthier lifestyle have worked only for wealthier parts of the population and widened the health inequalities divide. This article is commentary on the conclusions of a report from health think tank The King’s Fund, which found that poorer people have been left behind in the fight against unhealthy lifestyles. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e5707

Impact of the Presence of Medical Equipment in Images on Viewers' Perceptions of the Trustworthiness of an Individual On-Screen 

Jiwa M, Millet S, Meng X, Hewitt V. (2012). Journal of Medical Internet Research, 14(4):e100 doi:10.2196/jmir.1986
Doctors consult patients by means other than face-to-face, often appearing before the patient on a computer screen, with many websites using depictions of health professionals to increase the credibility of their services. Being trustworthy is an essential attribute for successful ehealth services. Little is known about which depicted accessories make a health professional appear more trustworthy. The authors sought to estimate the odds of an individual on-screen being rated trustworthy when viewed in a static image holding or wearing specific items of medical equipment. The authors found when an individual is portrayed in a static image, concurrent presentation of 3 or more items of medical equipment, and especially a stethoscope, is likely to exert a positive influence on the viewers’ perceptions of the qualities of the person depicted. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.1986

Measurement and Evaluation Outcomes for mHealth Communication: Don't We Have an App for That? 

Sherry J, Ratzan S. (2012). Journal of Health Communication: International Perspectives, 17:sup1, 1-3
The authors found there are few areas in the field of health communication that have generated as many enthusiasts in such a brief time as has mHealth—the use of mobile devices to communicate health information—and with good reason. The number of mobile devices and messaging around the globe is ever increasing. In this editorial, the authors address strategic direction while looking at the challenges and risks, and suggest ways of looking forward. They pose the question- how fast and how efficiently can mHealth realise its transformative potential? [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: dx.doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2012.670563

Prescribing Data in General Practice Demonstration (PDGPD) project - a cluster randomised controlled trial of a quality improvement intervention to achieve better prescribing for chronic heart failure and hypertension [Free full text]

Williamson M, Cardona-Morrell M, Elliott J, Reeve J, Stocks N, Emery J, Mackson J, Gunn J. (2012). BMC Health Services Research, Aug 23;12(1):273
Research literature consistently documents that scientifically based therapeutic recommendations are not always followed in the hospital or in the primary care setting. According to the authors, there is evidence that some general practitioners in Australia are not prescribing appropriately for patients diagnosed with 1) hypertension (HT) and 2) chronic heart failure (CHF). The objectives of this study were to improve general practitioner's drug treatment management of these patients through feedback on their own prescribing and small group discussions with peers and a trained group facilitator. In this paper the authors describe the study protocol for a project that will contribute to the development of acceptable and sustainable methods to promote QI activities within routine general practice, enhance prescribing practices and improve patient outcomes in the context of CHF and HT. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/12/273/abstract

Shared-Savings Payment Arrangements in Health Care: Six Case Studies [Free full text] 

Bailit M, Hughes C, Burns M, Freedman D. (2012). The Commonwealth Fund,   August 2012
Driven by widespread interest in improving health care quality and reducing costs and by the Affordable Care Act’s “accountable care” provisions, shared-savings programs are gaining traction as an alternative approach to paying health care providers. Providers receive a share of the savings they achieve by reducing the growth in costs for delivering care to a defined patient population. This report presents six case studies of pilot shared-savings programs across the United States. The cases reveal program variation in the patient populations subject to shared-savings approaches, the health care services covered, the determination of cost savings and payouts to providers, the use of performance targets, and performance measurement.  The authors found that early results from the pilot programs varied, and suggest exploring differences in shared-savings approaches, and the outcomes they achieve, will be essential to determining whether they work, how to improve them, and whether and how to diffuse them. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: www.commonwealthfund.org/Publications/Fund-Reports/2012/Aug/Shared-Savings-Payment-Arrangements.aspx

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Residential Aged Care

Bauer M, Rayner J. (2012). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Aug 21. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0582
There is increasing evidence of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by older people living in the community; however, little is known about the use of CAM in residential aged-care facilities (RACF). This review examined the literature on the use of CAM in RACF, focusing on prevalence, motivations, and support for use. The authors searched multiple databases between 2000 and 2010. Articles were analyzed under five key themes: prevalence of CAM use, CAM user profile, motivations for use, expectations for and satisfaction with CAM use, and institutional and/or staff support for CAM use. The authors found only five articles that met the inclusion criteria. Their review highlights the absence of evidence regarding the use of CAM by older people in RACF. Conclusions: To inform policy and improve clinical practice in line with the aging of the population, nationally representative, population-based studies are required. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS]
See: dx.doi.org/10.1089/acm.2011.0582

Reports

Multiple causes of death in Australia: an analysis of all natural and selected chronic disease causes of death 1997-2007

AIHW catalogue number (AUS 159), August 2012
Multiple causes of death data are useful for describing the role of all diseases involved in deaths. This bulletin is the first comprehensive application of multiple causes of death statistics to natural causes of death and specific chronic diseases of public health importance in Australia. It may be useful for guiding and improving policy for reducing deaths from these chronic diseases and for targeting future investment in health prevention. When describing patterns of causes of death using only the underlying cause, important cause information is overlooked. Analyses using multiple cause data complement routine descriptions of mortality that use only the underlying cause and offer broader insight into the disease processes occurring at the end of life.
See: www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737422603

Physician Assistants report released

Health Workforce Australia, 24 August 2012
Health Workforce Australia (HWA) was requested by the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC) to provide advice on the potential role of Physicians Assistants in the Australian context. The adoption of a Physician Assistant workforce is a matter for individual jurisdictions and employers to consider as part of their respective workforce development reform plans. Physicians Assistants, like other non-regulated health professions, can and do operate in the Australian health care system under the appropriate arrangements for their profession. The employment and development of this workforce will be determined by the market and employers. Ultimately, this will be driven by the contribution Physicians Assistants can make to the delivery of safe, quality health care and an efficient, sustainable workforce.
See: www.hwa.gov.au/news-and-events/news/24-08-2012/physician-assistants-report-released

Social distribution of health risks and health outcomes: preliminary analysis of the National Health Survey 2007-08

AIHW catalogue number (PHE 165), August 2012
Where people are born, grow, live, work and age affects their health status. This paper explores the association between selected social and health risk factors on Australians' health. It shows that people with higher household incomes and higher education qualifications are more likely to report better health and less likely to report smoking, and people living outside major cities are more likely to report being an unhealthy weight.
See: www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737422718

The state of social media use in Australian non profit organisations

Wirth Consulting, 2012
In a population of over 22 million people, Australia has an estimated 600 000 non profit organisations. Of these, the ABS estimates that 59 000 are "economically significant" with a contribution of $43 billion to the GDP and filling 8% of employment. With a persistent perception that non profits are underfunded, under resourced and constantly walking the budget tightrope, new low cost technologies that enable communication of their message - such as social media - are an attractive alternative to expensive traditional marketing campaigns. This report analysed 595 non profit organisations from a range of industries, with the aim to answer - With social media seen as a boon for non profit organisations, is it realistic and achievable for the average Australian non profit organisation?
See: apo.org.au/research/state-social-media-use-australian-non-profit-organisations

Audio & Video

New report: Developments in European payment reform

The Nuffield Trust research report: Reforming payment for health care in Europe to achieve better value, reflects the debates that took place and incorporates subsequent analysis. While not a comprehensive evidence review in the vein of the WHO (2000) document, the report is designed to help policy-makers, providers and payers understand developments, prepare for the future and also provoke debate.
Alongside the report Nuffield Trust have produced a series of digital outputs, including a blog by Nigel Edwards, Director, Global Health Reform, KPMG and a short video of the event highlights. Additional video interviews with keynote speakers and downloadable presentations are also available.
See: www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/publications/reforming-payment-health-care?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Euro+summit+report-+General&utm_content=Euro+summit+report-+General+CID_db4a13e8d2588a71df42a07d6544e50b&utm_source=Email+marketing+software&utm_term=Reforming+payment+for+health+care+in+Europe+to+achieve+better+value

Primary Care Support Officers - your link to our services

A video by Hunter Medicare Local, 26 August 2012
Primary Care Support Officers are here to assist our members with the day to day functioning of their practice or office. In this clip, one of our Primary Care Support Officers, Mel Cromarty explains her role and how she can help you. (Duration 4:52)
See: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYtVb6SBUuY

Resources

Health Awareness Project Information – HAPI

An Australian initiative with a global focus by Bonnie Heim. A comprehensive list of links to health awareness events; useful to the general public, health professionals or for anyone who wants to organise health awareness information/events for their organisation.
See: healthaware.org/

Research Data Australia

Research Data Australia (a service of the Australian National Data Service (ANDS)) is an Internet-based discovery service designed to provide rich connections between data, projects, researchers and institutions, and promote visibility of Australian research data collections in search engines.
See: researchdata.ands.org.au/

News items

Major boost for physician assistant rollout

Australian Doctor, 27 August 2012
Physician assistants, working under medical supervision, could reduce Australia’s elective surgery waits, extend the career span of overstretched rural doctors and reduce healthcare costs, a key report has declared. Released on Friday, the report, which was commissioned by state and federal health ministers, is likely to boost the push for the rollout of physician assistants across rural general practice.
See: www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/latest-news/major-boost-for-physician-assistant-rollout?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Australian%20Doctor%20Newsletter%20-%20send%20-%3E%2027/08/2012%203:49:08%20PM&utm_content=&spMailingID=4693082&spUserID=NDY2NzI4MzYxOQS2&spJobID=51602413&spReportId=NTE2MDI0MTMS1

National Clinicians Network Discussion Paper now live on website

Department of Health and Ageing, Lead Clinicians Group
Building a National Clinicians Network, August 2012
As part of the federal budget 2012-13, the Australian Government is supporting clinical leadership and engagement through the Lead Clinicians Group (LCG) Initiative. One of the strategies of the LCG Initiative is the establishment of a National Clinicians Network (NCN). The purpose of this document is to inform further discussion and seek views from stakeholders on the establishment of the NCN.
See: www.leadclinicians.health.gov.au/internet/lcg/publishing.nsf/Content/lcg-publications

Some reports from a recent primary health care conference – and who is standing for the Australian Medicare Local Alliance board

Sweet M. Croakey - the Crikey health blog. August 23, 2012
See: blogs.crikey.com.au/croakey/2012/08/23/some-reports-from-a-recent-primary-health-care-conference-and-who-is-standing-for-the-australian-medicare-local-alliance-board/

Media releases

$4 Billion Dental Spend on Children, Low Income Adults and the Bush

Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, 29 August 2012
More than three million children will be eligible for government-subsidised dental care, in the same way they’re now entitled to Medicare-funded GP visits. Under a landmark $4 billion package, the Gillard Labor Government will also provide dental services to more than one million low income adults and Australians in rural and remote areas, focusing especially on pensioners.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-tp-tp074.htm

Donatelife Reaches Out to Australians of Muslim Faith

Hon Catherine King MP, 22 August 2012
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King today launched a video resource to support Australians of Muslim faith in their decision-making and family discussions about organ and tissue donation.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-ck-ck042.htm

New $7.5 Million Fellowship to Support Mental Health Research Open

The Hon Mark Butler MP, 27 August 2012
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler today announced that the new John Cade Fellowship in Mental Health Research is open for applications.
See: www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-mb-mb089.htm

Senate report ticks the right boxes on rural health

Rural Health Workforce welcomes the report of the Senate inquiry into factors affecting the supply of health services and medical professionals in rural areas. RHW are pleased that the report includes a number of recommendations that focus on attracting students, valuing the role of multi-skilled rural GP proceduralists, and supporting nursing and allied health professionals to work in the country.
See: www.rhwa.org.au/site/index.cfm?display=32636&PageMode=indiv&page_id=319857&leca=184

Conferences/seminars/forums/workshop

4th Annual International Arts and Health Conference

The Art of Good Health and Wellbeing, Fremantle 2012
The Art of Good Health and Wellbeing, 4th Annual International Arts and Health Conference, will present best practice and innovative arts and health programs, effective health promotion and prevention campaigns, methods of project evaluation and scientific research.
Date: Nov 26 2012 - Nov 29 2012
Early bird registration: Sep 24 2012
Location: Fremantle WA
Convenor: Arts and Health Australia
Phone: 0416 641 482
Website: www.artsandhealth.org.au/conferences/the-art-of-good-health-and-wellbeing-fremantle-2012.html

Advance Care Planning Short Course

Empowering and assisting patients to navigate the ACP process
This short course comprises two workshops which have been designed for GPs Consultants, Registrars and RMOs to explore and overcome the challenges in empowering and assisting patients and their significant others to navigate the Advance Care Planning (ACP) process.
These practical, experiential workshops will include the following topics:
- Principles, terminology, background and medico-legal considerations surrounding Advanced care Planning
- Understanding the challenges encountered by individuals and significant others around end of life decision making by undertaking an active reflection on one’s own wishes and preferences for end of life
- Initiating and Conducting Conversations relating to Advance Care Planning.
Date: Sep 27 2012 - Oct 04 2012
Registration close: Sep 18 2012
Location: Hobart TAS
Convenor: Sue Quarmby, Short Course Program Coordinator
Contact: Sue Quarmby
Phone: 0403 938 558
Email: susan.quarmby@utas.edu.au
Website: www.utas.edu.au/medicine/short-course

Evidence based healthcare

The aim of this Conference is to promote Evidence Based Healthcare globally and meet the need for an International Conference to bring the people interested in the area of EBHC around the world.
The Conference will follow the format of:
1. Interactive Platform
2. Case Studies
3. Group Work
4. Poster Presentation.
Date: Oct 06 2012 - Oct 08 2012
Early bird registration: Aug 31 2012
Location: New Delhi INDIA
Convenor: International Society for Evidence-Based Healthcare (ISEHC)
Phone: +91 11 26594436/26588434
Email: isehcon2012@gmail.com
Website: www.isehcon2012.com/

Public Health Preparedness Summit 2013

Strengthening Public Health and Health Care through innovation, integration, and implementation
The goal of the Public Health Preparedness Summit is to strengthen and enhance the capabilities of public health professionals and other participants to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and other public health emergencies.
Conference attendees have the opportunity to engage in interactive learning sessions on a variety of public health preparedness topics; have access to key resources and tools that will enhance or sustain their professional work or volunteer role; and develop a network of professional colleagues who share a commitment to improving public health response to disasters.
Date: Mar 12 2013 - Mar 15 2013
Call for abstracts: Sep 10 2012
Early bird registration: Feb 15 2013
Location: Atlanta USA
Phone: +1 703 964 1240 x15
Email: mpearson@conferencemanagers.com
Website: www.phprep.org

The Quantum Leap

Measurement: redefining Health's boundaries?
Following the success of The Great Healthcare Challenge in 2011, the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) and the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) will join forces with Women’s and Children's Healthcare Australasia in 2012 to bring you – The Quantum Leap, Measurement: redefining Health’s boundaries.
Date: Sep 24 2012 - Sep 27 2012
Location: Sydney NSW
Phone: +61 (0)2 6162 0780
Email: tpaul@ahha.asn.au.
Website: www.thequantumleap.com.au/

Vacancies, fellowships & scholarships

AAAPC Travelling Fellowship

Australian Association for Academic Primary Care (AAAPC)
Now is the time to apply for the AAAPC Travelling Fellowship, with costs of up to $3 500 for a study trip within Australia and or internationally of not less than two weeks duration. Use this opportunity to spend time in another academic department to further your education and/or research career.
For more details visit the AAAPC website.
Closing date: Sep 30 2012
See: www.aaapc.org.au/fellowship.html

PhD Scholarships for Outstanding Students in Child or Adolescent Health (QCMRI)

Job No.:  492557
Area:  Faculty Of Health Sciences, QCMRI
Salary:  Research Scholar BAND
Work type:  Casual
Location:  Brisbane (Herston)
Queensland Children’s Medical Research Institute (QCMRI) PhD Scholarships are offered to provide additional financial support to attract exceptional candidates who would like to pursue research in areas relating to child and adolescent health. The successful candidates will study a PhD in one of QCMRI's research themes including cancer and cell biology; the developing brain, growth and a healthy start to life; infection inflammation and the environment; burns trauma and the critically ill; and innovative evidence based health care and delivery. The QCMRI is offering scholarships which will provide a minimum total package of $33 728 (2012 rate) per annum for three years. Scholars will have the opportunity to apply for $2 500 of conference and travel funding in their second or third years of study. Stipends are tax free for Australian citizens and residents.
See: www.qcmri.org.au/ForStudents/Scholarships/PhDScholarshipsforOutstandingStudents.aspx

Research Associate/Research Assistant Professor (UWA)

Job Reference: 4104
Location: University of Western Australia, School of Population Health
Employment type: 2 year appointment
Salary: Level A ($77 328 pa) or Level B ($81 400 - $96 663 pa) + 17% super
Applications are invited from suitably qualified women and men for the above position. We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Research Associate or Research Assistant Professor to contribute to the management and development of our research program. Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field. The level of appointment will be commensurate with experience in writing grants and papers and managing a research team.
Closing date: Sep 14 2012
See: www.his.admin.uwa.edu.au/jobvacs/external/academic/ads.htm

Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow: Population Health and Nutrition

Job Reference: 000261
Location: University of South Australia, School of Population Health, City East campus
Employment type: Fixed term (3 years), full-time
Salary range: $96 953 – $111 796 pa + 17% super
The Population Health and Nutrition Research Group, led by Professor Kerin O’Dea, conducts research on the role of nutrition and lifestyle on health at the population level, with a particular focus on Indigenous Australians and other disadvantaged groups. This includes a strong focus on interventions and policy development. This role is to actively contribute to an NHMRC program grant focused on Indigenous health, and will require some travel to far-north Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Closing date: Sep 11 2012
See: workingatunisa.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplication&returnToEvent=jobs.listJobs&jobid=a9783a29-d5b9-8144-8b5c-6de319fc21e4&CurATC=External&CurBID=3768E577%2D73E3%2D892E%2D3AD8%2D6D8492A5A224&JobListID=22FC4F47%2DE994%2D46A3%2DB8C9%2D9BC901269F43&JobCategoryID=6B8B4558%2DA184%2D8DB1%2D694C%2D6D704DDD510C2f4a7&jobsListKey=2db42f73%2D6a22%2D4488%2Da5de%2Dbd8adb05e145&persistVariables=CurATC,CurBID,JobListID,JobCategoryID,jobsListKey,JobID&lid=12270620022

Research Nurse (Monash University)

Job No. 503799
Location: Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred Hospital
Employment type: full-time (12 month fixed term)
Remuneration: $72 885 - $78 670 pa HEW Level 06 + 9% super
Based at the Alfred Hospital, an exciting opportunity is available to work on clinical research trials investigating novel brain stimulation treatments for people with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Responsibilities include enrolling, assessing and providing brain simulation treatments to participants under the supervision of Professor Paul Fitzgerald, a world leader in brain stimulation research.
Closing date: Sep 06 2012
See: monash.clients.pageup.com.au/jobDetails.asp?sJobIDs=503799

Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellowships (RMIT)

Job Reference: 546808
Employment type: full-time, 3-year fixed term
Salary: Academic Level B ($80 063-$95 077 p.a. + 17% super)
Location: Melbourne - CBD
Each Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellowship comes with AUS$15 000 over 3 years to support the achievement of individual research goals. RMIT University will also assist with your move to (or within) Australia, providing visa and relocation support.
Closing date: Sep 02 2012
See: rmit.clients.pageup.com.au/jobDetails.asp?sJobIDs=546808